Day 15 - Back to basics
In linear algebra (sorry); matrices and all that stuff, you will across a very useful "object" called a basis. Generally, a basis is like a coordinate system. That is any "point" in a system can be expressed as a linear combination of the vectors in the basis. (BLUR???)
Example, in the normal 2-dimensional Euclidean plane (the normal cartesian plane), the coordinates (1,0) and (0,1) form a basis for the plane. That is, any point (a,b) can be expressed as (a,b) = a(1,0) + b(0,1). Get it??? Or still confused?
So, with that in mind, what is the basis of our faith? What is the most essential teaching from which all other teachings are built upon? The answer is simple, it is the Gospel.
In 4 days, we celebrate Christmas. Why does Christmas exist in the first place? It is because Jesus was sent down from the heavens to like a perfect life for us. To be an example and to be the final atoning sacrifice for sinners like all of us.
But more than that, Jesus rose from the dead. He conquered death; and because of that, the penalty of sin has no more hold on us; if and only if we put our faith, hope and trust in Jesus.
“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place – unless you repent” – Revelations 2:4-5
That verse has been ringing in my head for over 3 months. It was a warning that God gave me about the Youth Ministry; and it has been confirmed through my conversation with some of you and with what pastor said to the YM com as well as what some VCF friends said to me. (I actually prepared a very long article for this blog; but I decided not to publish yet.)
Have we forgotten our first love? I think so. Have we gotten caught up in the all the inner workings of the YM that we have forgotten the most central thing that is supposed to keep us going? I think we have.
We need to go back to basics. And return to the Gospel; the basis of our faith.
