A Redux of My Most Popular Post
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been posting an expanded version of the most popular post on my blog—5 Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith. I wanted to expand on what I’d written by explaining what I saw as these 5 foundational truths.
The more I worked on the redux, the more I realized I needed to break my expanded version into parts. It ended up as a 4-part essay and this is after I cut down (edited out) what I wrote as I worked on it one truth at a time.
I chose to post this redux on Medium in Publishous under their “Believing” tag. So, follow along as I unpack these 5 foundational truths again but in an expanded 4-part version.
The Christian Faith Is All About Jesus, Not You or Me
5 Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith
It’s not always about you or me. When? Most of the time and with almost everything in life.
American and western culture might influence us to think differently but it’s true—especially true when it comes to the Christian faith. Though the popular trend in churches is to appeal to individual concerns, this is the opposite of what the Lord intended.
In a previous post, I pointed out that a general understanding of Christianity often revolves around moral goodness. Moral goodness in and of itself is certainly not bad but it is not the basis of genuine Christian faith.
Yes, true followers of Christ ought to be good examples of moral goodness but what is their moral goodness based on?
The Christian faith is not tied to any culture nor is it gained by upholding certain laws. It is not so much based on what a person believes but who.
The Cornerstone and Core of Christianity
It’s not the church, nor the Bible, nor you or me
A solid foundation is necessary for any building, even temporary ones. And yet, tall buildings in earthquake-prone areas are built with a certain flexibility to sway when the earth shakes. But all buildings need a level and square beginning as a reference point for the walls and roof.
Physical fitness experts say we need to maintain our core strength for a healthy body. Psychologists and philosophers alike put great emphasis on having core beliefs and values arrived at with sound reasoning.
Those of us who value what is spiritual, regardless of belief or religion, know how a healthy conscience and peaceful inner spirit are essential.
The Christian faith has a personal cornerstone and core as its foundation. His name is Jesus and He is the Cornerstone and Core of Christianity. And He is the founder and sustainer of Christianity.
What It Means to Follow Jesus
It’s not meant to be a solitary spiritual life
I went out early in the morning. As I walked up the mountain and into the forest, I expected God to reveal Himself to me in some way.
I looked for a sign in the sky and saw none. I strained to hear the voice of God but only heard the sounds of nature. Thankfully, I saw no burning bush since it was summertime in the forests of northern California.
Sometime later, in those days I didn’t keep track of time too well, as I read a paperback New Testament late one night I came across a double-edged statement by Jesus—
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14)
I took the last few words as a challenge.
Taking Our Faith Into the World
The fifth of five foundational truths of the Christian Faith
No way!
I never intended to become a missionary. As a pastor of a church in southern California, I supported missionaries and global mission work. But, no, never even imagined being a missionary.
I did go on a short-term mission to the Philippines for two weeks but I was glad to return home to my wife and family, my familiar life in southern California, and the church I pastored.
Upon my return, my longtime ministry assistant asked me, “Well, when are you moving?” I laughed and said, “no way!” I don’t think she was convinced but I was…for a few more months.
Thanks for reading!
