Understanding Our Foundations

We, as a church, have a problem. We know about the problem. We have had an engineer look at the problem, and confirm that it is a problem. Now we hope to get the problem addressed in the weeks ahead.

The problem is that our foundation is off. If we ignore the problem, the building will begin to pull itself apart. The good news is that we know the problem exists and we are addressing to get it fixed. It will be part of our insurance claim from the water-main break back on 11 December of last year.

Foundations are important!

The same can sometimes be true in a spiritual sense. If a foundation is not properly in place, it will lead to the weakening and destruction of a local church.

Theme: God is building His Church on solid a foundation.

1.The Cornerstone

A. Cornerstone Explanation

In the ancient world, buildings were built from a corner out. Lots of time and effort went into getting the the cornerstone correct. It was often large. It was essential to set the level. It was essential to set the stability. Every other stone was set from this stone. Any stone set to a different angle would work against the whole building and destroy it. Jesus referred to this in Mark 3.25

Mark 3:25 NKJV

25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Illustration: place a large block on a corner of the pulpit. Place another on an angle Show how a vertical post is made unstable by a bad foundation.

B.Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church.

Knowing that it is essential that the cornerstone determines the fate of the structure, Lets look at the cornerstone of the church. God wanted the Church to be solid and to stand the test of time, so He made Jesus Christ the cornerstone of the Church.

Ephesians 2:20 NKJV

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Jesus has this position because of the life He lived and His ministry today. He earned this position as the Cornerstone.

Hebrews 7:16 ESV

16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.

2.God’s cornerstone has an inscription.

Many important buildings today have a ceremonial cornerstone that gives information and credit. They often have a date, they may have the purpose, the name of the business, or even names of people who made the building happen.

1.The church has such a Spiritual Cornerstone inscription.

2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV

19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Two statements are on the church.

“The Lord know those who are His”

“The Lord knows…” - This is a basic of Christianity. God knows!

“…Those who are His” - The church is not there own thing! We are His! Bought with a price.

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

There is an inherent change of life that follows claiming to be a Christian. Large sections of Scripture are dedicated to this truth. Sometimes we see lists of things we no longer participate in. Sometimes we see lists of things we do engage in now that we are believers. Still other times we just see statement like: 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

This is a great attitude for us to have as a church replant!

3. The building process continues

We have already stated that Christ is the Cornerstone, as as a Cornerstone He has made a statement about what is meant to happen here.

1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now, lets lay that in the context of what the Apostle Paul was doing as he traveled and established churches.

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 NKJV

10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

This passage could easily be a sermon itself, but it is also essential as part of this sermon. What is Paul saying here.

We build by the grace of God. v10a

The building continues. v10b “I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.”a

There are different qualities of building materials. v13 He is not saying straw is sinful, just that it is not part of a quality and lasting build. Sure some build straw roofs, But I would rather have one of a higher quality and a more lasting material.

I had the opportunity to visit a village in remote PNG once. There the roof was made of straw on many of the houses - especially of the newly married. As I was visiting one home, I was told that they had to keep smoke in the house and going into the straw to keep the bugs from invading and even eating the straw. The elders of the village mostly had Colourbond roofs. It was recognised as a quality of life upgrade to have a more durable roof.

The same can be said of the church. We can do things the easy way or the quality way. Yes, at times we have to make due with what is available. However, Our desire must be towards a quality ministry that outlasts us.

We don’t build our church on emotions, or gimmicks. Those things don’t last.

In the end, rewards will be given based on the quality of workmanship.

Conclusion: As we said last week, Christ will build His Church. He is doing it on a solid foundation.

That cornerstone (His indestructible life, death for our forgiveness, and resurrection to prove and provide newness of life) has started the building process. The cornerstone also says what this building is supposed to be dedicated to. Now we have the opportunity to continue the building process with quality in mind.

1.Do we understand the picture of Christ as our Cornerstone?

2.Is the inscription of the cornerstone important to us? Does it show?

“The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim 2.19