The Bible
Why we begin with Scripture, why truth matters, and why God’s Word must govern what we believe.
Free 12-Part Course
Bible-Based
Self-Paced
Confessionally Grounded
Free Christian Basics Course
A simple, warm, and carefully guided introduction to the Christian faith. This course is designed for those who are exploring Christianity, returning to first principles, or wanting firmer foundations in the truth of God’s Word.
Built on the original Christian Basics studies, this website course expands the material in a more pastoral and accessible way. Each section will help us look honestly at what the Bible teaches, while also gently answering the kinds of questions many people carry in their hearts.
We begin with Scripture, move through the great themes of the gospel, and end with the church, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Along the way, we are not being asked to trust impressions, personalities, or passing feelings, but to consider what God Himself has said.
With grateful acknowledgement:
this course is based on the
original Christian Basics
material written by John Hall.
How this course works
This course may be used quietly on your own, within a family, or with others. Each study will have its own page, following the same simple pattern as the CPTSD course: introduction, key truths, carefully chosen Scriptures, warm guidance, reflection questions, practical next steps, and links onward.
The tone throughout is intended to be steady and welcoming. We are dealing with eternal truths, but also with real people. Some will come curious, some confused, some burdened, some hungry, and some deeply anxious. So the course aims to be doctrinally clear, yet pastorally gentle.
Rooted in Scripture
The Bible is our authority. Every page is designed to help readers open the Scriptures and see for themselves what God says.
Strengthened by the 1689 LBC
The course will be expanded in quiet harmony with the 1689 London Baptist Confession, especially where readers need greater clarity about God, salvation, the church, and the ordinances.
Warm and accessible
We will not assume prior theological knowledge. Hard things will be handled carefully, plainly, and with compassion, so that truth is not diluted, yet neither is it made needlessly difficult.
The course journey
The full course contains twelve studies. Each one can have its own expanded page, audio space if you wish to add it later, reflection prompts, and a short section of common questions so that readers feel accompanied as they move through the material.
The Living God
Who God is, what He is like, why knowing Him matters, and how He reveals Himself.
Jesus Christ
His person, His two natures, His sufficiency as Saviour, and why everything turns on Him.
Man: Our True Nature
Creation, the image of God, the fall, sin, guilt, and our desperate need of mercy.
God’s Work in Salvation
Grace, election, mercy, calling, and the comfort of knowing that salvation belongs to the Lord.
Christ’s Death and Resurrection
The cross, substitution, reconciliation, redemption, and the hope of the risen Christ.
The Holy Spirit
Who He is, how He gives life, points us to Christ, and works holiness in believers.
Saving Faith
Repentance, faith, conversion, justification, and what it means to rest in Christ alone.
Living the Christian Life
Sanctification, prayer, Scripture, obedience, warfare, perseverance, and growth in grace.
Heaven and Hell
The second coming, judgement, eternal life, eternal punishment, and the urgency of the gospel.
The Church
What the church is, why it matters, and how God gathers His people for worship and growth.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
The meaning of the ordinances, their place in church life, and why obedience matters.
Common questions as you go
One of the best ways to help people feel they can dialogue without requiring direct, ongoing correspondence is to anticipate the questions that naturally arise. Each study page can therefore include a short “You may be wondering...” section, along with a growing public library of general answers.
You may be wondering about the Bible
How do we know the Bible is really God’s Word? What about other holy books? Why does translation matter? What should I do when I still have doubts?
Open Bible QuestionsYou may be wondering about God and Christ
How can God be one and three? Why did Christ need to be both God and man? Why is the deity of Christ so important? How can I know God personally?
Open QuestionsYou may be wondering about sin and salvation
Am I really that sinful? What is repentance? What is faith? What if I feel drawn to Christ but still fear I am not good enough? What does grace really mean?
Open QuestionsYou may be wondering about the Christian life and church
What does it mean to grow as a Christian? Do I need to belong to a local church? What is baptism for? Who should take the Lord’s Supper? How do I begin well?
Open QuestionsOriginal course and related resources
This expanded website course is offered with gratitude for the original labours of John Hall.
Christian Basics website
Visit the original Christian Basics website for background, materials, and related information.
Visit Christian BasicsBroken Wharfe
For printed copies of Christian Basics and other helpful books, visit Broken Wharfe.
Visit Broken WharfeCourse PDF
Keep the original booklet to hand if you would like the compact printable version alongside the expanded website format.
Open Course PDFWhat next after the course?
If, by the end of these studies, you find yourself asking, “Am I truly a Christian?”, then do not ignore that question. If the Lord is awakening concern in your soul, that is not something to brush aside lightly. Turn to Christ. Seek Him in earnest. Consider what the gospel requires and what it freely offers.
If you do profess Christ, the next step is not isolation but church life. A faithful local church is one of God’s appointed means for our growth, encouragement, correction, and service.
Matthew 11:28
