Biblical Foundations for new believers...

Does anyone know of any book or study that they highly recommend that is basic and easy for a new believer to either go through on their own or that they can sit down with someone else and go through?

I am looking for something that is not pentecostal based.

Through Him only

the Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee.

I give it 5 stars :>)

A Good Foundation By Zac Poonen

http://www.cfcindia.com/web/mainpages/book_window.php?book=a_good_foundation

72 Basic Christian Teachings - 15 min each

http://www.cfcindia.com/web/mainpages/basic_christian_teachings.php#back to the basics

I agree that knowing what language they speak will help.

I recommend Paul Washer's "The One True God" work book. It's in the study/question format you were asking about. I know you can buy the book itself off amazon and you can download the ebook here: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resources/ebooks/73-one-true-god-workbook
The character of God is probably the most important thing you could ever study.
He also has one called "The Truth About Man". Ebook is here: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resources/ebooks/79-the-truth-about-man-workbook

I don't know if anyone here has ever used this or not, but I've heard really good things about New Tribe Mission's curriculum called "Firm Foundations". It takes you through the whole Bible. And they have it in many different languages! It's here: http://www.ntmbooks.com/adult_firm_foundation_bible_study

I hope this helps! God bless!

I recommend Living by the Book by Howards Hendricks.

To me it is important for someone new in the Lord to learn the basics of bible study, this book is a great read to teach just that, so you really teach the person how to fish instead of just giving them a fish.

Hendricks does a wonderful job giving little assignments at the end of each chapter for the person to do to actually practice what they just learned.

He also has a video series that does the same exact thing along with a workbook for the video series.

Honestly though the book does the same thing as the video series at a fraction of the cost. If someone wanted to they could sit down with someone and go over the methods of study and really give a new believer a good grasp of solid bible study methods.

Another thing I enjoy about Hendricks is he is VERY commentary light meaning He doesn't suggestion go to the commentary but promotes one to dig deeper on their own and really be independant studiers of God's word rather than researchers of men's opinions.

I agree with Veronica in that God's attributes are crucial. For the sake of more options, I'll submit these two works:

-Stranger on the Road to Emmaus:

http://www.goodseed.com/products/str-eng-book-eBook/

Very basic, especially for those weak in English.

and

-Called and Committed:

http://www.amazon.com/Called-Committed-David-Watson/dp/0877881014

More advanced, and if you've rejected some of the books mentioned already for their complexity, this one will probably fall in with them as well (but it is worth mentioning).

Another interesting book is the Sheperd's Staff by World MAP. Very hard to get a hold of one, but designed with target groups like yours in mind.

I love Zac Poonen but *sigh* I just cannot use it because of the emphasis on a compulsory subsequent Holy Spirit Baptism. Also the audio might also be too difficult for people here to understand. I wouldn't feel good about giving this to a new Christian, but then telling them to skip a certain lesson or chapter because of this sort of thing. The whole debate of this nature would be too complex for a new believer.

You could just let them listen to him and see where the chips fall (without debating) and you might be surprised and learn a thing or two with what new believers can learn and believe when they are not hindered by theology!

God bless you,
Lisa

paul washer is verry easy to understand

i believe even some of his caticisim for children would be good and verry imforing on important issues for new believers and mild compared to some of his hard preaching ,,verry mild but still potent and spirit filled

I agree with Lysa on this, I have been burned by Hyper Pentecostalism just as you, but it doesn't mean the teaching of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a false one. Of ALL people I would want to teach about the Baptism its Zac Poonen, He is by far imho the best expounder and teaching of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Don't let what's hurt you in the past(bad doctrine taught by poor preachers exploiting people) to hinder good doctrine taught by a Man of God. In fact it would be wise for your congregation to be informed of proper doctrine concerning the Baptism to fight and stand strong against that evil spirit of emotional "spirit filled" money grabbers. Brother Zac I assure you is not one of those nor is he a Word of Faith preacher wanting only to promote prosperity.

Its going to be up to you though really, which again is why I recommend Living by the Book, give new believers the ability to learn and decide for themselves on how they interpret the Word of God.

www.spiritoffire.org/ebook.html

The New Life, Words of God for Young Disciples of Christ
by Andrew Murray
Book Catalog #0014, Electronic Version 1.00 by Adam Woeger

We have revised this classic 1885 book, The New Life, Words of God for Young Disciples of Christ, by Andrew Murray and made it available in this electronic edition so that Rev. Murray's words can live on to bless many generations to come. This book is intended for new Christians, but works wonders as a refresher course for existing Christians as well. The book covers in detail many of the basic foundational truths of the Christian faith. [Adam Woeger, Editor]

So many good suggestions offered. Carters it is so exciting hearing of the growth y'all are experiencing and your desire to stay true to His word. Though I have no book recommendations to add, I would highly recommend a word study for the many names used to describe God, a study off his attributes, and seeing Christ and the H.S. In the O.T. Eye openers for a young disciple in Christ who desires to draw closer to Him.

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" -Luke 11:13

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."-Luke 24:49

This power is to do The Work, not by our own might, but by His Power, by His Spirit, for His Glory.

John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: - Luke 3:16

Fire to burn off the dross, the Holy Ghost to endue with power.

"And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.
Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness." Isaiah 1:25-27

"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts".-Proverbs 17:3

Peace in Christ Jesus,

Travis

I have a series of 18 lessons that may be perfect for your needs. They were originally written by Steve Clark from Charity Ministries; he was kind enough to share the lessons with me for use on a Bible correspondence course web site that I was running.

The lessons were originally written while he was serving in missions in Africa, they were written for the local people who wanted to know about the Bible or who were recently converted.

I can send you a copy of the lessons in MS-Word format if you would like.

In Christ,

Ron