Firm Foundation

Firm Foundation
Words of Faith 2-6-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 6
[1] Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying the foundation of repentance again from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, [2] instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [3] And God permitting, we will do so.

       Imagine for a moment having a home or building under construction and every time you got the framing up and the walls in place, the General Contractor suddenly said   "We would like to pour the foundation again to be sure it is going to be solid..." So the crew tears back down to the dirt, breaks the foundation into pieces, hauls it away, and starts all over, pouring the fresh concrete. Sort of silly, isn't it? But that is what we do sometimes in our Christian life. We re pour the foundations of our faith over and over and over again, and we never move on.

Now be sure of this, the foundation must be sure and secure, whether under a building or under a life. But once it is solid, we do not need to pour it again. We may recall the day we poured the foundation, look at pictures, and rejoice in its firmness, but we do not need to tear down the structures of faith and pour the foundation again.

        So let's make sure the "foundations" are in place before we move on. What are they?

        1) Repentance from acts that lead to death. You cannot build your life of faith without this ingredient in the foundation. This is not to say that we will not repent of sin again as it is revealed in us, but we must start with the foundation of repentance from "acts that lead to death". We cannot journey far if we have not repented of the lifestyles that lead to death. To repent means to turn away from with a new mind given from God.

         What are these acts that lead to death? Paul said that "the acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality (sex with anyone other than your spouse of the opposite sex), impurity (impure thoughts and activities) and debauchery (sensual seduction); idolatry and witchcraft (which included drug use); hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19 21). This describes well the acts that lead to death. Our foundation must begin with repentance from these.

        2) Faith in God. Our faith in God will always grow, but there is a foundation of faith that is necessary. This foundation is our personal decision to TRANSFER TRUST (faith) from self to God. As long as we cling to trusting in ourselves for salvation, we are not saved, and we cannot begin spiritual growth into deeper things.

        3) Baptisms. Various ritual washings or baptisms were part of Jewish life. This also likely refers to the basic acts of Christian baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Writer does not consider these to be deeper topics as we sometimes do, but foundational. The obedient act of Christian baptism in which we identify with Christ in His death and resurrection is a foundational and empowering element of the Christian life as we discover the power of the Holy Spirit for Christian living and ministry.

        4) Laying on of hands. The laying on of hands was common in the early church for confirming faith, ordaining leaders, and praying for the sick and spiritually afflicted. This was not something deep and mystical. It was foundational.

        5) The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. The end times are always compelling to us. But this is not a "deeper teaching" or a topic for great speculation. This is a basic truth.

       Are the foundations solid in your life? If so, celebrate them today. Don't re pour them. But if these foundations are not in place in your life, ask God to pour them into you today so that you may move on to deeper learning and maturity in the faith. God permitting, we will do so.

      Lord, I celebrate the foundations of faith. Those that are lacking, I ask that you pour into me. Make me firm and solid, that I may grow in my faith and in my relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.