This Sunday we'll continue in our sermon series in Hebrews, and we'll look at Hebrews 5:11 through 6:3.  The title of the sermon is "Go On To Maturity," and my hope is that this is a very practical sermon that gives good counsel on how to grow and become more mature as a Christian. 

I think ths passage (especially Hebrews 5:12) teaches that all Christians should grow into maturity in the faith to the point that they can, in some way, teach the basics of the faith to others.  And if you have to teach it, you will mature in it.  That's true in every field, and it's certainly been the case in my experience as a pastor.

Brian has chosen Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak as one of our hymns for Sunday morning, and I think it perfectly encapsulates this thought: "O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things Thou does impart; And wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart." 

I probably won't go into this in the sermon for lack of time, but this idea that every Christian must grow to be mature enough to teach the elementary parts of the faith to others must be true simply because one must know the elementary parts of the faith in order to do evangelism.  While some Christians might balk at the notion that all Christians are called to teach, few would argue that all are called to share their faith.  But, after all, evangelism is simply teaching others the basics of Christianity.  Conversion is God's work through our teaching.

Sunday night we will not have any activities at our church facilities.  Instead, we'll meet out at the Oktibbeha County Lake beginning around 6PM for a time of fellowship.  The church will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, while we are asking everyone who attends to bring desserts and drinks.  Please come out enjoy some laid-back Fourth of July time with your church family on Sunday night.