Foundations of the Faith
Bayless Conley

Course Overview
Foundations of the Faith
Bayless Conley discusses various topics related to Christian faith and doctrine. He covers the importance of studying the Word of God, the central truths of Christianity including the virgin birth and deity of Jesus Christ, the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus, the role and work of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the ordinances of the Church such as water baptism, anointing with oil, the Lord’s Supper, and the laying on of hands.
What You’ll Learn
- Biblical authority
- The Doctrine of the Trinity (Trinitarianism)
- Diety of Jesus (Christology)
- Salvation (Soteriology)
- Heaven
- Hell
- Christ’s return (eschatology)
- Holy Spirit (pneumatology)
- Divine Healing (laying on of hands)
- Ordinances of Christinaity (water baptism, anointing with oil, Lord’s supper—communion, etc.)
- Speaking in tongues (glossolalia)
Sessions
1. The Authority of the Bible and the Doctrine of the Trinity
This session focus on studying the Word of God and establishing a doctrinal foundation for Christian growth and maturity. The text emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the final authority for Christians, containing God’s infallible and inspired words. It highlights the power of God’s Word to bring about spiritual growth, transformation, and faith. Additionally, the text briefly touches on the concept of the Trinity, explaining that Christians believe in one God revealed in three distinct personalities: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, although the details and reasons behind this concept are not fully explained.
2. The Deity and Mission of Jesus
This session discusses two central truths of Christianity: the virgin birth and the deity of Jesus Christ. It highlights that Jesus, as God the Son, existed before being born of the Virgin Mary. Several Scriptures are referenced to support the concept of Jesus’ preexistence. The text emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a good man or a prophet, but the eternal Son of God who took on flesh. It also mentions Jesus’ claim to be God, using the name “I AM” that God gave for Himself. The deity of Jesus is considered the central truth of Christianity. The text then transitions to Jesus’ mission, explaining that humanity became separated from God due to sin, and Jesus came to earth to offer himself as a sacrifice to restore the relationship between humans and God. Trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation is presented as the way to be saved from spiritual death.
3. Salvation, Heaven and Hell, and Christ’s Return
This session emphasizes the central theme of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that religious works cannot save people, but faith in the Son of God is the means of salvation. Jesus Himself proclaimed that He is the only way to the Father. The text highlights the concept of salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned. It also mentions the importance of being born again and becoming a member of Christ’s Church. The text briefly touches on the concepts of heaven and hell, stating that those who reject Jesus will go to hell, which is a place of fire and torment. On the other hand, heaven awaits those who have received Jesus into their hearts. The text concludes by mentioning the return of Christ, the thousand-year reign, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.
4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
In this session, the focus is on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized the personhood of the Holy Spirit, never referring to Him as an object or force. It is important for believers to recognize and have fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with and do His work, acting on His behalf. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, reveals future things, guides, and imparts the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of believers, bringing about the new birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience subsequent to salvation, providing supernatural power flowing out of the Christian’s life. Tongues serve as one demonstration of the filling of the Holy Spirit, along with power to witness, boldness, and expressions of praise and thanksgiving.
5. Divine Healing
The session discusses the theme of divine healing in the Bible. It emphasizes that God is a healer by nature and reveals Himself as The Healer. The lesson outlines key truths from the previous session, highlighting the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit and praying in the Spirit. It then delves into the topic of divine healing, stating that God’s will is to remove sickness from those who serve Him. The text explores how Jesus demonstrated God’s desire to heal through His ministry, healing all who came to Him and appointing others to assist in healing. It also notes that the Church followed Jesus’ instructions to heal, and divine healing is considered a part of the redemptive work of Christ.
6. Church Ordinances
The session focuses on the ordinances of the Church, which are physical demonstrations of spiritual graces. Water baptism is commanded by Jesus and signifies the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Anointing with oil symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in healing and dedication to God. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) proclaims Christ’s sacrifice and unites the Church as the body of Christ. The laying on of hands serves various purposes such as healing, receiving the Holy Spirit, conferring an office or specific duty, and ordination into the ministry. The laying on of hands confirms a call by God rather than creating one.
Trimester 1
Details
Beginner
6 Sessions
2 hrs 28 min
Recorded: 1996
Prerequisites
None
Course Preview
Foundations of the Faith
Dr. Berin Gilfillan covers this first course in the ISOM Core.
About the Instructor

Bayless Conley
Bayless Conley hosts Answers with Bayless Conley on television, a weekly program that airs globally with over 250,000 viewers weekly. As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, Bayless found God through a 12-year-old Christian boy. Bayless is the founder and senior pastor of Cottonwood Church, based in Southern California, with a weekly attendance of over 9,500. His son and daughter-in-law, Harrison and Bethany Conley are lead pastors of Cottonwood Church.