“Solid fundamentals"

In any Profession, Sport or activity there are basic fundamentals.

A disturbing trend seen too often in many Christians is their apparent apathy regarding the things of God.

They may attend services regularly, However, it appears that they are only "going through the motions"

To slightly rephrase Henry David Thoreau The mass of (Christians) lead lives of Quiet desperation.

I will contend that God want more than that for us.

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

I believe the problem is one similar to an athlete or a sport team or a performance graded executive commonly referred to as being "in a slump”.

Such a person or team "goes through the motions", but they are not performing up to their true potential.

The solution in sports or business: Work on "the fundamentals"

The same can be true of Christians; when we find ourselves "in a slump”

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent (NKJV)

So what now? How do we get back to the fundamentals of faith?

Step 1 Renew your faith

A Scriptural definition of faith can be found in Hebrews 11:1

The NIV may be helpful here: "Now faith is

being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

VINE'S describes faith as "a firm conviction"

Some like to think of faith as confident trust"

ENERGIZE YOUR "FAITH"How important is faith?

Faith is essential to pleasing GodHe 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Faith in Jesus is necessary to finding forgiveness and eternal lifeJohn 8:24 (NIV) 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

John 20:30-31 (niv) 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name

Without faith the only alternative is doubt accompanied by fear.

Matthew 14:30-31(NIV)30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Word of God is designed to produce faith

Romans 10:17(NIV)17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

John 20:30-31(NIV)30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

we can "energize" our faith! By Diligent reading of the Scriptures

Step 2 Fortify your hope

What is Hope ?

VINE'S says that it involves "the happy anticipation of goodIt is NOT wishful thinking, or an insecure "I hope so"

Rather as VINE'S defines it further, it is "a confident expectation”A definition of hope that I have heard is "desire plus expectation"

Why Is "HOPE“ IMPORTANT

Hope is necessary for perseverance.

Romans 8:25 (NIV) 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hope Helps us to desire to remain pure1 Jn 3:2-3 (NIV) 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Hope help to increase our desire as well as the opportunities to evangelize

1 Peter 3:15(NIV)15 But in your hearts revere 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,