Introduction to the  Course

Welcome to the course entitled Practical Christian Living. We trust it will be a valuable course. If you are a Christian then the course should enrich your knowledge of God. If you are not sure whether you know God or not then the course should prove very useful. If you are aware that you do not know God then it could be a wonderful opportunity for you to come to know Him. We trust that whatever the case you will benefit greatly from taking this series of studies.

The Content of the  Correspondence Course

Called Practical Christian Living, the course is designed to show the student what God has done in bringing His children to His Kingdom, so that they may be born again-into the Kingdom-having been forgiven their sins, having been justified, and having been made children and sons of God. To know what God has done, rather than what we have done, is a great encouragement to personal faith. Some folk are not sure as to what God has done, and also are uncertain as to the steps to salvation and new life. This course also gives teaching as to what we can expect when we enter God's Kingdom. We can expect that everything we will do will be by the grace, love and aid of God, rather than being thrown upon our own resources to accomplish God's demands by ourselves and in our own strength. This understanding should be very helpful. Following your application for the course we send you the first two lessons. There are thirteen lessons in all as you will see below. When you complete your first lesson and answer the questions set for that lesson you should immediately send your answers to us. We will then send you the next two lessons. Between the time of your sending the work and receiving those two lessons you will be able to proceed with the second lesson. When you have completed your third lesson we will then send you the fifth and sixth studies. This means that you will never be without a lesson at hand.

The Method of Studies

Compulsory listening to audio cassettes CTS 76:1-13. For this Course these cassettes serve in lieu of a text book. Study Method I requires essay style responses. Essays should be in the order of 150-250 words per question. According to the subject matter, some questions may require up to 500 words or more. We encourage you to follow the instructions on the attached sheet, 'Hints for Writing Essays'.

• Neat, clear presentation is necessary to facilitate your tutor's assessment.
• Write legibly at all times.
• Write on one side only of your paper.
• Leave a 3 cm margin on the left side of your paper.
• When using a typewriter, leave a one line space between lines.
• Be careful to read and answer the questions.
• Be sure that your answers are based soundly on Scripture.
• Refrain from an over-use of Bible quotations as a substitute for expressing your own grasp of the subject.
• Try to avoid 'parrot-fashion' repeating of words and ideas in the study materials.
• Put your student number, your name and address, and your tutor's name on the back of the last sheet.

The best way to study is to decide first what you wish to obtain from the course. If you wish only to get a bird's-eye view of the subject then simply read your notes and look up a minimum of Bible references. If some of the material seems difficult to handle, then leave it for another time. If, however, you wish to do the course thoroughly, then look up that number of references which help you to grasp the subject fully. Also read and reread the papers allotted to you in Practical Christian Living, i.e. your printed lessons. The student should not think he or she has to understand everything in the notes, and so be able to reproduce it in detail for the assisting tutor. The whole idea of the course is for students to be helped by the materials which are studied. Such courses provide a foundation for gathering further understanding. We gradually build up information, ideas and doctrine, but we do not have to know it all at once or use it all immediately. Your attitude to your study will work for you if you are willing to say, 'I want to increase my biblical knowledge and come to a deeper understanding of the truth, therefore I am determined to see this course through to completion'. Further to this way of study, you can read extra material recommended in the Bibliography below. In that Bibliography we have recommended certain Bible Helps. You do not have to buy these, but they certainly will be valuable books to have on your shelves.

Links With Your Tutor

You will be assigned to your own tutor who will see you through your course. You should feel free to ask for help where needed. Your tutor will return your homework with comments which will be helpful. Marks will be given and you will receive a Graded Certificate of Studies on completing your course.

Going the Course Alone

Some students will wish to do the course entirely on their own. This means they will wish to receive the thirteen studies and do the course without the aid of a tutor. No Certificate of Studies can be given in this case.

Period of Study for the Course

Certificate of Studies Students It is recommended that you persist continually in study so that you finish the course as soon as possible, without, however, putting yourself under stress. A good aim is to complete the questions within one month, or two months at the most. In the event of your study being interrupted or delayed through circumstances, do not give up your course. There is no time limit set for completion of the course, however to gain maximum benefit from your studies you should aim to complete the course within two years. A note to your tutor will be helpful. If for any reason you have to relinquish the course, please let your tutor know. A Certificate of Theology will be granted to a student who completes eight subjects which cover the following six categories: Doctrine; Old Testament; New Testament; History; Christian Ministries; Practical Christian Living.