Four Soils Ministry

Apostle Paul under the direction of the Holy Spirit wrote the Epistles and stands out as being the most prolific of the New Testament writers in expounding instructions on Christian living. The Epistles present themselves as an important and necessary appendix to the teachings of the Gospel. Therefore, the Paul’s Epistles are an important subject for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

Paul’s Epistles are outstanding in their remarkably elevated religious thoughts, reflecting the Apostle Paul's extensive knowledge and scholarship of the Old Testament, which were equal to his profound understanding of Christ's New Testament teachings. Paul’s writings are key in understanding the unifying message of the Bible which is “nothing but Jesus and Him crucified”.

All of Paul's teachings revealed in his Epistles, being a full reflection of his life, carry this very fundamental thought: man is justified by faith, independent of deeds of the law (Romans 3:28). However, we should not conclude that Apostle Paul rejected the law (In Romans, Paul says the Law is good”). Nor has the requirement for obedience been done away, many interpret that he is referring to the observance of the ceremonial activities and other rituals as defined by Jewish religious leaders of his day and not moral laws such as the Ten Commandments. For Jesus Himself said, that He came not to abolish the Law but fulfill it!.

Paul needed to continually underline in the Epistles that Christ was the Savior of all humanity, the Jews just as well as for gentiles, and that a person was not saved by fulfilling the ceremonial deeds of the law, but only through faith in Christ. However Paul’s examples of faith do not repudiate the importance of good deeds that flow for salvation. Paul’s Epistles do not dispute James statement “faith without works is dead”.

One must remember Jesus’ teaching in the judgment parables such as “The Talents” and the “Sheep and Goats” that works must flow from people of faith.

Course Objectives:

1 Cor 2:7-8 speak of God’s plan or mystery. It states, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the secret wisdom of God,* which was hidden in former times, though he made it for our benefit before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would never have crucified our glorious Lord.”

The purpose of the study of Paul's Epistles are like the study of any section of Scripture, which can give one the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. Also all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. The “Word of God” straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. The “Word of God” is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipping us for every good thing God wants us to do.

As we study Paul's Epistles our faith in God and His word should been strengthened since the Bible states “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Each Bible study lesson of the Four Soils Ministry Bible School's Paul's Epistles contains ten questions, with most questions requiring a brief written response. A person who is familiar with the Paul's Epistles will find they can complete most lessons can in a few hours.

Students are encouraged to set a goal to complete at least one lesson per week, however this is not mandatory.

The structure of Four Soils Ministry’s free Bible Study and philosophy of Four Soils Ministry’s free Bible School allows for each student to proceed at their own rate of speed with out impacting the process of others..

Course Procedures:

(1) Each Bible Study lesson for Paul's Epistles is sent by email to the student. The Students can interact with their instructor by email to ask questions, make comments, or ect.

(2) Each Bible Study lesson for Paul's Epistles when completed is returned to Four Soils Ministry by the Internet for grading.

(3) Each Bible Study lesson for Paul's Epistles is graded pass or fail by an instructor, comments will be sent back to the student.

(4) The role of Four Soils Ministry is to provide structure, encouragement, and feedback. The learning and effort is the responsibility of the student.

At any point questions can be sent to us and our goal is to respond in 48 hours are less. We suggest that each student create a hard copy of each lesson. This will become a valuable resource as the course of study progresses.

Acknowledgment and Feedback will be given on all inquires and lessons submitted.