6 Days
The strength of a building lies in its foundation. In the natural sense, the main purpose of the foundation is to hold the structure above it and keep it upright. This definition of the purpose of the foundation applies even more to our spiritual lives. In Part Three of Nine of our Hebrews devotional plans, we see just how important it is to have a solid spiritual foundation.
Day 1
Foundation Stone 1: Repentance From Dead Works
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
Isaiah 55:7 (ESV)
7let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Thoughts on the Word
When you or I disobey God's commands we need to repent. Repentance is defined as follows:
Turn around.
Turn to God.
No turning back.
It is a simple exercise, but difficult to do. It is a commitment to acknowledging our failures and turning to God who can release forgiveness. We need God's strength to keep doing what is right - so ask God for it. We may need help from one another to follow through. Ask for help - do not let shame or fear stop you.
What are dead works? Anything that does not release life into us or the people we work with/ live with. These are things we do in our own strength – and not in the power of the Spirit.
These are things we do that come short of God’s standards – but we feel God should accept, (but He does not accept). These are things we do when we follow our own understanding – and not the Word of God.
Practice repentance. Know it. Be able to teach it to others.
Prayer
Father this stone is one we need to touch every day. We face life and we fail so often. Still You help us get up, You forgive us and You strengthen us to keep doing what is right. Help us to stop the things that bring death to relationships, to hopes and dreams, to our joy in Your presence. Help us hold tight to things that produce life. Help us to do them every day- even if we do not feel like doing it. Help us with Your Spirit to live this way every day. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 2
Foundation Stone 2: Faith In God
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
1 Kings 8:56 (ESV)
56“Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.
2 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)
3His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
Thoughts on the Word
1. Repentance from Dead Works
2. Faith in God.
These two are like clothes - we take off some clothes and put on others (do not take off old and forget to put on new!). If you do not put on the new, then you will pick up the old.
Faith in God.
Your faith is based on the promises of God that you know. Your faith in God can grow if you know and hold tight to His promises. If you know one promise from God, then the most you can have is a “one-promise faith”. If you know one hundred promises from God’s word, then your faith can grow to become as big as a “one-hundred promise faith”. What will enable it to grow that large? Knowing the promises and holding them tightly.
I remember it this way - "When God promises you rain, carry an umbrella."
We do three things.
· know God's promises
· trust Him to keep His promises
· never let go of His promises!
Prayer
Father, we learn to trust you as we hold on to your promises - and You faithfully keep them. Help us today to learn more and more of Your great promises as we read them in Your Word. Help me to hold on tight and never let them go.
Father, help us to teach new followers to learn these promises. Teach them to hold on tight and believe You are as faithful today as you were in the past to keep them. We read of Your faithfulness to Israel and the promises You gave to them through Moses – that encourages us to hold firmly. We read the great promises mentioned by Peter and carry them close to our hearts. Because we trust You to keep them for us as well. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 3
Foundation Stone 3: Baptism, Cleansing
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
Romans 6:4–6 (ESV)
4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
2 Timothy 2:20–21 (ESV)
20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
Thoughts on the Word
1. Repentance from Dead Works
2. Faith in God.
3. Baptisms (cleansing)
Baptisms (cleansing) This is all about cleansing a past.
"Lay down dead things-- and never pick them back up"
Water baptism - burying our old nature (do not pick it back up!) Romans 6:4-6
Daily cleansing - to be a vessel of honor in God's house (2 Timothy 2:20-21)
We are cleaned from our past (so bury those dead things and never pick them up). This is a powerful picture/act that shows us (and our world) that we are now different people. We call these powerful actions a prophetic act – a physical act that has powerful consequences in the spiritual realm. It tells our world and the demonic world around us that we are different people because Jesus has set us free from our failed past.
There is an ongoing portion to this cleansing process. It is process of ongoing cleaning up in our lives. This ongoing cleansing enables us to be a vessel of special honor in God's house instead of something used for common things. Common things get put away when special company comes to the house; special things get brought out and used when that company comes to visit. We want to be that kind of vessel in God’s house.
Put down dead things - do not pick them up. God will make you special in His house.
Prayer
Lord, why do we hang on to dead things in our lives? They just stink. They make us unusable by You for special things. They embarrass us. Jesus, You died for us so we could be free and clean. Help us not pick to up these dead things but let You clean us daily. I want to be used for special things by You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 4
Foundation Stone 4: Laying On of Hands
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
Romans 8:11 (ESV)
11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV)
12Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
9Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Thoughts on the Word
Reviewing the six foundation stones of our faith found in Hebrews 6:1-2.
1. Repentance from Dead Works
2. Faith in God.
3. Baptisms (cleansing a past)
4. Laying on of hands (empowering a future)
Laying on of hands:
This is all about being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
· Empowered to live out new life (Romans 8:11)
· Empowered to understand (1 Corinthians 2:12)
· Empowered to bless (1 Peter 3:9)
The laying on of hands means that we have access to the power of God. It is not just the pastor that has access to this power. Every one of God’s children have the Spirit of God alive in them. God wants us to learn how to use the power of the Spirit so that He can work freely through us and touch our world.
God has given us His Spirit - there is so much potential available. His power can make our lives totally different, His power helps us understand God's word and His heart for us, and His power enables us to bless others everywhere we go and in every situation we face. That is a lot of power that we have!
So today – practice it! Use it!
You are connected to the power source - move!
Prayer
Father, I try to do great things in my own strength and wisdom. What would happen if I just waited for you to give me understanding for today, and then relied on Your strength to accomplish it? Would I even recognize what happens? Would I bless people that I would normally avoid? Would I release blessings to people that I never know are hurting?
Father, that is what You asked Jesus to do. He did it in the power of the Holy Spirit. You have said that I can do those things too. So I ask that today I can do them as well. Help me listen, help me be obedient and help me to do it boldly. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 5
Foundation Stone 5; Resurrection of the Dead
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV)
27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Luke 16:19–31 (ESV)
19“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”
Thoughts on the Word
Reviewing the six foundation stones of our faith found in Hebrews 6:1-2.
1. Repentance from Dead Works
2. Faith in God.
3. Baptisms (cleansing a past)
4. Laying on of hands (empowering a future)
5. Resurrection of the dead (everyone has an eternal future)
Resurrection of the dead
Two things.
There is enough time in one lifetime to prepare for eternity. (Hebrews 9:27)
Our choice has consequences for eternity. (Luke 16:19-31)
God gives us a hope and future. He wants us to know that there is a wonderful eternity planned for us - but the choice is ours. We have this story where one has a great life on earth - but a terrible eternal destiny. The other has a terrible life in earth, but a blessed eternal destiny.
Here is the thing that challenges me. The rich man in torment is passionate for his brothers to be given a warning. "Abraham, please do something" so that they never come here because they reject Jesus. When is the last time I had this passion for lost people? It is time to see things with eternity in our minds. The resurrection is real for everyone.
Prayer
Father, life is so short. How do I use this time to help people choose correctly for eternity? Everyone makes their own choice - some actively choose, others let time make the decision for them (they wait, and wait until there is only one choice available).
Thank you that this life can be blessed, but thank you especially that eternity WILL be blessed because of my decision to obey Your word. Of the two, I would rather have a blessed eternity. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 6
Foundation Stone 6: Eternal Judgement
Hebrews 6:1–3 (ESV)
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits.
Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV)
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
1 Corinthians 3:10–15 (ESV)
10According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV)
27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Luke 16:19–31 (ESV)
19“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”
Thoughts on the Word
Reviewing the six foundation stones of our faith found in Hebrews 6:1-2.
1. Repentance from Dead Works
2. Faith in God.
3. Baptisms (cleansing a past)
4. Laying on of hands (empowering a future)
5. Resurrection of the dead (everyone has an eternal future)
6. Eternal judgment (everyone has their life’s work judged by God)
Eternal judgment
It has two parts to the test.
-- a pass/fail portion (name written in the book of life)
-- a show your work portion
Our life's work will be tested by fire - only what survives will last for eternity.
When God evaluates our life, He will use two tests.
1) the pass/fail test. Is our name written in His book of life?
2) the fire test. Will our lives work have any eternal value? God has a fire test for everything that is done.
These are critical questions that we need to ask now because this is how we will be evaluated. Build your life on the right foundation. Build your life with material that will pass the fire test.
Also, the foundation stones of our lives - these six stones we have reviewed – these are not difficult to understand, but they are critical so that we build a house that will stand the fire test.
Prayer
Lord, You determine the test we will face for our life's work. Some do not like Your tests, but You determine it, not us.
Father, I thank you I have the pass/fail portion right. Now I want to build my life right. I want to build it will the truths that we have laid with these foundation stones. There is much more to learn - You have so much to teach me. May I always remember these truths that form the basis for my life. Thank you that the basics are so simple! Now help me build my house that will handle any test! In Jesus name, Amen.