Introduction

Jesus Christ will not build His church on a poor or incomplete foundation. Given the weakness of the Western Church, perhaps it is time for us to inspect our foundation.

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Lesson 1 – Whose Story is It?

Most in the church would agree that the Bible story is primarily about the LORD; that He is the main character. But is that the way we live out our faith in the Western church? Or, has the church in the West become self-centered; even humanistic?

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Lesson 2 – The Fullness of the Gospel

There is a fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is more than any one person, fellowship or denomination knows; for God's ways and thoughts are far above our own. To know the fullness of the blessing, we must be willing to explore the meaning of the gospel beyond our comfortable doctrines and disciplines.

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Lesson 3 – Counting the Cost...First

The cost associated with being a follower of Jesus Christ is significant; yet most in the church have not considered the cost. Why? Because it is not being taught; nor presented when someone is making the decision to become a disciple. Jesus encouraged us to count the cost FIRST. This is a critical distinction. We harm and jeopardize new believers when we present a gospel that is cost-less.

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Lesson 4 – The Commission is Great

Making disciples has been called the Great Commission for a reason. It is filled with the greatness of the God’s purpose, plan and power for ministry. Through it, God’s children involve themselves in the greatness of God’s story. Out of it, His way, truth and life greatly impact the world – for His great glory, name and kingdom. If we really believe that Jesus has been given ALL authority; and we really believe that He has commissioned us to make disciples; why would we do anything else? Why would we settle for a less than commission?

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Lesson 5 – Repentance from Dead Works

Repentance from dead works is the first of the elementary (and foundational) principles, found in Hebrews 6:1-2. Searching out the meaning of this first principle gives us insight into the way foundations are lost, partially taught or completely twisted in their meaning. Repentance from dead works is not turning away from the sins of your past. It is much, much more. Repentance is a process that continues throughout our maturation as followers of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, we explore how a Christian can participate, with the Holy Spirit, in this transformative process.

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Lesson 6 – Faith Towards God

Faith towards God may be the most elementary of the elementary principles. However, there is more here than you might expect; more than you may have been taught. The way the writer of Hebrews phrased this principle is interesting. Why not “faith in God”? His use of the word “towards” will be key to our gaining a full understanding of the principle.

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Lesson 7 – The Doctrine of Baptisms

There is one doctrine and four baptisms. Each baptism includes a work of God that is effectual in the process of our salvation. For those that understand this truth, the key question becomes, “What is God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit trying to accomplish; and how do I cooperate with that work?”

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Lesson 8 – The Laying on of Hands

There are at least five Biblical purposes for the laying on of hands. Most are neglected/ignored by most in the church. Given the lack of Holy Spirit power, gifts and fruit in the church today, it is time we come to better understand, believe and practice this elementary principle.

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Lesson 9 – The Resurrection of the Dead

Far more than a promised future event, the resurrection of the dead is a present spiritual reality. Those that have died with Christ are subsequently resurrected in Him - a grace of God appropriated by our faith in the working of God. As our faith grows, the life of Jesus Christ becomes progressively more of the life from which we live and move and have our being.

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Lesson 10 – Eternal Judgement

Eternal judgment is not something we are waiting for; though it does include two future judgment events. Eternal is without beginning and end. God is judging us right now; and that includes our response to the elementary principles. We must be careful to avoid the peril of not progressing from them.

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Lesson 11 – The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

For many, the Holy Spirit is the great mystery of the Christian Trinity. This does not have to be so. In fact, He may be the most relational of the three Godhead personalities; and He wants to be known. This is important for those who want to participate in His work “in our making”, and His work “in our doing”.

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Lesson 12 – There is Work to be Done

As we come to the last of the lost foundations, we must ask ourselves, "How do we work them out?" First, we must believe; for faith is the gift of God that appropriates His grace for our transformation and His glory. Second, we must walk in the good works for which we have been made; for our faith is made perfect in good works. But, whose works are they; and how do we participate in them?

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