The Fundamentals
The Fundamentals
It's been a while, but I once could shoot a basketball. That may not sound all that impressive, and in the scope of eternity, probably not that important. However, how I learned to shoot a basketball has been a lesson that has stayed with me for many years.
I was in an American public school in my freshman year of high school. The basketball coach happened to have an All-American ring on his finger next to a state championship ring awarded the previous season. Rather than a P.E. class, he taught a basketball skills class where we learned the fundamentals of the game. We, students, were not allowed to shoot a basketball for the first month until we had mastered the basic motions. Once allowed to throw the ball at the hoop, we had to stand under the hoop as close to the basket as possible. It was almost mind-numbing how boring and rote the lessons were.
Then the day came when we were allowed to heave the ball skyward in the direction of the hoop. To our amazement, a skill had developed in us to make the shot and prevent the ball from touching the hoop entirely as it spun graciously through in a satisfying swoosh. My semester final consisted of 50 free throws. All but one went in without nicking the edge of the hoop's rim. Going from Amazon, missionary, jungle-kid, to free-throw basketball shooting master had everything to do with learning the fundamentals.
In your walk with Jesus, what fundamentals bring fluid function to your faith? Unfortunately, most of us disciple how we were discipled, which too often means we weren't given the fundamentals. In my life, I continue to run into gaps in my knowledge and practice that have made obedience to Jesus extra challenging.
The writer of Hebrews says,
“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,”
Only after the 'elementary doctrine of Christ' has been laid down can we move forward. What an important, crucial step! How many of you, like myself, would prefer to skip the first step and 'go on to maturity'? It's tempting but impossible without having first grasped the foundational truths and practices.
This Sunday, we will begin an intentional journey to lay a foundation of basic truths and practices. Just like any new endeavor, it will take time and be challenging. Re-shaping is personal and painful when we are used to thinking and living in ways outside the Word of God. But, by God's grace, we will find foundation in the immovable truths of Christ Jesus and will humbly support and encourage one another in the fundamental practices of Christian living.
If you haven't already, plan to join us for the first session of our Foundations Class this Sunday before the service from 9:00-10:00.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Loren