SHIFTING GEARS

 

Text: Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of

Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of

repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

          2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of

resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

          3 And this will we do, if God permit.

          Hebrews 6:1-3 (Message Bible) So come on, let's leave the preschool

finger painting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art.

Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your

back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God; baptismal

instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment.

God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get

on with it!

          We are well versed in the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Where

do we go to from here?

         

Evangelize.

We can pray that Jesus will send people out to church. This won't work.

Prayer is good. In fact when we pray, we invoke the spirit of God and he

prepares hearts for evangelism.

.

We can pray people into church. This won't work either.

We have to do things the way the scripture tells us to do them.

          Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the

highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be

filled.

          We have already started the evangelizing process by praying for our communities. God is already talking to those in our communities about their souls. They are just waiting for our invitation to come and get saved.

         

          Grow up in Christ. Each one must be the firstfruits of our labor.

          Make yourself loveable.

          Exercise your calling.

          Get ready for revival.