by Galyn Wiemers Last Hope Books and Publications A division of Generation Word Bible Teaching Ministry FRAMEWORK FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH II III Framework for Christian Faith Copyright 2008 by Galyn Wiemers. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America by Signature Book Printing, www.sbpbooks.com Last Hope Books and Publications A Division of Generation Word Bible Teaching Ministry P.O. Box 399 Waukee, Iowa 50263 Visit www.generationword.com This book is dedicated to people who have spent years Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture passages are from the New International sitting in church but have never had the privilege of Version hearing teaching from the Word of God. The content of this book, including the text, charts, maps, diagrams, photos and other images, may be reproduced for the purpose of Bible teaching. Permission has been granted and does not need to be requested. Credit may be given to Galyn Wiemers of Generation Word, but credit is not necessary for the privilege of reproducing and using this material. Cover design by Clint Hansen Editing by Tim Vaniman Photo “About the Author” by Paul Blaser Photos of Israel by Toni Wiemers and Galyn Wiemers ISBN-13: 978-0-9794382-1-9 ISBN-10: 0-9794382-1-7 FRAMEWORK FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH IV V A Few Comments from around the world: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS “Thank you for the Bible school series. God has made you useful for your country but he has also made you to be a light to us all. I have come to conclude that you are a teacher of teachers.” Much appreciation and admiration goes to Tim Vaniman for his diligent editing and - Pastor Ollu Moses, District Headquarters, Surulere, Nigeria thoughtful reflection on the content of this book. I especially enjoyed our humorous exchange of emails, with the most memorable one being Tim’s notification that we had “I keep hearing great things about your ministry. My family loves listening to your 4,500 Bible verse references to look up and verify within seven days. material, and so do many other people in this community. Thanks.” - Ontario, Canada This leads me to thank all my friends and Bible students who proofed portions of the book and looked up their share of the 4,500 Bible verses. “I want to thank you especially for being a blessing to our generation and to us in particular at West Africa Theological Seminary.” The masterful touch and artistic value of this book’s cover and graphics were again -Pastor Mattew Chiayene, West Africa Theological Seminary, Lagos, Nigeria designed and produced by my gifted friend Clint Hansen. “Without a doubt, theology is one of the most neglected subjects in the modern I will face intense cross-examination every time the subject comes up if I do not give evangelical church. Galyn Wiemers and Generation Word Bible Teaching Ministry are credit to Benjamin and Miku for the time they invested in developing the final title for this at the forefront of teaching the Word of God in a clear practical way. By stressing the book. Their efforts saved this book from being called Generation Word’s Bible School importance of understanding the scripture and gaining accurate theology, Galyn is Notes. equipping a new generation of young people, passionate about the Word, both living and incarnate. His new book, Framework for Christian Faith, presents a simple, easy-to- It is important to me to recognize and thank my home church in Audubon, Iowa. understand survey of systematic theology - a topic most necessary in our generation. In The leadership and members have provided constant support, encouragement and an age where the people of God “perish for a lack of knowledge,” books like this are a faithfulness and this has become the backbone of Generation Word. Because of them, necessity and I heartily encourage fellow young adults to pick it up, devour it and begin churches and believers around the world are blessed. their own study of what the Bible teaches” -Douglas K. Adu-Boahen, London, England I also want to acknowledge Jennifer and Ryan Ruisch. Once again Jennifer brought her professional insight, style and editing skills to this production. Ryan’s desire to show me “These materials have blessed our House Fellowship tremendously.” Jerusalem and the land of Israel resulted in three of the greatest weeks of my life. The - Norway photos in this book are brief glimpses into the memories and education Toni and I shared with Jennifer and Ryan in Israel. Jericho was hot. Bethlehem was tense. Nazareth was “We will be using these to train pastors in their biblical studies and theological training in crowded. Masada was emotional. Ashkelon was almost too close. Caesarea Philippi our church-based Bible School . it will be a part of our Bible curriculum.” proved to be true. The Western Wall was humbling. And the temple mount was what I - Philippines was looking for. “You have contributed immensely to our ministry and the propagation of the gospel at My wife and family are to be thanked for many reasons but especially in this case for large. We have added your materials to the library and many pastors and ministers are allowing me to work on this book all day, every day from June 9 to August 12. There will coming from outside to listen to the Bible school teaching and it is benefiting them.” be no projects or books scheduled this next year, at least, no projects that require my - Ghana attention 24/7. “You are doing a wonderful thing in the body of Christ with this Bible School. This teaching is the best I ever heard on creation and the explanation on angels.” - Iceland “It is so great to be connected to the likes of you. We appreciate what your teaching has done for us here in South Africa.” - South Africa “We have been using your material for a great deal of Bible studies here in Kapuskasign. Thanks so much.” FRAMEWORK FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH VI VII - Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada “We received your “Bible School (part two)” on CD. Our ministry was very glad when they arrived. Your materials have gone a long way in our study as a Bible school.” - Bible School in Nigeria “Thanks so much for all your love and compassion in helping workers here in the third world countries, particularly in the Philippines and in the island of Bohol.” by Galyn Wiemers - Philippines “Your works are doing something unspeakable in the lives of those who have benefited from your ministries. I am more acquainted with the Bible now than I used to be before I started listening to you.” TABLE OF CONTENTS - Pastor in Nigeria “Galyn Wiemers is one of the most gifted Bible teachers I know, and this collection of study materials he’s written is indeed a treasury of Section A – Apologetics Christian information. There have been so many times when a concordance and Bible commentary have not been enough to provide the background I wanted as I prepared to Chapter 1 – Introduction to Apologetics 1 teach or speak to groups. This book is an invaluable reference tool for both the teacher Chapter 2 – Uniqueness of Christianity 5 and student of the Bible, providing a clear understanding of the history of the Christian Chapter 3 – Authenticity of the New Testament 8 church and an extensive overview of the biblical narrative, its relevance to the world Chapter 4 – Authenticity of the Old Testament 15 today and its major themes and principles. Whether you have a formal Bible School education or are a lay person laboring for the Kingdom of God, this book is a must have Chapter 5 – Philosophical Proof for the Existence of God 21 reference.” Chapter 6 – Scientific Proof for the Existence of God 24 - Mike Swaim, West Des Moines, Iowa Section B – Hermeneutics “I have been listening to your Bible School as part of my morning devotions and I’m really enjoying it. It has been a tremendous blessing. You made the information very interesting Chapter 7 – Hermeneutics: The Science of Interpretation 29 and have peaked my interest in doing further study.” Chapter 8 – History of Biblical Interpretation 31 - A. S., Silver Spring, Maryland Chapter 9 – Principles of Proper Hermeneutics 41 “I desire to have Bible school training, but I am unable to do so at this time. That is why I really enjoy your ministry and your teaching of God’s word.” Section C – History of the English Bible - C. B., Fresno, California Chapter 10 – Writing the Bible 47 Chapter 11 – Bible Languages 51 “I am just e-mailing to let you know that Galyn’s Bible teaching has been a great Chapter 12 – New Testament Greek Manuscripts 53 blessing.” - Wisconsin Chapter 13 – Greek New Testament 58 Chapter 14 – Textual Criticism 62 “Can’t say thanks enough for how you have helped me to think more clearly, study the Bible much more effectively and believe that God does have a purpose for me.” Chapter 15 – Timeline of the English Bible 69 - Iowa Chapter 16 – Bible Translations 74 “When I first listened to Generation Word CDs, I realized that being a Christian is a very serious business and I was so inspired. I’d had a desire to learn and grow as a Christian Section D – Old Testament Survey before that but I knew something was missing. Your ministry really sparked a passionate Chapter 17 – Overview of the Old Testament 77 desire in my heart.” 82 - S. V., West Des Moines, Iowa Chapter 18 – Genesis and the Beginning Chapter 19 – 1446-931 BC, The Exodus through Solomon 100 “Twenty-two years of service in the United States Marine Corps has taught me many things, chief of them being that proper training and equipping are fundamental to Chapter 20 – 930-721 BC, The Kings of Israel 113 confidently engaging and accomplishing any mission.