Sermon Central
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Foundational Truth 5 (Wk.6) Series
Contributed by Dan Cormie on Nov 17, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: A look at the foundational truths of the Christian faith which must be wholly understood before believers can move on to maturity in Christ. This one focuses on "the laying on of hands (Part 2)".
Dakota Community Church
November 16, 2008
Foundational Truth 5
(Week 6)
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
Introduction and review:
Christians are to grow up spiritually.
Repentance from acts that lead to death.
Faith in God.
Water baptism
Holy Spirit baptism
Laying on of hands (Part One)
Over the last four weeks since we began studying the baptism in the Holy Spirit a kind of subplot to this series has developed with a new addition each week, it is not something I set out to do it has just kind of happened as I have reviewed and prepared for each message. I have another one to add this week and I feel that this is important enough to keep repeating and expanding on for as long as it continues.
We began with Jesus telling the disciples that the baptism would result in them being empowered to “be” His witnesses.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Then we looked at the concept of “walking in the Spirit” or “keeping in step” with the Spirit which would result in the fruit of the Spirit being produced in our lives.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Remember trees do not work at producing fruit; fruit is the natural result of being connected to the source. As we keep connected or keep in step, the fruit will just naturally be produced and the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is not for our benefit. The apples do not benefit the apple tree, the fruit is for others to partake of and enjoy.
From here we went to what Jesus said would happen upon his return concerning the sheep and the goats.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ’Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
"Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
Remember that the sheep and goats are not separated based on what they do as some claim; they are separated based on what they are! Also note that the sheep are unaware of the “deeds” they have performed for Jesus. This is important because many preach that we must do certain things in order to be saved; this is works based righteousness and is not Christianity!
Last week I added to this discussion the passage from Matthew 7 where Jesus tells His listeners that they must enter through the narrow gate and that the way to destruction is broad and crowded. He follows that up with a discourse that has always seemed alarming to me.
Many will say to me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ’I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Here we are shocked; or should be shocked, to discover that people who claim to preach, exercise spiritual gifts, and perform miracles in His name are rejected.
Some have read this passage and made the claim that it says we must “do” something to be saved; but remember the “work” of the Father according to Jesus, is to believe in the one whom He has sent. This makes Christianity a Christ based religion NOT a man based religion!
