The Faith of the Church

Acts 2:42–47 NLT

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Introduction:

We have been talking over the past few weeks about how the church has recieved criticism over the years. We have earned some of that criticism but many say things about the church that are unjust and unwarranted. After all The Church is Jesus’ idea and He is the One who maintains it.

While there are things wrong with the church, mainly it has us flawed people, there are many wonderful things. One of them is THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH.

I have had the great privilege of visiting many places in my life so far. I love to see all the different kinds of buildings. Some are very tall and some are small and cozy. But they all have something in common. If they are built on a weak foundation, they will fall, given time. It really doesn’t matter how well you build the roof or the walls if the foundation isn’t solid.

It goes without saying that only something that is built on a firm foundation will last. I want to remind you today that our foundation is Jesus Christ and His word.

Matthew 16:18 “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

Let’s look at why I can say with confidence that the Church will not be destroyed!

Our Foundation is Firm

Some reports say there were 1500 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or higher in 2024. Just this morning at 8:01 there was an 3.2 magnitude earthquake 4km WNW or Little America, Wyoming. There has likely been another since we arrived at church this morning.

In January of 2024 there was an enormous earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 that hit Noto, Japan.

549 people died

193,529 structures destroyed

$571 billion in claims (according to General Insurance Assoc. of Japan)

As tragic as it is, it should not be a surprise as Jesus predicted this time:

Luke 21:10–11 “Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.” - also see Matthew 24:7.

Earthquakes are a horrible disaster that cost countless lives and money. If a city lives in one of these areas it would only make sense for them to build buildings knowing that an earthquake is possible.

Jesus tells a story to illustrate the value of a firm foundation:

Matthew 7:24–29 ““Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”

Here is a fact of life:

Rain will come in torrents, floodwater do rise, winds do beat. Spiritual events will shake us .

This is what will determine whether you stand or fall - it is on what kind of foundation you have built upon.

If you were to look back through history you would find that nothing lasts without a firm foundation.

The church has faced persecution, scandal, fire, flood, breakdowns, and splits, but it keeps on going and surviving.

Things that were built on men or systems or entertainment have died. But not the Church — it still stands today!

It stands only because it has been built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ! AMEN!

Just how firm is this foundation? (let’s look to scripture)

Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”

1 Corinthians 3:10–13 “Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.”

Our Foundation is Trustworthy

We seem to be living in a day of moral failure.

It is very hard to believe anyone or anything. I know this sounds cynical.

Who do you believe?

Was the COVID shot bad or good? I don’t know but I know the reports are diverse.

Can you trust one news source over another or are they all filled with half-truths and false statements?

The entire United States Executive branch hid the fact that the president was having age related memory issues.

I read just the other day that former Pastor Robert Morris was turning himself in at an Oklahoma jail for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with minors.

Its hard to trust, especially when there is so much imperfection.

But God and His Word are flawless! He can be trusted!

Satan is working hard to make people doubt.

He is creating a movement that causes doubt in the infallibility of the Bible.

But the Bible continually and consistency reinforces itself.

2 Peter 1:20–21 “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

I stand on the truth of God’s Word and believe it to be the flawless work of God that is without mistake.

There are no contradictions only mysteries.

I believe it today even more strongly that when I first believed?

2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.”

1 Timothy 4:7 “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.”

I believe:

God made man in His image

Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into the world

God flooded the earth and saved a remnant through Noah and his family

God called Abram out from his home and blessed him with a multitude of relatives

God brought His people Israel out of bondage in Egypt by sending the plagues, defying the gods of Egypt.

He split the Red Sea and caused His people to walk through on dry ground.

He sent His commandments for His people on Mt Sinai and expects loyalty and obedience

God sees the imperfection of man and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our sin and our punishment and crucify it on His cross.

He lived a sinless life

Died a criminal’s death

Rose on the third day, defeating death and the grave

He ascended into heaven and is interceding for the world now

He is coming back for his spotless bride

If you believe it say amen!

Our Faith is to be Fought For

There has been a forceful move to remove Christianity from schools, all government, and even media.

There has also been a push to remove Bibles from motels. Thank God for the Gideons who make sure The Good News is available in most rooms today.

Furthermore, The world is full of people who are hurting!

Many people who are hurting seek help from counseling or philosophy or psychology instead of somewhere they can actually get help.

Listen to what one of my favorite pastors has to say:

“If theory and conjecture and opinion are talked about enough then the truth loses its sting and authority and the theory takes over.” Loran Livingston Central Church, Charlotte, NC Sermon 7/4/21

Preachers have turned themselves into sociologists and psychiatrist and counselors and professors and you are none of that sir if God has put his hand on your life, you’re not any of that. You’re a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and you are not trying to mollify the situation so people will feel more comfortable, your supposed to stand up and say “what saith the Lord” and in their discomfort they are supposed to cry out and ask God to forgive them. They’re supposed to realize that they are lost in sin, theres a curse on them and the judgment of God is coming on them. But Jesus died and rose again so that if they call on his name He would save them. Jesus wants you out of that mess not let you conform to a sinful lifestyle. 

Listen to what the Word of God says:

Jude 3 “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”

1 Timothy 1:18–19 “Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.”

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”

We have to fight for our faith and point people to Jesus as the only answer.

I love how the song says - “It’s not what has happened to me but who!” (Dayna McMahon)

We believe that that the Bible rightly divided has the power to set men free and help them to live a life worth living.

Altar

Today could be the difference in where you spend eternity - have you placed your faith in the only firm foundation there is, Jesus Christ?

Has your faith been shaken, I hope today has been a reminder to you. Come and talk it over with the Master.

Are you looking to take your faith to a deeper level? Come