Truth Pursuit

Never assume that the foundations have been given. When you intentionally teach the Biblical foundations, don’t be surprised if you hear, “I have never heard that before.” …From church people. Especially from people who have never been in church.

The apostle Paul wrote, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Cor 2:2

At the core of Christianity is the identity of Jesus. The knowledge of that identity begins in Genesis 1. (See Colossians) If people have never heard what God has written about His identity and purpose on earth, then they have never had the opportunity to exercise faith; to believe Him. Apologetic arguments fall on broken bells which do not resonate with the truth of God’s character. Truth spoken without love and respect is just loud noise. Faith comes by hearing God’s word. Biblical faith means, “believing God” (the God of the Bible who cannot lie). Biblical faith is not blind, but is accompanied with substance and evidence that the God who has spoken is reliable and demands trust. (Hebrews 11:1 & 6.)

Teaching the Bible foundationally helps people to see the character of God and the reliability of His word.

“The beauty of the Chronological Bible Teaching system is this: you don’t have to argue a person into believing the Bible. If they listen, they will understand it. In understanding it they will either intelligently accept the Bible’s message or they will reject it. It’s their choice. “

— John Cross in “Now We See Clearly”

How do you intentionally establish Biblical foundations?

The best resource of which I am aware is the Firm Foundations series produced by Ethnos360. The course is a framework to guide people intentionally toward maturity of faith, clear understanding, and thriving ministry. If taught with humility, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and the intent of revealing God’s character in action, it is by far the most effective resource I have seen to date for producing disciples. Interlocked is an excellent adaptation of this material for young people.  Establish Series is the first part of the Firm Foundations series.

Here are some resources for foundations.

• Interlocked – https://interlocked.online
  • Interlocked is a Bible study integrating the Genesis-to-Revelation narrative, doctrine and apologetics for believers to live as thriving disciples of Christ. The study gives practical contrasts of God’s view of the world with those ideas that are contrary to Him. 
• Establish Series – video series – An excellent overview of the Bible laying the foundations that undergird every Bible doctrine. – https://www.establishseries.com/
  • Ethnos360 Bookstore – teaching resources – “Firm Foundations” – Adult and Children’s editions, 
  • “Building on Firm Foundations” (This is used as a framework for lessons teaching unreached people groups the “all things” that Christ commanded, from first introduction through the establishment of Church leaders, from Genesis to Revelation.) https://biblestudy.ethnos360.org/
• Access Truth – Module 1 – https://accesstruth.com/cross-cultural-essentials
• Access Truth – missions prep – https://accesstruth.com/
• Rock Int’l – King of Glory – https://vimeo.com/194195977
• GoodSeed International – http://goodseed.com/training
  • By This Name – http://www.goodseed.com/by-this-name.html#btn-eng
  • The Lamb – http://goodseed.com/the-lamb.html#lamb-eng
  • Christmas and Easter – http://av.goodseed.com/free/cne-eng-079001.pdf
• The Bible Taproot – https://www.Amazon.com/Bible-Taproot-Dr-Ed-Skowron-ebook/dp/B08MB178T5/
• The Story – 5 min intro – https://thestoryfilm.com/watch

True salvation in a Biblical sense is not based on some emotional experience. It’s based on fact and a clear understanding of those facts. It is only then that faith can be accurately placed. Chronological teaching gives the facts clearly because what you are learning is built on previously understood knowledge.

— John Cross in “Now We See Clearly” in Vimeo

From the Sample view of Volume One:

“Many teachers approach the Bible as if it were a treasure chest full of beautiful, precious gems. We assume that these jewels have not been given a definite pattern or design. We think that the responsibility is ours to arrange the jewels in some order which will enhance their beauty and cause them to be better appreciated. While recognizing the value of the Scriptures, many Bible teachers fail to see that there is a definite, divinely-given teaching outline which runs through the entire Word of God. We therefore proceed to arrange the Scriptures into what we consider to be comprehensive and lucid outlines. This is a basic mistake.”

Building On Firm Foundations – Must Read! – excerpt – https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2238/8297/files/BFF_Vol_01_Sample.pdf…