The Six Elementary Teachings of Our Faith
Daily Bible Studies for October 27 - November 1, 2008
Let's Get Back to Basics!
This Week’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-3; Acts 20:16-21, Galatians 3:5-7 NLT
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
16Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him. 18When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:16-21 NLT
5I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. 6In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. Galatians 3:5-7 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the simplicity of salvation—that all I have to do is put my faith in You through Your Son Jesus and I am saved! I praise You for not making me work for my salvation, but for giving it to me as a gift. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
What does it mean to you to place your faith in God?
Why do you think that many people don’t place their faith in God?
Today’s Challenge: I will place my faith in God, and enjoy the blessings of His salvation through Jesus!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give me an extra measure of faith today that I may face every opportunity and every challenge with joy, knowing that You will guide me, sustain me and give me victory! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him. Acts 20:16-17 NLT
Get out your bible and read the context surrounding this Scripture. Why did Paul want to meet with the elders from the church at Ephesus
What person or group of people would you like to see one more time? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit today, and let my faith in Jesus be a light for others to see and follow as well!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the power of Your Holy Spirit that I may never shrink back from telling anyone what they need to hear. I pray for opportunities to tell my family and friends who don’t yet call Jesus Lord in their lives, about the salvation and joy that can only be known through Him. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:18-21
With what attitude does Paul tell the Ephesian elders that he carried out his ministry? Why is this important?
What was Paul’ message among the Ephesians?
Today’s Challenge: I will speak the truth about Jesus in love to those I meet today, that they may know Him, and that I may be found faithful!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that today and always I will live out my faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let me never strive to work my way to You, but always to know and remember that faith in You alone is the source of salvation. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. Galatians 3:5 NLT
What does the Apostle Paul say was the reason that God gave the Galatian believers the Holy Spirit and worked miracles among them?
What does this tell us about the importance of placing our trust in Jesus alone?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust Jesus fully that I may live in the Spirit’s power and see Him work miracles through my life!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that I am a “child of Abraham,” not because I was descended from his line biologically, but because I, too, believe You! Please fill me with Your Spirit that I may believe You more and more with each passing moment of this day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. Galatians 3:6-7 NLT
What does the Apostle Paul say was the source of Abraham’s righteousness? What does this say about our becoming righteous?
What is the significance of putting our faith in God according to this Scripture?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust God first and always that I, too, may be a child of Abraham and, more importantly, a child of God!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the elementary teachings of our faith, and thank you for this week of focusing on faith in You. Now, I pray that I may live out these teachings so I will always bring You glory and honor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
How do you see “placing our faith in God” differently after this week of study?
What one thing do you need to do to be more faithful?
Today’s Challenge: I will live out the six elementary teachings today in order to grow more mature in my life in Jesus!