“He that is dead is freed from sin…” (Rom. 6:7) [from Journal 4-23-15]

We’ve been digging into the heavier concepts lately—things like “healings, casting out unclean spirits, power, and authority.” These studies are a glimpse of our destiny. They are waymarks of our spiritual growth. But before these come mightily into and through our lives, we must make our calling and election sure by shoring up the “first principles of the doctrine of Christ.” Therefore, I thought it expedient to review the foundational first works that Christ preached before we get ahead of our skis.

The first words that Christ spoke as He came into a village was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And then He would say, “Have faith in God.” These are the first two teachings of “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42; Heb. 6:1-2). Christians coming into His body must…