Sustained growth in any area of life requires a commitment to learning, to acquiring and applying knowledge and understanding. Within God’s Kingdom that happens in our minds, our intellect, but also very much in our spirits; it truly is both/and. Jesus’ followers were and are often referred to as disciples. That word literally means “determined learners.” In this area of The Build, you will discover abundant stepping stones so as to delve deeper into your walk with the Lord, to become one of his determined learners. No matter where you currently are in your walk, there are a plethora of opportunities for growth.
The Headwaters
All rivers on our beautiful planet start at a source called a headwater. This is always a lake of some size or an underground spring or river. Some of these headwaters develop into very large rivers, like the Mississippi or the Amazon. Others remain fairly small. All of them contribute to supply water and nutrients, basic elements for living life. The Headwaters here do the same thing, only it is spiritual nutrition. What is found here are the basics for new believers. They are the underlying precepts, principles and practices for life with Jesus…
The River
As any river flows it grows. It gains water from sources other than just the headwaters. It becomes stronger and healthier as it moves along; along its God given path. By God’s design all headwaters develop into creeks and rivers. Also by God’s design, all new believers are intended to gain and grow, to strengthen and mature. The River is the heart of discipleship. This is where we flow through life with the Lord, where we learn to navigate the twists and turns of daily living. The word “disciple” in its original language means “determined learner.” That is the Lord’s intention and invitation for all of us, for all time: Going and growing in him, for the rest of our lives. This is where it gets exciting! Let’s jump in!
The Well
The analogies we are using all have to do with water; Jesus is the Living Water. The Well represents the deeper things of God, the deeper walk with God. As is the case with anything in life, the more we invest in it the better it gets. This is true of all relationships – especially the one you have with Jesus. His desire for us is that we walk with him all the days of our lives. And that we walk with intentionality, living in the deepest places humanly possible. Psalms says, “Deep cries out to deep.” That is the depth of the heart of God calling to the depth of your heart, inviting you to live there with him. It does not get any sweeter than that…
The Swamp
This is where we sort out difficult and messy issues; where we bring clarity to the entanglements often found within the “Church” and “Christianity” at large. Let’s clarify murky themes and theologies in the Church. Let’s unpack different religions and denominations. Let’s sort out Bible translation in general – and the plethora of Bible translations. Let’s define vague and confusing words, phrases and terminologies. Let’s unpack the confusions and help you stay on track in your reading and studying of the Word.
The Reservoir
Need more resources to continue your journey? The books, music, and links below have been specifically selected by our contributors to compliment the content available at The Build. Dive in!