Christian Foundations (2) - Introduction to the Christian Life

The Foundation of Jesus Christ was laid in us, when we heard and responded in faith to the Gospel of Christ by receiving Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour (1Cor 3:11). Once the Foundation of Christ has been laid, we need to build upon that Foundation by hearing and obeying (doing) the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 7:24-27). The first 2 foundational doctrines in Hebrews 6:1-2: (1) REPENTANCE from dead works, and (2) FAITH toward God, together describe the basis for a whole new way of living, built on a new Foundation - Christ in us. We must REPENT of trusting in ourselves, and instead live by FAITH in the indwelling Christ, trusting in Him as our Foundation and Life-Source. Thus we are to change our whole base of operation from ourselves (our own strength, understanding and soul-life) to the Living God, and His Grace at work within us through the Holy Spirit. The foundational doctrines of repentance and faith do not just apply to our salvation, but to our everyday Christian life (Colossians 2:6). To live by faith in the indwelling Christ, it is necessary to understand the miracle of the rebirth (regeneration) of our spirit, making us a child of God, so Derek shares the Scriptures on the New Birth in John 1:12-13, John 3:3-16, Ephesians 2:1-10, Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2Corinthians 5:17-18, John 4:13-14, 7:38-39, Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:24, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 2:20). Now we are born again, we have the choice to walk by the indwelling Holy Spirit or by our flesh, from our independent soul life (Galatians 5:16-18). We either live by faith, under GRACE (living from the grace of God flowing from our spirit), or under LAW (keeping rules and principles in our own strength, living out from our soul, producing dead works) - Romans 6:14. “Jesus said: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself (his independent soul life), and take up his cross (God's will), and follow Me (live a life of intimate fellowship with Jesus). For whoever desires to save his sou