First Principles

Kyle Bartholomew

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. (Hebrews 5:11-6:3)

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:7-8)

Joy, Kelly, & C.L.,after Kelly's Baptism

In my eight years of Christianity, I have heard many people refer to themselves as "mature Christians". Some refer to longevity, others to knowledge, but very few are mature by scriptural definition. In chapters five and six of the book of Hebrews, the author teaches that there are three signs a Christian has moved from infancy on to maturity. These signs are:

1) the ability to teach (5:12)

2) capacity to distinguish good from evil (5:14),

3) Fruitfulness (6:7-8).

Jen shares during her restoration!

An individual or Church that does not move from infancy to maturity will eventually fall away. This scripture implicates that if we do not teach God's word consistently, we begin to forget what his word says. Hebrews 5:12 states "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." It has amazed me over the years that some of the most esteemed men of God who stopped teaching God's word almost systematically began to forget God's word as evidenced by there life. Also, if we are not able to distinguish good from evil, we are prone to Satan's attacks and schemes. So many have compromised there daily times with God and began to fall into temptation because they have not "constantly used the scriptures". If a person has the ability to teach and the capacity to distinguish good from evil, with consistent effort, they will learn to be fruitful. So many have passed off there lack of fruit as a matter of not having the gift of "making disciples". Making disciples is not a matter of gift; it is a matter of obedience and effort. This should be the goal of every disciple, to become scripturally mature.

During the next two months we at the Honolulu International Christian Church, will aim to become scripturally mature Christians as we begin our First Principles classes. In these classes, we will work to solidify our doctrine, unify our membership, and multiply disciples. In order to do this, we have a set of studies we will teach the congregation that are designed to help people become Christians.

Course Information

1. This course should take a high priority in your day as it is geared to help you grasp a firmer hold on God's Word and to deepen your understanding of His will for your life.
2. Each study's content including the book, chapter, and main point of every scripture should be memorized.
3. Each student is required to memorize the names of all the books of the Bible.
4. An outline of the book of Acts will be turned in by session 11. Each student is required to memorize two points from each chapter in the book of Acts.

Session Outlines

Session 1..............................................................Introduction and Seeking God
Session 2..............................................................The Word Of God
Session 3..............................................................Discipleship
Session 4..............................................................The Coming of the Kingdom
Session 5..............................................................Light and Darkness
Session 6..............................................................New Testament Conversion
Session 7..............................................................The Cross
Session 8..............................................................The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Session 9.....................................................The Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Session 10............................................................The Church
Session 11............................................................Acts 1 - 8
Session 12............................................................Acts 9 - 15
Session 13............................................................Acts 16 - 21
Session 14............................................................Acts 21 - 28

Scripture Memory

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

Session 1-Seeking God Study
Session 2-The Word Study
Session 3-Discipleship Study
Session 4-The Kingdom Study
Session 5-Light and Darkness
Session 6-New Testament Conversions
Session 7-The Cross
Session 8-The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Session 9-The Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Session 10-The Church

Honolulu Church let us study hard as we work to become mature Christians!

Aloha,

Kyle preaches an awesome sermon for the Inaugural Service in Honolulu!

Kyle Bartholomew
Lead Evangelist

First Principles

Kyle Bartholomew

Course Information

Session Outlines

Suggested Reading List

Scripture Memory