Foundation: Building Blocks of the Faith: Week 5

Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV) 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. 

1.  Repentance from dead works

2.  Faith toward God

3.  Baptisms

4.  Laying on of hands

5.  Resurrection of the dead 

6.  Eternal Judgment 

God hasn’t put these six doctrines in the church for them to be taken out by men.  

Three Biblical Purposes for Laying on of Hands:

1.  Physical Healing

Matthew 8:14-15 (NKJV) Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her.  And she arose and served them. 

Luke 4:40 (NKJV) When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.

Jesus laid hands on those who were…

• Sick (Mk. 6:5)

• Deaf and mute (Mk. 7:32)

• Blind (Mk. 8:22-25)

• Leprosy (Mk. 1:40-42)

• Spirit of infirmity (Lk. 13:13)

• Dead (Mt. 9:18)

Acts 28:7-9 (NLT) Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island.  He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days. 8 As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery.  Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 

Mark 16:15-18 (NKJV) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature… 17 And these signs will follow those who believe:  In My name they will… 18 lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

2.  The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Acts 8:14-17 (NLT) When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.  

3.  Impartation

A.  Calling

Numbers 27:18-20 (NKJV) …take Joshua, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to the priest and the community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him…” 

B.  Spiritual Gifts

1 Timothy 4:14 (NLT) Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

C.  Blessing

Mark 10:13-16 (NLT) One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them.  But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with His disciples.  He said to them, “Let the children come to Me.  Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.

Acts 26:14 (ESV) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying… 

John 18:6 (NKJV) Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

When heaven and earth collide, something has got to give.