Back to the Basics

This past Sunday, one of our elders, Tim Eller, shared a very powerful, yet very simple message from God's Word. He challenged us to go Back to the Basics.

Before I attempt to capture Tim's thoughts from yesterday, I need to share with you a little about Tim, if you do not know. For the past 3-5 years, Tim has been dealing with loss of sight. He has been through a number of eye surgeries, and his current condition is one of being legally blind. As a result of that blindness, Tim has lost the ability to do what were once normal activities in his life, like driving, being able to read, being able to see beyond the reach of his arm, etc. As I in my limited way have walked with Tim through this over these past few years, I have watched Tim lose his physical sight, but have been amazed at the growth in his spiritual sight. That has not been without struggle, as you can imagine. But, as Tim has surrendered more of his heart and his pride to God, God has done an amazing transformation in Tim's heart and life.

So, when Tim stands to speak today, he brings a great deal of credibility and wisdom to the message beyond the content, because God's power is manifested in Tim's weakness.

Now to Tim's message.

Today our culture through Satan's influence tries to remove and replace the core values taught within the Word of God. Marriage is being redefined. Family is being redefined. Morality in general is being reinterpreted. So what should believers do in the face of these attacks against the values that we hold dear to our hearts?

Tim took us to Acts 2:42-47 to examine some core values of the early church, which were foundational to the nuclear family and to the extended family, the church. What are those core values that brought about such early growth in the church, and such a positive reputation within the culture of the day?

There are four core values that were appropriate then, and are yet relevant today.

1. The believers devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching. The people were focused on the Word of God and the messages that God was daily revealing through His chosen servants in that day. Is this a core value for you and your family? How much time do you spend in the Word of God each day? How much time do you spend at the feet of God's leaders today?
2. The believers devoted themselves to fellowship with other's of like faith. The people were focused on the faith community, and sharing life's struggles with one another. Is this a core value for you and your family? How much time do you spend with other believers? How much time do you spend with people who will reinforce your faith?
3. The believers devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. The people regularly enjoyed the Holy Communion, Lord's Supper, or Eucharist with one another. They were also in each other's homes, sharing meals with one another, and continuing to build that spiritual community. Is this a core value for you and your family? How often do you "break bread" with fellow believers?
4. The believers devoted themselves to prayer. The people were actively in conversation with God, and were steadfastly listening for God's message in their hearts from His Holy Spirit. They believed in the power of prayer. Prayer reinforced their faith walk with God. Is this a core value for you and your family? How often do you pray? How do you pray? Do you listen for God to speak to you? Do you respond to His messages through prayer?

These core values were critically important to our brethren in the early church. These were the simple, yet profound values that they held on to. These values, and others like them, turned the world upside-down in that day! Do you think they will do the same today?

Don't you think it is time for us to get Back to the Basics?

Thank you, Tim!