LAYING THE FOUNDATION

"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (2) of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." - Heb. 6:1-2

One of the key words of this verse is again. The writer of Hebrews knew that the people he was writing to had already been taught in these basics of the faith, and where ready to move on from the milk of the word to more mature matters. Unfortunately many people are not even taught these basic principles of the faith, and I marvel at how the enemy has been able to cause so much division over these topics. But our goal at ICM Russia is to teach people the word and how to study the word, as we try to make a stronger and healthier church.

Please join us in praying for the group of people that the ICM team are taking through the basics of the faith based on Hebrews 6:1-2. They have already taught on repentance from dead works, faith toward God, and the baptism of the Spirit. Next, they will be teaching the baptisms of repentance, and water. Abner, Valentine, and Nate are taking turns as they cover each of these topics. Please pray that they will be filled with the wisdom of the Lord and that those that come will have open hearts to receive, as well as the wisdom to understand. Pray that these people will be able to grow from what they learn and that they would be stronger in their faith.

The group that has been coming is mainly elderly ladies, who have been Christians for a long time and this is either new for them or they have been taught in some sort of false doctrine and are confused. It is amazing that they have been going to church for years and still have not been taught the basics of the faith in a way that they would be able to grow or be able to defend against the lies of Satan. There is a big problem here in Russia in that people do not know the word and in turn don’t know the God they serve. It is sad. Pray that this group of ladies would be able to grow and strengthen the church. I believe that groups like this will lead to the strong and healthy church we are trying to build.

On a slightly different note, please pray for revival in Cherepovets and that the Light of Hope Church would become exactly that to this city. It is pretty obvious right away when you come to Russia that most the Christians are older, and most of them women. I believe it is one of the signs of not a very strong and alive church when there is not a variety of people: young, old, male, female, rich, poor, or any other variety. Though Light of Hope Church is small, I see this variety already, and I only hope that it will continue to grow. We believe that with your prayer and support we will be able to live up to our name and become a strong and lively church, a beacon of light to the surrounding community.

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