First Principles of Christ Grounding new converts Hebrews 6:1-3

Danger of New Converts Falling Away (Heb. 3:7-14) Grounding in the word of God is necessary to have strong personal faith, Col. 2:6-7 (2 Pet. 3:18) Begins with first principles, Heb. 5:12 Elementary, fundamental, basic Learn and live to grow to maturity, Heb. 5:13-14; 1 Pet. 2:2 (Acts 20:32)

Basic Principles about First Principles Beginning, not the end, Heb. 5:12 Foundation for growth, Heb. 6:1 Putting away sins prepares the heart to receive truth and grow in it, 1 Peter 2:1-2 Growth comes by obeying the word, James 1:21-25

Basic Principles about First Principles Help become skilled in the word of righteousness, Heb. 5:13 Through learning and use, 5:14; 2 Peter 3:18 Add to your faith… 2 Peter 1:5

Basic Principles about First Principles Must be built upon, not forgotten, Hebrews 6:1 “Leaving” is advancing; do not linger, but go onward to higher attainments Lest by lingering on the basics you recede and fall away through neglect (6:4-6), 6:3 (11-12) Never tire…remember, 2 Pet. 1:12-15 Not seeking “some new thing”, it is maturing into the image of Christ in all things, Luke 6:40

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 From dead works (sin), Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30 Repentance is… Change of mind toward God and sin, Acts 20:21 Produced by godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7:9-10 Produces a change of life, 2 Cor. 7:11 (Acts 19:19) REPENTANCE

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Repentance is not… Denying the sin Being sorry for the sin Telling about the sin Being afraid because of sin Just stopping or promising to stop Forgetting about the sin REPENTANCE

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 God’s order: When sin occurs… Godly sorrow over your sin Genuine change of mind (repent) Turn to God, Acts 26:20 Works of repentance, Rev. 2:5 (Acts 8:22) Do not return to sin, Rom. 6:1-2, 22 REPENTANCE

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Toward God, 6:1 Necessity of faith, Heb. 11:6; Jno. 8:23-24, 58; 20:30-31 Nature of faith, Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:17; Jas. 2:17 (14-26) Nurture your faith, 2 Pet 1:5-11; 1 John 5:4 FAITH

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Doctrines of, 6:2 One (Great Commission), Eph. 4:5 Purpose, Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27 Necessary, Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21 Element: Water, John 3:5; Acts 8:14-16, 36-38; 10:47-48 BAPTISMS

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Laying on of hands, 6:2 To miraculously heal, Acts 28:8 To impart miraculous gifts (by apostles), Acts 8:17-19; 19:6 To set in place (for a work), to show approval or endorsement, Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim. 5:22 MIRACLES

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Of the dead, 6:2 Denied by Sadducees, Acts 23:8 Ridiculed by philosophers, Acts 17:32 Clearly taught by the Savior, John 5:28-29; 11:25-26 Bodily at Christ’s return, 1 Cor. 15:20, 23-24, 35ff (42-44) RESURRECTION

First Principles for New Converts, Hebrews 6:1-2 Eternal, 6:2 Inclusive and personal, 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12 By truth, righteous and impartial, Rom. 2:2-6, 11 Reward and punishment, Matt. 25:34, 41, 46; 2 Tim. 4:7-8 Heaven and hell: Real and Eternal Hope for the faithful, Rom. 5:1-2 JUDGMENT

Go on to Perfection Hebrews 6:1, 3 The Lord expects every Christian to mature, Acts 2:41-42 (47) Desire the pure milk of the word in order to grow, 1 Peter 2:2 The Lord has fully equipped us to: Mature, be steadfast, work and be strong, Eph. 4:11-16 MATURITY