Apostle Joshua Selman, renowned for his depth of scriptural insight and practical teaching, began his highly anticipated series on the Fundamental Doctrines of Faith in January 2025. This teaching series serves as a foundational guide for believers seeking to build a solid understanding of the Christian faith. The first part of the series explored key biblical principles, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and unwavering faith in God.
Introduction: The Importance of Sound Doctrine
Apostle Selman opened the teaching by emphasizing the need for believers to be grounded in sound doctrine. Using Hebrews 6:1-2 as a foundational scripture, he outlined the six fundamental doctrines of Christ:
- Repentance from dead works
- Faith toward God
- The doctrine of baptisms
- Laying on of hands
- The resurrection of the dead
- Eternal judgment
He explained that understanding these doctrines is essential for spiritual growth and stability in the faith. He warned against the dangers of ignorance and spiritual immaturity, which often lead to deception and instability in a believer’s walk with God.
Key Scripture:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” — Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… — Hosea 4:6
1. Repentance from Dead Works
Apostle Selman began by defining repentance as a change of mind and direction. He explained that repentance is more than feeling sorry for sins; it is a conscious decision to turn away from actions, thoughts, and behaviors that do not align with God’s will.
What Are Dead Works?
- Dead works refer to any actions performed outside of faith in God, including sin and self-righteous acts.
- He highlighted Isaiah 64:6, which states that even our righteousness is like filthy rags without Christ.
Practical Application:
- Apostle Selman encouraged believers to evaluate their lives and ensure that their actions are motivated by a genuine relationship with God, not a desire for human approval or religious obligation.
- He stressed the importance of continual repentance as a lifestyle, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and transform us daily.
2. Faith Toward God
Faith was described as the foundation of the Christian life. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Apostle Selman emphasized that faith is not just a mental agreement but a deep conviction that results in action.
Key Components of Faith:
Hearing the Word of God:
Faith comes by hearing and understanding the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
He explained that believers must prioritize studying and meditating on the Word to build unshakable faith.
Trusting in God’s Character:
Faith is anchored in the integrity and faithfulness of God.
Apostle Selman shared testimonies of how trusting God has brought about supernatural breakthroughs in his life and ministry.
Acting on the Word:
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
He encouraged believers to act on what they believe, whether it’s stepping out in obedience to God’s instructions or declaring His promises over their lives.
3. The Doctrine of Baptisms
Apostle Selman highlighted that the Bible speaks of multiple baptisms, including:
- Water Baptism: A public declaration of faith in Christ, symbolizing the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Him.
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An empowerment for service and effective Christian living (Acts 1:8).
- Baptism of Suffering: The willingness to endure persecution and trials for the sake of Christ (Matthew 20:22).
He explained the significance of each baptism and encouraged believers to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit for boldness, guidance, and spiritual empowerment.
4. Laying on of Hands
Apostle Selman taught on the biblical practice of laying on of hands, explaining its role in:
- Impartation of spiritual gifts (2 Timothy 1:6)
- Healing the sick (Mark 16:18)
- Commissioning individuals for ministry (Acts 13:3)
He emphasized the importance of discernment in laying hands, as it is a sacred act that should not be done casually.
5. The Resurrection of the Dead
The doctrine of the resurrection was explored as a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Apostle Selman explained that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of our hope for eternal life.
Key Points:
- Every believer will experience a bodily resurrection, either to eternal life or eternal judgment (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
- The resurrection demonstrates Christ’s victory over sin and death, giving believers the assurance of their future glorification.
6. Eternal Judgment
Apostle Selman concluded by teaching on the reality of eternal judgment. He explained that every individual will stand before God to give an account of their lives (Revelation 20:11-15).
Judgment for Believers:
- Believers will not face condemnation but will be rewarded for their works (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Judgment for Unbelievers:
- Those who reject Christ will face eternal separation from God.
He stressed the urgency of preaching the gospel and living in obedience to God, knowing that eternity is at stake.
Practical Applications
- Deepen Your Understanding of Doctrine:
- Make it a priority to study the Word of God and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding spiritual truths.
- Cultivate a Lifestyle of Repentance and Faith:
- Regularly examine your heart and ensure that your faith is genuine and active.
- Be Filled with the Holy Spirit:
- Seek a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit for boldness, empowerment, and spiritual growth.
- Live with Eternity in View:
- Let the reality of eternal judgment inspire you to live a life of purpose, holiness, and evangelism.
Conclusion
The first part of Apostle Joshua Selman’s series on the Fundamental Doctrines of Faith laid a solid foundation for believers to build their spiritual lives. By understanding and applying these truths, believers can experience spiritual maturity, stability, and a deeper relationship with God. As the series progresses, Apostle Selman promises to explore these doctrines in greater depth, equipping the body of Christ to walk in the fullness of their faith.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Apostle Selman will delve further into these life-transforming teachings.