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Thousands of years ago a
group of hunter-gatherers began a settlement on a semi-arid plain near
the source of a copious spring called the “As-Sultan”. Over the
course of a millennium the settlement had grown to a town covering about
40,000 square meters and surrounded by a stone wall with a large stone
tower. The stone wall that was originally built there may have been the
first of its kind ever built.
Generation after
generation passed building structures which were strong at first and
then crumbled due to erosion and time or fell at the hands of
conquerors. Yet, the As-Sultan continued to pour forth clean water.
Over time, new buildings were built over the remains of old buildings
and new and improved walls and towers over the tops of former
barricades. One on top of another over and over again this phenomenon
occurred until the settlement which became a town, which became a walled
city stood 70 feet higher than the source of the ‘As-Sultan’ from whence
it began.
The mound, comprised of
as many as 20 settlements built on top of each other, is now referred to
as ‘Sultan’s Hill’ or ‘the mound at As-Sultan’. The city that stands
there now, and has stood for many thousands of years should be familiar
to you…it is still called Jericho. And still the ‘As-Sultan’ flows.
Just as man has spent
thousands of years trying to contain the ‘As-Sultan’ spring in
structures of his own making, thus increasing the visibility of human
efforts, while not affecting the value of the spring one iota; so have
humans built vast and ornate monuments of religious tradition and
theological dogma, one on top of another, extolling it's nearness to the
wellspring of life, our Lord Jesus Christ but extending the distance to
the source with every new layer of complexity.
And, just as it is with
the city of Jericho, our eyes are drawn to this great mound of layer
upon layer of man’s structures and away from the wonderful life-giving
spring at the structure’s foundation. The fact that our eyes are
drawn to the man-made structure is natural, though we must constantly
guard ourselves against mistaking it for the spring. Additionally,
the fact that the builders continue their construction is an
appropriate use of their God-given talents and Spiritual gifts, though
they must constantly guard themselves against obscuring spring rather
than magnifying it.
BasiXonline.org
"Foundations" is an online study designed to promote and encourage
growth to spiritual maturity in Christ. In the gospel of Matthew,
Jesus commands his followers "Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations" (28:19a NIV), we hope that this study encourages you to become
a more complete disciple of Jesus Christ and better equips you to
fulfill the commission of God.
The "Foundations"
discipleship study is a online guided study which is focused on "finding
the spring", the source of our hope and bond as brother and sisters in
Christ. It is not intended, by any measure, to replace the many
integral studies available, but instead to provide insights about
discipleship and growth in Christ. Further, "Foundations" is
intended to inspire you to a seek a deeper knowledge of Christ by
offering suggested studies, readings and sermons.
Warning:
"Foundations" is meant to challenge you. Enduring discipleship can
only be built upon "the rock eternal", the source of all that is,
therefore the study is designed on that truth. To get the most out
of the "Foundations" study you will first need to step outside the
comfort zone of denominational tradition and liturgy and focus entirely
on God. Our hope is that you will be richly blessed for your step
of faith.
Authentic discipleship
and reaching spiritual maturity is our common destination, let's share
the journey together! Study #1 -
Cornerstones: God is Holy |
