There is such a friend.

During his 30+ years on earth, Jesus experienced first-hand the frustrations of living with imperfect people, the pain of being betrayed and deserted by his friends during his greatest times of need, and the humiliation of being convicted in a mock trial and executed in the cruelest possible manner for crimes that he never committed (I Peter 2:21-25). He lived a perfectly sinless life even though he was tempted in every way that we are (Hebrews 4:14-16), so he understands what we are going through and offers to give us the strength to overcome the world and live with him forever where there is no more death, crying or pain (John 16:33; Revelation 21:4).

The best way to become better acquainted with our friend, Jesus, is to read about him in the Bible. However, like many people, you may have begun reading the Bible on several occasions, only to become bogged down in the genealogies or difficult prophecies and have decided that the Bible is just too hard for ordinary folks to understand. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To encourage you to try again, we are offering a free five-lesson correspondence course which will provide an overview of the Bible and a foundation which will equip you to read the Bible with more understanding. The first lesson supplies evidences for the existence of God and the reliability of the Bible. Lesson 2 gives an overview of the Old Testament books, particularly as they reveal God's plan to redeem man from sin. The third lesson discusses the life of Jesus as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and Lesson 4 focuses on Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Lesson 5 uses the remaining New Testament books to answer the question, "How then shall we live?"

We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to increase your knowledge of the Bible and what it reveals regarding our wonderful savior and friend, Jesus.

These five lessons are being offered without cost or obligation, and no one will call you or pressure you in any way. This is an ideal opportunity to study the Bible in the privacy of your own home and at your own pace.

To download the lessons directly to your computer, just click on the links below. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the lessons on your computer display or to print them on paper -- for yourself or to share with others. The lessons are already being used in Bible study groups, in prison ministries, and as a correspondence course. Consider how you might use it where you are.

If you would rather have a printed copy of the course, you may request one by providing your name and address through e-mail (sgore@citcom.net or cfredg@citcom.net), voice mail (828/884-3588) or "snail mail" (169 Rich Mountain Road, Brevard, NC 28712, USA).