Why Do We Put So Much Emphasis Upon Laying The Foundation?
The Bible gives us clear evidence that trials and tribulations will come against each believer to test his faith. It is incumbent upon each of us to ensure that our life in Christ is built on solid rock and not on shifting sand (Matt. 7:24-27).
The Bible makes it abundantly clear how important the foundation is. But in addition, we as a local church learned by experience the sad results of failing to heed the Bible’s instruction. We had experienced years and years of revival, the refreshing rain of His presence among us. We had seen hundreds and even thousands come to God in salvation, water baptism, and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Some received notable healings. Others began to demonstrate God-given abilities or gifts of the Spirit. Many sought out fields for ministry. God was moving and we were very glad about it.
But something was wrong. After a time these people did not continue to grow. Some of those who had received marvelous experiences with God did not remain in the faith. We began to lose people. In our pastoral concern, the ministry of the Temple here sought the Lord’s answer. He, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, was faithful to answer us. Our problem, He said, was that we had failed to give the people a solid foundation. They were adding more spiritual bricks to their lives than the foundation would hold. For this reason people were falling away.
It took a number of years for us to receive understanding as to what we must do to ensure personal participation in each of these six foundation stones. God was gracious to grant revelation and understanding of His Word by His Spirit. As we have applied what we have learned, we have seen a great change in this work. People not only come to the Lord and enjoy the glories of the new birth, but they go on year after year growing up into the Lord. They become productive, creative Christians who can reproduce their kind. They have something to give, because they have truly received something firsthand. What we are presenting in this course comes to you as the result of years of leadership in establishing believers upon Christ as the Rock, and preparing for a lifelong walk with God, and a reward in heaven.