Hebrews 5:11-6:3

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 teaching 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.

Here we find the writer of Hebrews (this is a letter written to the early Christian converts from Judaism) condemning the believers for a lack of diligence in their faith. These are not new converts but rather they should now be teachers themselves as they have been long exposed to the foundational teachings of Christ. I would think that the writer of Hebrews would have a very similar comment about the state of the church today.

Think about it. We all expect our doctors to continue to learn long after medical school. I would not want my doctor to have never studied since school. How would he stay in touch with all of the latest advancements? Many of you in your jobs are required to take continuing education in order to stay certified or keep your jobs.

Do you know more than the basic foundations of the Christian faith? Do you study the Bible on your own and in groups? We send our children to Sunday school but do you send yourself? Does your church even offer adult education opportunities? Do you know what the Bible says about predestination, God's omnipotence, whether a believer can lose their salvation, or the final days? These are all things believers should be striving to understand what scripture does say so you can:

* Recognize good or bad teaching when you hear it.

* Teach your own family. It is a very common misperception that your church is responsible for your family's spiritual growth. The job belongs to you with your church as a partner, not the leader.

* More fully understand what God's plan is for your life.

* Be equipped to share the Good News with those who have never heard it. Yes, every believer is to be able to share their faith, not people like Billy Graham.

So how do you rate? Carve the time out of your family's crazy schedule to make time for God through prayer and Bible study. It is only THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING!

In His service, for His glory
Mark