Foundations of Christian Spiritual Formation

This Foundations class explores how we grow in the knowledge of God and the knowledge of our true identity in the eyes of God. We will examine the brokenness of the human soul caused by the Fall and the process of redemption that is informed and propelled by infinite grace and mercy. We will look at how our life stories (our histories) impact our view of God and either constrict or construct our spiritual growth. The goal will be to open ourselves to the reality in which He has placed us, to find our true identity in Him, and to embark on the unique journey of formation that He has laid before us.

Lesson 1 — Spiritual Formation and Double Knowledge

Lesson 1 lays the necessary foundation for this class by defining the topic of study and exploring the intentional process that leads to spiritual growth.

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Click here to purchase In a Safe Place by The Album Leaf.

Lesson 2 — Guilt, Shame, and the Fall of Man

Lesson 2 discusses the unpleasant and deeply damaging results of original sin, which serves as the starting point for every heart—hearts riddled with guilt, fear, and shame.

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Click here to purchase Far from Refuge by God Is an Astronaut.

Lesson 3 — A New Identity and the Hidden Heart

Lesson 3 looks at the new identity we have in Christ and also at why we continue to act and view ourselves from our old identity.

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Click here to purchase Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós.

Lesson 4 — Four Stages of Spiritual Development

Lesson 4 examines the four stages of spiritual development of St. John of the Cross and the dark night of the soul.

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Lesson 5 — Family History and Dynamic Growth

Lesson 5 examines the way our life stories and family histories effect our spiritual lives. The beauty is that our past is not a trap, and growth can and will happen.

Right click here to download the study guide, and here to download the audio file.
Click here to purchase A Moment of Stillness by God Is an Astronaut.

Lesson 6 — Temptations and the Deadly Seven

Lesson 6 closes out this class by looking at the temptations of the spiritual life and how the traditional seven deadly sins rear their dirty little heads in our spiritual lives.

Right click here to download the study guide, and here to download the audio file.
Click here to purchase In Rainbows by Radiohead.

For more information, please contact Mark at mmoore@arcadechurch.com.