Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

It has been pointed out that in the Christian life we either go forward or backward. There is no standing still. Like a tree we will grow or die. We saw yesterday that grace is not opposed to effort (although it is opposed to works as a way of salvation). If we are going to grow as Christ’s disciples we have to try, trusting: make every effort to progress, but in God’s strength, not our own.

When you become a Christian, you start out at the ‘nurture group’ level, but you shouldn’t stay there. It is appropriate to see a two year old in the creche, but not a twenty two year old!

Based on your current levels of commitment, how likely are you to remain in the nursery?!