Since becoming part of the NMBC family my girls and I have enjoyed playing wiffle ball Sunday afternoons in the FMC and frequently in the backyard. Two weeks ago our girls started Tee-ball with Middletown Little League. Practice is a great fun for the whole family assisting and watching 4 thru 6 year olds learn the game. Whether their enjoyment of the game ends with little league or one or both of my girls end up playing softball in college the fundaments remain the same. From little league to spring training in the major league fundamentals such as hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and base running remain constant. No matter the level of play, the enjoyment and proficiency of each player depends on how well he or she masters the fundamentals.
What is true for athletes is also true for us as Christ-followers. Whether today is your first day following Jesus or you’ve been a Christian for decades you never outgrow the fundamentals! In 2 Peter 1:12-14 Peter writes, “Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder.” (ESV) This summer we’ll follow the example of the Apostle Peter and “stir up” one another by teaching and
reminding each other of the fundamentals of our walk with Christ.
When I was a youth pastor I focused my energies on passing on seven principles every teenager needs to know. Not only did I teach these biblical principles to our students I took our adult student ministry team leaders through Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall’s book The Seven Checkpoints and bought a copy for each parent. Time and time again I heard from parents and adult ministry team leaders alike, “These principles are not just for teenagers, these are principles I need to apply in my life.”
This summer’s preaching series, The Fundamentals, will focus on these seven life principles:
Authentic Faith-- Authentic (biblical) faith is the confidence that God can be trusted and that He will do all that He has promised to do. Proverbs 3:5-6
Spiritual Disciplines-- When we renew our minds according to the truths of Scripture we experience life-change in both our attitudes and behavior. When you see as God sees, you’ll do as God says. Romans 12:2
Moral Boundaries-- Purity paves the way to intimacy. We must guard our bodies and emotions by honoring God’s plan for intimacy and morality. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Healthy Friendships-- God created us for community. Our friends determine the quality and direction of our lives. Proverbs 13:20 Walk Wisely-- We must ask God for wisdom to live “carefully.” Ephesians 5:15-17
Ultimate Authority-- Maximum freedom is found under authority. Each of us must recognize God’s ultimate authority and respect the earthly authorities He has placed over us. Romans 13:1-2
Other’s First-- J.O.Y.-- Joy is the result of living Jesus first, then others before considering ourselves. Philippians 2:3-11
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