The Bible guides our fellowship in all that we do. The Bible is our compass and lamp unto our path.
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Forgiveness is hard for each of us but it can never happen without Love.
Read MoreI would like to thank you for being a part of the Jinan International Christian Fellowship family whether you are presently in Jinan or some where around the globe. I would like to encourage you to reach out to us if you are in need of spiritual guidance or just feel like you need someone to chat with. Often times we may feel that we are in this battle all alone but we are not. It is important that you find a prayer partner with whom you can share both your cares and joys. I once read that sharing a problem cuts it in half and sharing joys doubles the pleasure,
Please read or listen to the sermons being presented on this site and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask or comment and we will be sure to reply as soon as possible.
May God richly bless you as the students here in Jinan get ready for the start of the new school term. Again do not be a stranger… Just reach out to us.
Blessings
Pastor Joe
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CloseSunday Lesson: Foundations of Faith – Build Your Life on Christ the Rock • Key Scriptures: Hebrews 6:1–2 (Primary NT), Matthew 7:24–27, Hebrews 11:6, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 8:17, John 5:28–29, Revelation 20:11–15; Old Testament Supporting Scriptures: Joel 2:12–13, Genesis 15:6, Exodus 30:18–21, Numbers 27:18–20, Job 19:25–26, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 • Lesson Goal: Help believers master the six elementary foundational doctrines of Christ from Hebrews 6:1–2, understand that solid faith starts with correct biblical basics, and learn to build mature, unshakable spiritual lives by standing firmly on these core foundations and advancing toward spiritual maturity. • Central Theme: True faith maturity is built upon the six unshakable biblical foundations listed in Hebrews 6:1–2; we must master these basics and move forward in faith instead of repeating elementary truths endlessly. What is the first thing you do when a storm (difficulty, pressure, failure) comes in life? Many people rely on money, relationships, abilities or luck to get through hard times. But these things are all “sand foundations” that will collapse easily. Today we will learn how to build our life on the unshakable foundation of Christian faith. Lead-in Scripture Core Lead-in Scripture: Hebrews 6:1–2 (NIV) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Key Point: God calls believers to build faith on six clear, biblical foundational truths. These are not childish lessons but the solid bedrock of all Christian growth. Only when we firmly grasp these foundations can we walk into spiritual maturity and stand firm in life’s storms. – Six Biblical Foundations of Faith from Hebrews 6:1–2 The Holy Spirit through the Book of Hebrews clearly defines the six elementary, non-negotiable foundations of Christian faith. These six truths are the starting point of all spiritual life. They are simple yet profound: every mature faith is built on these solid basics, and shaky faith always comes from missing or misunderstanding these core doctrines. Foundation 1: Repentance from Dead Works Core Truth & Old Testament Foundation (Joel 2:12–13): “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Repentance is not mere regret or apology, but a deliberate turn away from “dead works”—sinful, self-centered, worldly deeds that cannot bring spiritual life or please God. It is a complete change of mind and direction toward God. The Old Testament establishes true repentance as wholehearted return to Yahweh, not outward religious performance. Explanation: Dead works include not only obvious sins but also self-righteous deeds done apart from faith and for human glory. Repentance is the first step of faith: we cannot walk with God while clinging to worldly and self-pleasing lifestyles. True repentance breaks the bondage of sin and clears the way for spiritual growth. Application: Daily examine your heart and actions, confess dead works that grieve God, turn away from habitual sin, and live a life separated from worldly corruption. Foundation 2: Faith Toward God Core Scriptures: Old Testament Foundation (Genesis 15:6) “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” New Testament Clarification: Hebrews 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.” Explanation: Saving faith is deliberate, personal trust in the living God, not mere intellectual knowledge or religious ritual. This foundation means we fully rely on God’s nature, promises and sovereignty, abandoning self-reliance, human wisdom and worldly security. All spiritual growth begins with a sincere, trusting relationship with God. Application: Choose to trust God in uncertainties, replace worry with faith-filled prayer, and anchor your life decisions in God’s will rather than personal feelings or circumstances. Foundation 3: Instruction About Baptisms Old Testament Background (Exodus 30:18–21): God commanded ceremonial washings for priests to cleanse themselves before serving in the tabernacle, symbolizing purification from uncleanness and dedication to God. These OT ritual washings foreshadow the NT baptismal ordinance. New Testament Explanation: This foundational teaching covers the biblical truth of Christian water baptism, which fulfills and transcends OT ceremonial washings. It symbolizes our union with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is not a work of salvation but a public confession of faith, declaring our old sinful self has died and new life in Christ has begun. It marks our official entry into the fellowship of God’s family. Application: Understand the spiritual meaning of baptism, honor this biblical ordinance, and live out the baptismal identity—dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Foundation 4: The Laying on of Hands Old Testament Foundation (Numbers 27:18–20): God instructed Moses to lay hands on Joshua to commission him, impart spiritual authority, and publicly affirm his leadership before all Israel. This OT practice establishes the biblical pattern of laying on of hands for commissioning, blessing, and spiritual impartation. New Testament Explanation: Laying on of hands is a biblical spiritual ordinance inherited from OT biblical pattern, expanded in the New Testament for blessing, commissioning, affirming spiritual gifts, and receiving the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It represents corporate spiritual identification, prayerful impartation, and submission to God’s spiritual order in the church. This foundation teaches us to honor church fellowship, spiritual authority and the work of the Holy Spirit among believers. Application: Learn to receive spiritual blessing through corporate prayer, respect God-ordained spiritual leadership, and actively walk in the spiritual gifts and calling God has placed on your life. Foundation 5: Resurrection of the Dead Old Testament Foundation (Job 19:25–26): “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” New Testament Explanation: The bodily resurrection of the dead is not only a New Testament truth but a historic OT hope. Job’s confession reveals the ancient faith that God would redeem and resurrect His people. All people will be resurrected: believers unto eternal life with Christ, and unbelievers unto judgment. This truth breaks the fear of death, anchors our eternal hope, and empowers us to live godly lives in this temporary world. Our faith is not limited to earthly blessings but focuses on eternal glory. Application: Live with eternal perspective, abandon worldly lusts and temporary pursuits, and endure present hardships with the hope of resurrection and eternal reward. Foundation 6: Eternal Judgment Key Spiritual Principle: These six foundations are the starting line, not the finish line. Both Old and New Testament Scripture confirm these core truths. Hebrews 6:1 calls us to leave elementary teachings and move toward maturity—we must master these biblical basics rooted in the whole Bible, then grow deeper in Christ instead of repeating foundational lessons forever. Old Testament Foundation (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14): “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” New Testament Explanation: God is the righteous Judge. The Old Testament clearly establishes divine judgment for all human deeds, and the New Testament fulfills this as eternal judgment. A day of eternal judgment is appointed for all mankind. Every person will give an account to God for their words, deeds and choices. This foundational truth cultivates godly fear, encourages holiness, and reminds us that all our faith and actions have eternal consequences. Shaky Faith vs. Mature Faith: • Shaky faith: Lacks clear understanding of the six foundations; lives by feelings, ignores biblical ordinances, has no eternal perspective, and drifts in trials. • Mature faith: Rooted firmly in these six truths; lives in repentance and faith, honors biblical ordinances, walks in Spirit empowerment, and lives for eternity amid earthly storms. Group Discussion Divide into small groups to discuss the following questions, then share representative answers: 1. Which of the six foundational truths in Hebrews 6:1–2 do I understand the least or practice the weakest? 2. How does believing in resurrection and eternal judgment change my daily choices and attitude toward difficulties? 3. What areas of my spiritual life are still stuck in elementary faith, and how can I step into greater maturity this week? Application & Action Challenge This Week’s Faith Practice (Specific and actionable): 1. Repentance & Faith Practice: Daily self-examination, repent of dead works, and start each day with intentional faith declaration toward God. 2. Ordinance Understanding: Study the biblical meaning of baptism and laying on of hands, and actively participate in church spiritual fellowship. 3. Eternal Perspective Training: Set aside 5 minutes daily to meditate on resurrection and eternal judgment, adjust worldly priorities, and live for God’s eternal kingdom. Closing Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the six solid foundational truths of faith in Your Word from Hebrews 6:1–2. Forgive us for often staying in shallow, elementary faith and lacking spiritual maturity. Help us firmly grasp repentance from dead works, true faith toward You, biblical baptism, Spirit empowerment, resurrection hope and eternal judgment. Root our lives in these unshakable truths, enable us to grow steadily into spiritual maturity, live holy and faithful lives on earth, and hold fast the eternal hope until we meet You. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen!
| Foundations of Faith | Joe Summers | September 6, 2026 | Watch | ||
| Forgive and Forget | Joe Summers | August 23, 2026 | Watch | ||
| Sermon: Praying for Direction | Joe Summers | August 16, 2026 | Watch | ||
| Why are you Here | Joe Summers | July 5, 2026 | Watch | ||
| Do not be Stressed | Min Jean | June 28, 2026 | Watch |
Church News
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Click here for a summary of the lesson from Sunday June 1, 2025. https://jinanicf.com/sunday-sermon-summary/
