3. “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

4. » A mantra frequently needed in the world  Sports, Business, Safety, School  Marriage  The Lord’s church  As Christians

5. » 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.

6. » “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.”

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

8. » 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.

9. » You might be reminded of something you have let slip » There may be others present who have not heard these things

10. » 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

11. » 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…”

12. » Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus says the L ORD : “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.

13. » Examples of the basics: » 1 Cor. 15:3-5, Concerning Christ Jesus » Romans 6:3-4, a reminder of baptism

14. » I have chosen 12 fundamental topics, one for each month. » We will present 3-4 lesson on each topic.

15. » January – Why I believe in God » February – Can we trust the Bible? » March – Why I believe in Jesus

16. » 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

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