Doctrines and Disciplines for Bible Believers

A local Church Bible Study Curriculum  ~  Dr. Sam Ensor


Doctrines and Disciplines for Bible Believers

Preface To The 2025 Edition

The First Edition of this study course was introduced in 1981.  The general outline form is fashioned after that followed by Dr. Harold Wilmington, Dean, Liberty Home Bible Institute (now the Wilmington School of the Bible at Liberty University).  Dr. Wilmington's presentation style of  topical outline summary had a profound impact upon the structure of this course.  It remains a lasting joy of my life to have been one of his students in the inaugural graduating class of LHBI, many years ago.  The imprint of his words and wisdom have, hopefully, been carried forth into my own writing.  I bless his memory.

The Content here has been refined through three subsequent editions, and along the way the current name, Doctrines and Disciplines for Bible Believers was adopted.  More than ten thousand people have completed the curriculum, in Sunday School, in training classes, mid-week prayer meetings, behind prison bars and on the mission field.  To God be the glory!

The Author is now Eighty years old.  It has been a labor of love to see God's blessings on lives touched by studying this book.  Prior to this 2025 edition, previous editions featured chapter exams and the opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate.  At this age the load has become difficult to manage and, so with this edition, the exams are omitted and a self-grading quiz is available after each chapter to measure how much of the material the student has learned.  It is, of course, optional.  The goal has never been to award certificates, but to help believers measure what they have learned and to help them grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding.

I commend the study to you.

Sam R. Ensor, D. B. E. 

The Curriculum Includes:

God’s Plan of Salvation: The origin of man; The introduction of sin; The plan of salvation; Eternal life—the security of the believer; The most important question you will ever be asked.

The Miraculous Bible: The divine character of the Bible; The theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ; How God gave us the Bible; Canonization—the books of the Bible; The Bible preserved; How to study; Bibles every Christian should avoid. 

The Holy Trinity: The one true God; The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; The doctrine of the Father; The doctrine of the Son; The doctrine of the Holy Spirit. 

The Unmasking of Satan: The identity of Satan; The dominion of Satan; His warfare against man; His future; The believer’s victory over Satan; Understanding the basis of religious cult beliefs. 

The New Testament Church: The church defined; The origin of the church; The organization and government of the church; The mission of the church; Church discipline; The destiny of the church. 

The Privilege Of Prayer: The definition of prayer; Critical assumptions to prayer; Prayer appropriate to its environment; Seven types of prayer; Hindrances to prayer; Answers to prayer. 

Christian Stewardship: Managing the property of another; Christian stewardship manifested in time, talent, and treasure; Cultivating Christian priorities; Soul-winning—the steward’s ministry. 

Introduction To Prophecy: What Bible prophecy is; The role of God’s prophets; Where the world stands prophetically today; A chronology of future events; The Great White Throne Judgement; The new heaven and earth; The Holy City, New Jerusalem.

On The Curriculum Page...

     You will find the chapters, which may be studied online or downloaded and printed out in as many copies as necessary.    In addition, there is a student workbook order form for those who wish to have a written copy of the study course.  It is the only expense in the program and is optional only.