The Basics

INTRODUCTION

A disturbing trend seen too often in many churches is the apparent apathy of many Christians...

- We go thru motions.

- We lead lives to quiet desperation.

God desires more for us (Romans 15:13)

Sometimes when we slump the answer for us is to get back to the basics / fundamentals.

ENERGIZE YOUR FAITH

1. Faith is essential (Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24)

2. The Word produces faith (Romans 10:17)

FORTIFY YOUR "HOPE"

1. Hope is necessary to persevere (Romans 8:25)

2. Hope is necessary for our motivation to become pure (1John 3: 2-3)

3. Hope is necessary to increase opportunities to evangelize (1Pe 3:15)

4. The Word of God was written to produce hope (Romans 15:4)

ACTIVATE YOUR "LOVE"

1. Expressing love gives us "assurance" of our salvation (1 John 3:14)

2. Expressing love assures us that God will answer our prayers (1 John 3:22)

3. Expressing love reassures us that we abide in God, and He in us - (1John 4:7-8)

ENHANCE YOUR "JOY"

1. Joy is an essential element of what constitutes the Kingdom of God - (Romans 14:17)

2. Joy lightens the burden of trials in this life - (1 Peter 6:9)

3. It is often the loss of this virtue that is most evident in the lives of many Christians!

ENJOY YOUR "PEACE"

1. Another crucial element constituting the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17)

2. Peace with brethren contributes to receiving peace from peace from God (2 Corinthians 13:11)

3. And having peace with God has a positive effect in our peace with our enemies (Proverbs 16:7)