Hebrews 6:1 (ESV) Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Elementary is defined as easily dealt with; straightforward and uncomplicated.

A doctor of theology stated to us that the nature of the human condition likes to make things complicated. Perhaps we believe that if we can make things complicated we are needed, valued and superior. There are mysteries within the bible and kingdom living. Those things were meant to sort out those who either do not have the Holy Spirit as a tutor, or have not learned to hear with those spiritual ears.

Foundational truths about our God are simple, straightforward and easily dealt with. The gospel is as simple as it gets. This is so that anyone who might come can come to believe on Jesus Christ. An invitation cloaked in mystery is not an invitation.

How it works and why it works is a step further in understanding and we have pastors and teachers to help us navigate those waters. No one is meant to drown. Some flounder but didn’t we all need to learn how to swim?

Here is the essential truth of elementary school; do your disciples understand the lessons? If they do not, make the lesson more elementary. Remove complexity, ambiguity and mystery from the lessons.

When you read the last paragraph was your first thought, “But I don’t have any disciples.”

Matthew 28:19 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

We are told to make disciples. If your first instinct is to defend yourself by saying you are not an evangelist, a pastor or an apostle, allow me to refer you back to Matthew 28:16 where disciples were told to make disciples. Discipleship comes down to one simple issue, share what you have been taught.