If the Foundation Be Destroyed...

Psalm 11

            David had a terrible enemy.  King Saul wanted him dead because God had chosen the former shepherd to succeed him as the next king of Israel.  In our text, David expresses his concern over the negative changes that had taken place under Saul’s leadership.  To his mind, the very foundation of the nation had been undermined by the sins of the people.  David could find hope in only one source – God!

            Foundations are very important.  A few years back, we were preparing to hold a Sunrise Service on the deck of the church at Russwood Baptist.  All the chairs were set up and people were beginning to take their seats when one corner suddenly gave way.  Everyone scrambled to safety and no one was seriously hurt.  Investigation showed that the foundation had been undercut by running water.

            Just as in David’s day, our society is dependent upon the stability of its foundations.  Personally, I am convinced that our nation is in danger.  The trouble is not caused by crime, violence, or drugs but by damage done to the greatest of all Christian institutions – the family.  Crime and violence are nothing more than outward manifestations of a rotting foundation.  It was the love of Christ that motivated early Americans to establish so unique and special a nation.  At the time, many Europeans pronounced the American Constitution an inspired work and many churches read it along with the scripture on Sundays.  The interpretation of the Constitution has changed over the years as the love for Christ has diminished.

            If we dig down to the bedrock of our foundation we find the Solid Rock.  The first stones upon that foundation are Christian men, women, and children – families!  The stability of the Christian family is its commitment – first to God and then to one another.

I.                    A Marriage Rooted In Christ’s Love

A.    The Biblical ideal of marriage is under fire

1.      It is rarely viewed as a lifetime commitment any more

2.      Living in pre-marital relationship requires no commitment

3.      Alternate lifestyles are gaining equal status.  Homosexuality is becoming a norm.

4.      Adultery is commonplace – it is expected (70% of men and 40% of women have committed adultery)

5.      Divorce – sometimes unavoidable but in most cases too easy a way out.  Many expect it going in.

B.     The best example – Christ and the Church

1.      Becoming one flesh – two becoming one

2.      Real commitment – determined from the start to make it work

3.      Our society stresses individuality and encourages members to made demands

C.    There are too many bad reasons for marriage

1.      To get away from home and restriction

2.      Everyone else is doing it

3.      Companionship – get a dog!

4.      In love with romance – marriage is hard work

Note:  We must not objectify one another

II.                 Responsible Parent/Child Relationships

A.    Begins with marriage

B.     Has the parents in control

1.      Parents love the child and set goals

2.      Too many want to be friends

3.      We have both moral and legal responsibility

4.      Children cannot make responsible decisions

C.    Allows the child to grow within limits

1.      Children need training wheels and safety nets

They need opportunities to demonstrate increasing maturity