Foundational Principles

A brief summary of the basic principles upon which this site is based.




Our spiritual condition is knowabledynamicinterestingunique, and improvable.

Our spiritual condition is knowable.
We do not have to be in the dark concerning our relationship with God. It is possible to know our own strengths and weaknesses. We can be aware of our successes and failures. We can identify and use those resources God has placed at our disposal.

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." – 1 John 5:13

"... in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." – 2 Corinthians 2:11

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." – Ephesians 1:3



Our spiritual condition is dynamic.
Our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ. We are always either progressing or regressing towards this goal, but we never stay unchanged. We will be held responsible for our growth or lack of growth.

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." – 1 Corinthians 13:11

"Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." – 1 Corinthians 14:20

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." – 2 Corinthians 3:18



Our spiritual condition is interesting.
We do not live alone. Our spiritual growth is of interest to others. God seeks to help us grow through various means, while there are also various forces at work striving to prevent our growth. This conflict takes place in the life of every individual. We are spiritual battlegrounds.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." – Ephesians 6:10-12

"... for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." – 1 John 5:4-5

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." – 1 Peter 5:8-9



Our spiritual condition is unique.
Every person is configured differently. Each individual is more vulnerable in some areas and stronger in others. For instance, someone easily ensnared by anger may rarely be trapped by sadness, while another person prone to pride might be especially resistant to lust. Our unique nature indicates our place in the body of Christ, which allows us to help and to be helped by other Christians.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." – Romans 15:1-2

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ... All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11

"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." – Romans 13:7



Our spiritual condition is improvable.
We are not without hope. Remedies, solutions, and defenses can be pursued and implemented. Improvement is possible. Accurate assessment of one's own condition through self-examination is vital. Once you know what you are up against, you are at least one step closer to victory.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." – Philippians 4:13

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." – 2 Corinthians 2:14

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." – 1 Corinthians 10:13

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