THE CHURCH HAS ONE FOUNDATION


A. A FOUNDATION
  1. That upon which something rests: Isa. 14:32; 28:16
  2. Christ is the only foundation of the church:
    1. He is the foundation of the gospel - Rom. 1:16; Acts 4:12; Col. 1:27
    2. He is the only foundation of the church - Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet. 2:8-11; 1 Cor. 10:4; 1 Pet. 1:3
B. THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTER OF THIS FOUNDATION
  1. It is distinguished for its strength:
    1. This factor is of prime importance in the construction of a building - Matt. 7:24-27
    2. If the foundation is weak, the safety of the building is endangered - Ps. 11:3; 82:5
    3. Christ is a strong tower to all who place their hope in Him - Ps. 20:1; Prov. 18:10
    4. His word is strong - Matt. 24:35
    5. His character is strong - Heb. 13:8
    6. His power is unlimited - Matt. 28:18; Isa. 9:6
  2. For suitability:
    1. Acceptable to the Father - Matt. 3:17; 17:5
    2. His sacrifice is sufficient to save to the uttermost - Heb. 2:14-17; Matt. 1:21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26
  3. For its perpetuity:
    1. It is not affected by the change of time - Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8
    2. It is always the same - Heb. 13:8; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 6:18-20
    3. It has been wisely chosen and laid by our heavenly Father, who does all things well. It simply is wonderful to build upon that foundation "for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" our Lord - 1 Cor. 3:11
C. THE FOLLY AND IMPIETY TO LAY ANOTHER FOUNDATION
  1. When we build upon the dictate of our unsanctified and uninformed conscience:
    1. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." - Prov. 28:26
    2. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." - Prov. 16:25
  2. By relying upon our own goodness:
    1. Think of the Pharisees - Luke 18:10-12
    2. Consider the false assertion by some misguided Christians - Matt. 7:22; Rev. 3:14-16
  3. Let us keep in mind the sufficiency of the foundation laid by the wise Master Builder:
    1. He is able to save to the uttermost - Heb. 7:22-27 EXAMPLES -
      1. The thief on the cross - Luke 23:42-44
      2. The woman of Samaria - John 4:1-29
      3. The woman caught in adultery - John 8:1-12
    2. Let us consider Paul's testimony - 1 Tim. 1:15
  4. This foundation was laid by God the Father and is for that reason sufficient to give the building of our faith eternal security:
    1. That is what the Bible says - Isa. 28:16
    2. That is what our blessed Lord said - Matt. 16:18
    3. That is what the Spirit of God says - Rev. 22:17
  5. Let us be careful how we build upon that foundation as members of the church of God:
    1. Let us build in deeds and not in words only - Matt. 7:26-29; Jas. 1:22, 23
    2. Let us heed the words of Paul in 1 Cor. 3:11-15
    3. A life that is built upon the Word of God cannot be overthrown by any power set against it - Rom. 8:31-33
    4. We have many examples in the Bible that show how dependable the Word of God is, and how enduring the faith is of all who build upon God's Word.


Design © John Bryant 2011