1 Corinthians 3:10-11
Many years ago, when I was a kid, my dad decided to build an addition onto our house in Warren. To save a lot of money, he did the work himself with a lot of help, including myself. I remember being in the deep “footings” helping to dig the ditches. Multiple times I asked my dad if I could be done ? because it was the most tedious and tiring work. Here’s what I remember about it: it absolutely had to be done! Later when we were watching VHS movies from the 80s ? and eating artificially flavored butter popcorn in that room, it was because the foundation was strong. Later when the spring thunderstorms came rolling in, we were able to still be in that room because the foundation was strong and sure. The fact is that the foundation means absolutely EVERYTHING!
When the Apostle Paul came to the city of Corinth, he made sure to lay the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, he didn’t look to establish the church on philosophy, culture, or eloquence of speech. He established it on the simplicity of the Gospel! Emmanuel must always prioritize the simplicity and strength of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Sadly, many people misunderstand the Gospel. They think it’s simply “asking Jesus into their heart!” Did you know that phrase is never spoken of in the Word of God. Instead, Paul told the Romans: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). This is where it all begins, but it’s definitely not where the Gospel ends.
As I am literally speaking with my in-laws about church polity (leadership structure) as I write this, I am amazed at the “weak foundation” of many churches. Too many churches resemble “country clubs” or “Us 4 and No More” Groups than they do “communities of hope” for the world. Too many churches get consumed with programs, policies, and personalities while forgetting the power of the Gospel and the needs of people. I am so incredibly grateful that Emmanuel is a church for all people. We are a church that prioritizes the Gospel and cares for the needs of people. Think of our purpose statement which reads: We exist to honor God by making passionate disciples! Our ultimate goal is to lead people to love Jesus Christ with their whole hearts. We could care less about how many “facts” you know from the Bible. We want the Bible to “know you” in life-giving actions! We read the truth to know and live the truth.
After Paul began the church in Corinth, there were others who “built” upon his foundation. Apollos would later “water the seed” caring for the people who Paul had originally brought to Christ. One of the most healthy mindsets that you will ever see in God’s Word is demonstrated by Paul. He only cared about the Gospel. He didn’t care about who was getting the “attention.” In his mind, his Gospel role was to be a pioneer and then to “move on” to his next opportunity. Paul was not competitive with Apollos for people’s affirmation or affection. He didn’t care. All he cared about was the Gospel being preached to people in need of Jesus.
Let’s make sure that the foundation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sadly, many Christians think there is “more to Christianity” when there is absolutely not! Can you imagine if the walls would have started to “collapse” in my childhood family room because the foundation was compromised? I’ve been to Honduras. I have seen houses that have completely become worthless because their foundation shifted, making the house “unlivable.” Our church must never be “unlivable!” We must always be teaching, modeling, living, sharing, and loving the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. That is guaranteed to “inflect” our peace, contentment, joy, marriage, kids, and everything else that we find valuable in our lives. The foundation that we choose to “build on” means EVERYTHING!
When the Apostle Paul came to the city of Corinth, he made sure to lay the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, he didn’t look to establish the church on philosophy, culture, or eloquence of speech. He established it on the simplicity of the Gospel! Emmanuel must always prioritize the simplicity and strength of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Sadly, many people misunderstand the Gospel. They think it’s simply “asking Jesus into their heart!” Did you know that phrase is never spoken of in the Word of God. Instead, Paul told the Romans: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). This is where it all begins, but it’s definitely not where the Gospel ends.
As I am literally speaking with my in-laws about church polity (leadership structure) as I write this, I am amazed at the “weak foundation” of many churches. Too many churches resemble “country clubs” or “Us 4 and No More” Groups than they do “communities of hope” for the world. Too many churches get consumed with programs, policies, and personalities while forgetting the power of the Gospel and the needs of people. I am so incredibly grateful that Emmanuel is a church for all people. We are a church that prioritizes the Gospel and cares for the needs of people. Think of our purpose statement which reads: We exist to honor God by making passionate disciples! Our ultimate goal is to lead people to love Jesus Christ with their whole hearts. We could care less about how many “facts” you know from the Bible. We want the Bible to “know you” in life-giving actions! We read the truth to know and live the truth.
After Paul began the church in Corinth, there were others who “built” upon his foundation. Apollos would later “water the seed” caring for the people who Paul had originally brought to Christ. One of the most healthy mindsets that you will ever see in God’s Word is demonstrated by Paul. He only cared about the Gospel. He didn’t care about who was getting the “attention.” In his mind, his Gospel role was to be a pioneer and then to “move on” to his next opportunity. Paul was not competitive with Apollos for people’s affirmation or affection. He didn’t care. All he cared about was the Gospel being preached to people in need of Jesus.
Let’s make sure that the foundation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sadly, many Christians think there is “more to Christianity” when there is absolutely not! Can you imagine if the walls would have started to “collapse” in my childhood family room because the foundation was compromised? I’ve been to Honduras. I have seen houses that have completely become worthless because their foundation shifted, making the house “unlivable.” Our church must never be “unlivable!” We must always be teaching, modeling, living, sharing, and loving the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. That is guaranteed to “inflect” our peace, contentment, joy, marriage, kids, and everything else that we find valuable in our lives. The foundation that we choose to “build on” means EVERYTHING!
Posted in Devotional