Foundations to Theology

Additional resources index. Every resource from the Teacher Guide, organized by week and section.

Jump to: Week 1 · Week 2 · Week 3 · Week 4 · Week 5 · Week 6 · Week 7

General Tools

Recommended for every week.

Week 1: The Bible

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Week 2: God

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Week 3: The Trinity

God the Son
Holy Spirit
  • bibleproject.com/holyspirit
  • Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem
  • Bible App Plan: "Who Is the Holy Spirit" (6-day devotional)

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Week 4: Creation & The Fall

Creation
  • answersingenesis.org/creation
  • Evolution Exposed by Roger Patterson
  • The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel
  • The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Dr. Jason Lisle
The Fall
Sin

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Week 5: Salvation & Baptism

Salvation
Baptism

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Week 6: Spiritual Warfare

Satan
Angels

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Week 7: Final Judgment

Heaven
Hell

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Bible Study Methods

S.O.A.P. Method

One of the most popular and effective ways to study the Bible is the S.O.A.P. method — standing for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

What makes S.O.A.P. so powerful is its simplicity. Instead of trying to read large chunks of the Bible at once, it slows you down and invites you to sit with just one verse at a time. It's not about how much you read — it's about how deeply you engage with what you read.

Whether you've been reading the Bible for years or are just getting started, S.O.A.P. gives you a practical framework to move beyond surface-level reading and start letting scripture actually shape your thinking, your decisions, and your everyday life.

All you need is a Bible, a notebook, and a few quiet minutes. Here's how it works:

Scripture

Pick out ONE verse to focus on. Read it a couple times out loud, write it down word-for-word, then read it aloud once more — really thinking about each word as you read.

Observation

Ask yourself questions about the verse. What stands out to you? What do you feel like God is telling you? Challenge yourself to dig deeper into the context and meaning.

Application

Determine how you can apply this verse to your own life. Ask yourself how it applies to your situation. What is it personally saying to you?

Prayer

Ask God for wisdom and guidance to understand this scripture better. Consider turning it into a personalized prayer, asking God to open your eyes to what He wants you to take away.

Bible Study Methods

Want To Go Deeper?

The S.O.A.P. method is just one way to study the Bible. There are many other approaches that can help you connect with scripture in new and meaningful ways — whether you're brand new to reading the Bible or looking to go deeper in your faith.

Check out this great resource with 11 step-by-step Bible study methods to find the one that works best for you.

Explore 11 Bible Study Methods

Bible Reading Tips

How to Read Large Portions of Scripture

Reading entire books of the Bible can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable and rewarding. Start by setting aside dedicated time each day—even 15-20 minutes can make a difference. Consistency is more important than speed, so focus on understanding the big picture and main themes rather than rushing through.

Use a modern translation like the NLT or ESV for easier comprehension, and don't be afraid to use study notes or commentaries to help clarify difficult passages. Some helpful online resources include Blue Letter Bible's MacArthur Commentary and The Bible Project videos, which provide excellent context and insight.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's progress. God speaks through His Word even when we don't understand every detail. Break up your reading into manageable chunks, and trust that over time, the pieces will come together.

Note-Taking and Discussion Preparation

As you read, keep a notebook or journal handy to capture your thoughts. Write down verses that stand out, questions that arise, and personal applications you discover. Don't worry about making it perfect—just jot down what catches your attention.

For each assignment, complete the specific task (like listing characters in Genesis or identifying Jesus' characteristics in John). This focused approach will give you something concrete to share during group discussions and help you engage more deeply with the text.

Before your monthly meeting, review your notes and think about one or two key insights you'd like to share with the group. Come prepared with questions, struggles, or observations. Remember, the best discussions happen when everyone participates honestly and openly.

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The SOAP Method

SOAP is a simple but powerful framework for engaging with Scripture. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This method helps you move beyond simply reading the Bible to actually interacting with it in a meaningful way.

Scripture: Write out the verse or passage you're reading. This helps you slow down and pay attention to the actual words.

Observation: What do you notice? What stands out? What is the context? Who is speaking? What is the main point?

Application: How does this apply to your life? What is God saying to you through this passage? What needs to change?

Prayer: Respond to God in prayer. Thank Him for what He's revealed, ask for help applying it, or confess where you've fallen short.

Using SOAP as you complete your monthly readings will give you a simple, repeatable way to dig deeper into God's Word.

Core Values


Biblically Centered

We adjust our lives to fit the Bible. God’s Word isn’t something we fit into our lives—it’s the truth that shapes our lives. Being biblically centered means more than just reading the Bible; it means responding to it. Letting it guide our decisions, realign our priorities, and even challenge the parts of us that are most resistant to change.

Outwardly Focused

We look for ways to meet the needs of others and share our faith. When Jesus walked the earth, He constantly noticed the overlooked. He saw needs that others missed, and He stepped toward people, never away. That’s the kind of posture we want to have: eyes open to needs, hearts willing to respond.

Personally Involved

We use our gifts to contribute to the health and growth of this church. Church isn’t something we attend—it’s something we are. Every one of us has been given something valuable to bring to the table. When we show up with our gifts, our stories, our willingness, the whole church becomes stronger.

Radically Generous

Our time, money, and abilities are gifts from God and should be leveraged for His purposes. Radical generosity starts with a mindset: nothing I have is mine. My time, my money, my talents—they’re all God’s. When we truly believe that, giving doesn’t feel like losing. It feels like joining in something bigger.

Intentionally Multiplying

We invite others to join us in God’s rescue mission. Jesus’ mission didn’t stop with the people He reached—it multiplied through them. He told His followers to go and make more followers. That mission is now ours. Multiplication doesn’t happen by accident—it’s intentional.