Lesson Outline for Jul 30, 2026
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Goal – Introduce Christian religions / faiths for continued self study
- Is your faith built on the Corner Stone Jesus Christ?
- Do you know if your church tradition and doctrine is founded on God’s word?
- When you read the notes and commentaries in the Bible, do you scrutinize them?
- Do you know if you are following a man, a preacher or God’s word?
Hebrew and Greek Terms / Definitions
- Protestant – from Latin “protestari” to declare publicly, testify, to protest
- catholic from Greek “katholikos” derived from two words kata “according to” and “holo” s whole, Latin “catholicus”; universal, general or whole
- church – #G1577 “ekklesia” – an assembly, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating; 2) assembly body of believers – not a building; not a religion 3) used among the Greeks and Romans to describe a body of citizens “gathered” to discuss the affairs of State
Part Three – Origins of Christian Religions (not exhaustive list)
The green is the author’s notations in the verses below. Bold text added for emphasis
Lesson Considerations
This lesson will primarily focus on what most consider protestant and evangelical. Respective of Catholicism – Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodoxy I will not be amplified in this lesson; Nor will Jehovah Witness or Mormonism.
This lesson / discussion reinforces a committed relationship to our Triune God – Father, Son, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit – over religion.
Not all Christian religions and Christian religions traditions are bad. But, when they supersede God’s word, add to, or take away from His word and the salvation Jesus Christ provides for all – we should not follow it!
2 Tim 4:1-5 ESV – “1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Protestant Faiths / Religions
A quick look, not comprehensive
- Methodism (Methodist) John and Charles Wesley, and George Whitfield. Wesley’s formed “Holy Club” in 1729 while attending Oxford University. George Whitfield was a member of the club. In May 1738 John confesses to have a profound discovery of God in his heart “strangely warmed”, followed by his brother Charles shortly after; Methodism breaks away from Calvinist beliefs of predestination of the “elect.” Considered evangelical and preaches / evangelizes salvation is available to all people. In Oct 12, 1766 first Methodist Church founded “John Street Methodist Church” in New York City.[1] United Methodist Church allows same sex marriage.[2]
- Wesleyan Methodist – a form of Methodist Religion.
- Lutheranism (Lutheran / Evangelical Lutheran) Began in 1517 by Martin Luther. In 1638 a Swedish Colony started a church along the Delaware River. Belief system – grace, faith and scripture, but current teaching include – through baptism combined w/ God’s word, God forgives sin. Some Lutheran Churches allow same sex marriage.[3] Pew Research link provides consolidated information regarding religion faiths approval or disapproval of same sex marriage.
- Calvinism – five points of Calvinism derived from Canons of Dort 1618-1619. (TULIP) are a unified, inseparable system asserting that salvation is 100% the work of God, magnifying His sovereignty and grace. They function as a comprehensive framework for salvation (soteriology) and directly influence doctrines regarding God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, the Trinity’s roles. TULIP T- Total Depravity; U – Unconditional Election; L – Limited Atonement; I – Irresistible grace; P – Perseverance of Saints.[4]
- Baptist – Dissenters of the Church of England (aka Anglican at that time) tracing origin to “Reformation” era. Protestants disappointed in lack of reform by Anglican Church continued adapt their religion. In 1638 Baptist Churches established in Providence, RI by Roger Williams, and John Clarke in Newport, RI. Baptist Doctrine[5] – Bible is authoritative, Salvation by faith and grace, personal accountability / personal relationship, baptism by immersion, all Christians have equal access to God. Numerous Baptist religions ie., Missionary, Independent, Primitive, Free Will, Southern, etc. Southern Baptist doctrine is in footnotes.
- Foursquare Church – Began in 1921 Los Angelos, CA by Aimee Semple McPherson, prayer movement with miraculous healing. First church 1923, Long Beach CA.,[6] Doctrine can be found at footnote 5 – think Baptist and include baptism of Holy Spirit, Spirit-filled. Some Foursquare members and pastors describe it as “bapti-costal”
- Episcopalian – Beliefs and tenets.[7] Bible is for our learning (not authoritative), use “Book of Common Prayer,” all genders and orientations can lead in their church.
- Presbyterian – Calvinist foundation. Some churches believe in same sex marriage, some do not.
- Assembly of God – Pentecostal denomination. Began in 1914 as part of the worldwide Pentecostal Revival; faith, grace, Bible is authoritative, immersion baptism and Holy Spirit baptism.[8]
- Church of Christ – Emerged from “Restoration Movement” early 1800s. Beliefs and doctrine[9]; A cappella worship, weekly communion, baptism by immersion (necessary for the remission of sins), Bible alone and KJV is the most accurate translation, led by men.
- Church of God – Began Aug 19, 1886, in Monroe County, TN, from a Baptist preacher Richard Spurling. Beliefs and doctrine:[10] Bible is authoritative, baptism by immersion, baptism in Holy Spirit.
- Seventh Day Adventist – SDA website has variations of history from other references. Began in 1830s in the Millerite Movement to understand Bible prophecy, specifically the return of Jesus Christ[11]. Church name comes for honoring the “original Sabbath” ordained by God at Creation, and Advent from the advent of the 2nd coming / return of Jesus Christ. And was formally established in 1863 by co-founders Joseph Bates, James and Ellen White. Ellen White titled as a “prophet” and gave approximately 200 public visions and prophecies reported as dubious. Authored “The Great Controversy” between Jesus Christ and Satan. Doctrine and beliefs[12] not disclosed on their website – forms of vegetarianism, Jesus and the arch angel Michael are the same person.
Follow God’s truth
Spiritual truths aren’t interpreted by human wisdom, don’t leave out Holy Spirit
1 Cor 2:12-14 ESV – “12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdombut taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Matt 16:15-18 ESV – “15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
- The church is not a religion, and it’s not built on Peter
- Do you think the gates of hell are open and attacking the body of Christ?
2 Chron 24:1-2, 4, 15, 17-18 ESV – “1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. … 4 After this Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD. … 15 But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. … 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.”
- Joash followed a priest. He did not have a firm belief in his heart. Joash was led astray after Jehoiada died.
- Many people pay too much honor to preachers and ministers. Pride is enticing
- Men and women of God are humble always give God the glory.
- Don’t even listen to it… Joash listened to them
Discussion topics for you this week: 1) Is there someone I follow who likes accolades, praise, etc?; 2) Is there someone I follow who manipulates me or the followers with God’s word? 3) Is there someone leading me who is not approachable, and is easily offended? 4) Is the doctrine I – follow open and authentic, accessible for all – not partial or misleading?
Last thoughts and considerations
- God’s word is reliable and we can stand firm on its truth – it’s for more than “learning”
- If anything takes away or adds to the gospel, what Jesus did on the cross – it’s false
- God is a personal God, not distant. Salvation is for ALL
- Leaders, and us, should not have a fear of man, fear changing their opinions when confronted with truth
Additional verses for self-study
1 Tim 4:1-3 ESV – “1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Matt 7:15-16 ESV – “15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
[1] In America George Whitfield was a significant preacher in the 1st Great Awakening 1730s and 40s. The Wesleyan brothers theology was significant the “Awakenings”. The Wesleyan brothers tried to reform the Church of England from within England, but the American Revolution (1776-1789) led to the break of Methodist from Church of England in 1795. The 1st Great Awakening say a surge the Baptist’s in America during both 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings. 2nd Great Awakening 1790s – early 1800s.
[2] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-churchs-position-on-homosexuality
[3] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2012/12/07/religious-groups-official-positions-on-same-sex-marriage/
[4] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://reformationbiblecollege.org/blog/what-are-the-five-points-of-calvinism
[5] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/
[6] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.foursquare.org/about/history/
[7] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/
[8] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://ag.org/beliefs/statement-of-fundamental-truths
[9] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://thechurchofchrist.info/about/doctrine/
[10] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://churchofgod.org/beliefs/declaration-of-faith/
[11] Miller prophesied in 1831 Jesus Christ would return in 1843-1844.
[12] Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.nadadventist.org/beliefs/
