This is the first part of a new series called, “The Basics” which I hope will lead you through a journey to understanding the basic ideas behind Christianity and your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even if you have been walking with the Lord for many years, I hope that this series will be a time of refreshing your faith as we walk through God’s word together. The first thing we need to do is talk about Jesus. Who is Jesus? Well historically we know that He lived over 2,000 years ago in the middle east. He is acknowledged as an insightful and wise teacher among most religions in the world today, but He is so much more than that. We can learn everything we need to know about Jesus in God’s word, an inspired book, written about God, Jesus, and their relationship with sinful people. The Bible is the only living book that has ever existed, and it continues to be a very important tool in our journey of getting to know God better. If you live in the Americas or Europe, you are very blessed to be able to get ahold of a Bible and read it whenever and wherever you want. Not all Christians have this blessing. In some countries in the world, the Bible is banned and illegal to own. That is how powerful this book is. The Holy Spirit aka The Helper When people first come into a personal, saving faith in Jesus, they may not know what the next step is. The next step is very important one. Without it you will not be able to fully understand the bible no matter how smart you are. Pray and ask God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit, aka the Helper, which is one of the three forms of God we read about in the bible. This Helper will help you understand the bible. Matthew 3:11 has this to say about the Holy Spirit, “I (John the Baptist) indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He (Jesus) who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” I know this may seem like a lot to take in, and I promise we will talk about the Holy Spirit in detail later, but for now, pray for the Holy Spirit to be a part of your life. It will help when it comes to reading God’s very long love letter, also known as the bible. What God Tells Us About His Word I realize I am about to throw a ton of scripture at you with very little commentary, and there is a specific reason for that. Spend time reading these verses and trying to understand them. Pray for God to help you have understanding. Memorize them, meditate on them. God’s word is where you are going to start your amazing relationship with your loving Father in heaven. Now let’s look at some principles about God’s word that are found in the bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” –2 Timothy 3:16-17 God’s word is perfect. It is also beneficial in so many ways! In this verse we see just a few of those ways, and I hope they blow your mind. God’s word is profitable (brings something positive and worth-while into our lives), and helps us to become competent people, able to do good. It makes us complete! Are you looking for completion in your life? I know I am! “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” –Psalm 119:105 God’s word guides us! It shows us the way we should go. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statues! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.” –Psalm 119:1-6 Following God’s word will bless us and keep us from being ashamed. “But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,