FOUNDATIONS RESOURCES

Thank you for coming to Foundations! In week one, we discussed the differences between essentials, convictions, and preferences in doctrine, with most of our focus being on four "essentials" of Christianity— doctrines that we should understand and believe if we are followers of Jesus Christ. These are:

1. The Nature of God

• One God, Three Persons - Father, Son, Spirit
• Eternally existent, Supreme Creator, totally holy, just, and completely loving. 

2. Deity and Life of Jesus
Jesus is the incarnation of God and he was conceived by the Holy Spirit through Mary, a virgin. He died by crucifixion and rose from the dead three days later.
3. Salvation by Grace
Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sins of mankind, giving us access to heaven and an eternal relationship with God. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor or gain access to heaven apart from His grace.
4. Salvation through Jesus Alone
God in His mercy has provided all of us the only means for salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 tells us that “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Below you'll find some helpful resources to study and understand these better!

The Nature of God
Genesis 1, John 1:1-14, Exodus 34:6-7, 1 John 4:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:20, Psalm 99:9, Hebrews 13:8.
Deity and Life of Jesus
John 1, Matthew 1:18-24, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:1, Mark 14:61-64, Romans 9:5, Ephesians 1:20-23.
Salvation by Grace
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans , John 3:16, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5,  2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Salvation through Jesus Alone
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans , John 3:16, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5,  2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 2 Timothy 1:9, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:1, John 3:36, 1 Timothy 2:5.

Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html
What is the Trinity? https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-Trinity.html
What does the Bible teach about the Trinity? https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html

Crazy Love by Francis Chan
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Holier than Thou by Jackie Hill Perry
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Knowing God by J.I. Packer

In week two, we learned about what Christianity looks like in action. We talked about baptism, communion, and spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is any activity you can do by direct effort that will enable you to do that which, currently, you cannot do by direct effort. They are behaviors that facilitate spiritual growth. They’re a means to an end; their meaning is not found in the practices themselves, but in the strength and growth they create in the soul.  Spiritual disciplines are things that help us to love God and love people better. Some spiritual disciplines are:

• Meditation
• Prayer
• Fasting
• Simplicity
• Silence and solitude
• Service
• Confession
• Worship
• Celebration
• Secrecy
• Sabbath/Rest

We created a 'rule of life' by writing out habits that will lead us toward further Christlikeness. A rule of life is a commitment to live your life in a particular way, and it helps keep every area of our lives aligned to Jesus' vision for us. 

Book Recommendations
The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Prayer by Richard Foster
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
A Different Way by Christopher A. Hall
You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith

In week three, we talked about spiritual gifts and our identity in Christ. We learned that all of us are called to full time ministry; the Holy Spirit has given us gifts for the purpose of advancing His Kingdom wherever we go! Discovering our spiritual gifts enables us to live on mission and walk in all that God has for us.
Some spiritual gifts include:

• Faith
• Wisdom
• Prophecy
• Knowledge
• Speaking in tongues
• Interpretation of tongues
• Healing
• Leadership
• Miracles
• Discernment
• Evangelism
• Apostleship
• Shepherd/pastor
• Teaching
• Giving/Generosity
• Administration
• Mercy
• Hospitality
• Exhortation
• Craftsmanship

An identity found in Christ is one that can't be taken away. It's not dependent on our job, financial status, what we do or don't do - it comes from the fact that we are children of God. In Christ, we are:

•  Sought after (Isaiah 62:12)
•  Precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4)
• A new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Not condemned (Romans 8:1)
• Forgiven (Colossians 1:14)
• Loved (1 John 3:1)
• Accepted (Rom. 15:7)
• A child of God (John 1:12)
• Jesus' friend (John 15:14)
• Free (John 8:36)
• The temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• God's treasured possession (Deuteronomy. 7:6)
• Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
• Chosen (Colossians 3:12)
• Called (2 Timmothy 1:9)
• An ambassador of the Most High God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
• God's masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
• Able to do all things through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13)
• More than a conqueror through Jesus, who loves you (Romans 8:37)
  

Scripture to Study
1 Corinthians 12:4-31, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13,  Romans 12:4-8, 1 Peter 4:8-11, Ephesians 4:11, Exodus 40

Book Recommendations
Garden City by John Mark Comer
Understanding Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms
Defined: Who God Says You Are by Stephen and Alex Kendrick