“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the

principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” Hebrews 5:12

»A mantra frequently needed in the worldSports, Business, Safety, School Marriage The Lord’s church As Christians

»Fundamentals of our faith»Elementary principles, first

principles, the foundation. The building blocks of our faith»God’s “Scheme of redemption” is

found from Genesis to Revelation. Fundamentals help us understand how it is tied together.

»“First principles” does NOT necessarily mean simple – either in compliance or understanding. » Helps us understand the “why” of

what we believe.»Consider the “restoration

movement.”

»Because they are fundamental to understanding the rest and growth. » Reminders never hurt» 2 Peter 1:12, 3:1-2» Philippians 3:1

» Repetition reinforces the fundamentals»Revelation 2 & 3, “He who

has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”» Jesus often repeated teachings.

» You might be reminded of something you have let slip» There may be others present

who have not heard these things

» Because it is being ignored by many around us!» I am concerned about the

direction the church is headed in many places.»Consider Israel – Judges 2:10, cf. Deut. 6:4-9, 11:18-21, Exodus 12:26-27, 13:14-15, etc. Psalm 78:3-7

» Heb. 5:12-6:5, concern that they had not matured. They needed the first principles again. » Rev. 2:4-5, To Ephesus,

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”

» Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” »Psa. 51:10, Rom. 12:2,

Renewal addresses the basics.

»Examples of the basics:

» 1 Cor. 15:3-5, Concerning Christ Jesus

» Romans 6:3-4, a reminder of baptism

»I have chosen 12 fundamental topics, one for each month.

» We will present 3-4 lesson on each topic.

»January – Why I believe in God

»February – Can we trust the Bible?

»March – Why I believe in Jesus

»God’s plan of salvation, Authority, What it means to be a Christian, The New Testament church, Why is denominationalism wrong?, The Gospel, True worship, Moral living and Teaching concerning the end

»My hope is that with these basics we will be better prepared to defend our faith (1 Pet. 3:15)