Building on the Unshakable Foundation of Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we revisited our "Built Upon" series, focusing on the foundation of our church. We have a beautiful building, but the true foundation is Jesus Christ. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, emphasizes that no one can lay a foundation other than Jesus. This foundation is not just a physical one but is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. It is crucial to understand that our church stands on this unshakable foundation, not on man-made systems that can fail.
Paul's analogy extends to how we build upon this foundation. He speaks of using materials like gold, silver, and precious stones, which symbolize enduring, scriptural truths. Conversely, materials like wood, hay, and straw represent things that will not last. Our role as believers is to build upon this foundation with care and worthy materials. This involves mining the scriptures for deep, enduring truths and ensuring that our church's teachings and practices reflect this solid foundation.
We also discussed the importance of robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology, which Bethel Church has blessed us with. These elements help us navigate cultural moments and apply scriptural truths effectively. Additionally, we need a heart for the outsider, ensuring that our mission is not just about being right but about reaching those who do not yet know Christ.
Our mission statement, "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus," encapsulates our goal. This mission is not new but a continuation of Bethel's legacy. It emphasizes the importance of not just meeting and following Jesus but also becoming more like Him, which involves a transformation of our affections, allegiances, and ideologies.
Finally, we announced that starting August 1st, our church will be renamed Foundation Bible Church. This name reflects our commitment to standing on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. As we move forward, we will maintain many of the systems and strategies that have served us well, while also adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Christ as the Foundation: The foundation of our church is Jesus Christ, not any man-made system. His life, death, and resurrection form the bedrock upon which we stand. This foundation is unshakable and eternal, providing us with a firm ground in a world full of uncertainties. [41:58]
2. Building with Enduring Materials: Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 3 teaches us to build upon the foundation of Christ with materials that last—gold, silver, and precious stones. These represent scriptural truths that require diligent mining and application. Our teachings and practices should reflect this enduring quality. [48:27]
3. Robust Theology and Sturdy Ecclesiology: Bethel Church has blessed us with a legacy of robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology. These elements are crucial for applying scriptural truths to real-life situations and ensuring that our church governance and strategies are sound and enduring. [55:20]
4. Heart for the Outsider: A church must balance robust theology with a heart for the outsider. Without this balance, we risk becoming insular and self-righteous. Our mission should always include reaching out to those who do not yet know Christ, without compromising our core convictions. [57:12]
5. Mission Statement and Transformation: Our mission statement, "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus," emphasizes the transformative journey of discipleship. This involves a change in our affections, allegiances, and ideologies as we grow to become more like Christ. [01:02:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:28] - Introduction to Built Upon Series
[41:10] - The Importance of a Firm Foundation
[41:58] - Jesus Christ as the Foundation
[44:03] - The Gospel as Our Foundation
[45:33] - Biblical Foundations in Isaiah
[47:12] - The Importance of a Sturdy Foundation
[48:27] - Building with Enduring Materials
[50:31] - Reflecting the Foundation in Our Building
[52:55] - Mining Scripture for Precious Materials
[54:20] - Outcomes of Building on Scriptural Truths
[55:20] - Robust Theology and Sturdy Ecclesiology
[57:12] - Balancing Theology with a Heart for the Outsider
[01:00:00] - Testing Our Building Materials
[01:01:09] - Importance of Mission Statements
[01:02:43] - Our Mission Statement: Meet, Follow, Become
[01:07:56] - Announcing Foundation Bible Church
[01:09:56] - Strategy and Purpose in Building
[01:12:07] - Maintaining Best Practices
[01:17:15] - Next Steps and Prayer Invitation
[01:19:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (ESV)
> "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, who is the foundation of the church, and why is it important that no other foundation can be laid? [41:58]
2. What materials does Paul mention in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, and what do they symbolize in the context of building upon the foundation of Christ? [48:27]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ? [55:20]
4. What is the significance of the church's mission statement, "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus," as discussed in the sermon? [01:02:43]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of building with materials like gold, silver, and precious stones rather than wood, hay, and straw? How does this relate to the teachings and practices of the church? [48:27]
2. How can robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology help a church navigate cultural moments and apply scriptural truths effectively? [55:20]
3. What does it mean to have a "heart for the outsider," and why is it important to balance this with robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology? [57:12]
4. How does the mission statement, "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus," reflect the transformative journey of discipleship? [01:02:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal foundation in Christ. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are building with "wood, hay, and straw" instead of "gold, silver, and precious stones"? How can you begin to change that? [48:27]
2. How can you contribute to ensuring that your church's teachings and practices reflect the enduring quality of scriptural truths? What steps can you take to mine the scriptures for deep, enduring truths? [52:55]
3. In what ways can you help your church maintain a balance between robust theology and a heart for the outsider? Can you think of specific actions or attitudes that might help achieve this balance? [57:12]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of becoming more like Jesus. What specific changes in your affections, allegiances, and ideologies do you feel called to make in your journey of discipleship? [01:05:03]
5. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus? Identify one person you can reach out to this week and share your faith with them. [01:02:43]
6. Considering the upcoming name change to Foundation Bible Church, how can you support this transition and help reinforce the church's commitment to standing on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? [01:07:56]
7. Reflect on the importance of prayer in building a strong church foundation. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your life for the church and its mission? [01:18:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Christ as the Foundation
The foundation of our church is Jesus Christ, not any man-made system. His life, death, and resurrection form the bedrock upon which we stand. This foundation is unshakable and eternal, providing us with a firm ground in a world full of uncertainties. Understanding this truth is crucial for our faith journey. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we are anchored in something far greater than ourselves. This foundation is not just a theological concept but a living reality that shapes our lives and our community.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul emphasizes that no one can lay a foundation other than Jesus Christ. This means that all our efforts, teachings, and practices must be rooted in Him. When we build our lives on this foundation, we are assured of stability and strength. This is especially important in a world where many things are transient and unreliable. By focusing on Jesus as our foundation, we align ourselves with eternal truths that will never fail us. [41:58]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on man-made systems rather than the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ? How can you shift your focus to build more firmly on Him today?
Day 2: Building with Enduring Materials
Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 3 teaches us to build upon the foundation of Christ with materials that last—gold, silver, and precious stones. These represent scriptural truths that require diligent mining and application. Our teachings and practices should reflect this enduring quality. It is not enough to merely acknowledge Jesus as our foundation; we must also be intentional about how we build upon it. This involves a commitment to studying the Scriptures and applying their truths to our lives.
Using materials like wood, hay, and straw, which will not last, symbolizes superficial or temporary efforts. As believers, we are called to invest in what is eternal and enduring. This means prioritizing spiritual growth, sound doctrine, and practices that reflect the character of Christ. By doing so, we ensure that our faith and our church community are built to withstand the tests of time and trials. [48:27]
1 Corinthians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."
Reflection: What "materials" are you using to build your life and faith? Are they enduring and scriptural, or are they temporary and superficial? How can you begin to incorporate more enduring materials into your daily walk with Christ?
Day 3: Robust Theology and Sturdy Ecclesiology
Bethel Church has blessed us with a legacy of robust theology and sturdy ecclesiology. These elements are crucial for applying scriptural truths to real-life situations and ensuring that our church governance and strategies are sound and enduring. Robust theology helps us understand the deep truths of the Bible, while sturdy ecclesiology ensures that our church structure and practices are aligned with these truths. Together, they provide a framework for a healthy and effective church community.
Having a strong theological foundation allows us to navigate cultural moments and challenges with wisdom and discernment. It equips us to respond to the world around us in a way that is faithful to Scripture. Similarly, sturdy ecclesiology ensures that our church remains grounded and effective in its mission. It helps us maintain order, accountability, and purpose in all that we do. [55:20]
Titus 1:9 (ESV): "He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."
Reflection: How well do you understand the theological and ecclesiological foundations of your church? What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge and application of these important elements?
Day 4: Heart for the Outsider
A church must balance robust theology with a heart for the outsider. Without this balance, we risk becoming insular and self-righteous. Our mission should always include reaching out to those who do not yet know Christ, without compromising our core convictions. This means being intentional about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers and those who are seeking.
Having a heart for the outsider involves empathy, compassion, and a willingness to engage with people from all walks of life. It means seeing others through the eyes of Christ and extending His love and grace to them. By doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission and reflect the heart of God. This balance between sound doctrine and outreach ensures that our church remains vibrant and mission-focused. [57:12]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to making your church a more welcoming place for outsiders? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone who does not yet know Christ?
Day 5: Mission Statement and Transformation
Our mission statement, "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus," emphasizes the transformative journey of discipleship. This involves a change in our affections, allegiances, and ideologies as we grow to become more like Christ. The mission is not just about initial conversion but about ongoing transformation and growth in Christlikeness.
This transformation is a holistic process that affects every aspect of our lives. It requires us to continually surrender to Christ and allow Him to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more aligned with His will and purpose for our lives. This mission statement serves as a constant reminder of our ultimate goal and the ongoing journey of faith. [01:02:43]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience transformation to become more like Jesus? What specific steps can you take today to align your affections, allegiances, and ideologies with Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus Christ is the foundation of our church. Jesus Christ is the foundation of any Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church. It doesn't matter if it is a big church or if it is a small church. If it is an old church or if it is a new church. It doesn't matter if it's a church with loud music or a church with acapella. It doesn't matter if it's a healthy church or a struggling church. Jesus Christ is the foundation of any gospel-preaching, Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church." [42:57] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, if you participate in church, you call yourself a believer and you lean in to this relationship with Christ. And you consider yourself a Christian and follower of Christ. You've surrendered your life to Christ. And you are a part of a church. That you stand not on shaky foundation. And really you stand not on a man, but what you actually stand on a God-man, Jesus Christ. And you stand on the gospel." [44:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So when we say that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church. We're not saying that Jesus is literally laying down as the foundation. But his life, death, and resurrection is the foundation of the church. This gospel that God saves sinners through Jesus Christ alone. Through faith alone. That is the foundation of the church." [44:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, you need to know. That you do not stand on a man-made system. Because man-made systems fail. You stand on a God-made system through Jesus Christ." [44:57] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friends, foundations matter. Foundations matter. So I started this morning talking, looking at pictures of our church, our church building. And ultimately, the church building is nothing but a container for the body of Christ. That we are the church. The church is the body of Christ, the followers of Jesus. We are the church. And this building is really just a container. But we've been talking about the importance of what Christ has laid down for us." [01:07:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The construction of the church must be careful, and the building materials must be worthy. Friends, if you call yourself a believer, and you call this church home, let me ask you, how are you building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ? How are you building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ? How are you participating in the building upon the foundation?" [49:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have a crucial role in building this church. Because, friends, you are, I want to encourage you and implore you to make sure that this church and this pulpit looks for and mindsets. And finds and excavates those precious stones that I believe are hidden in scripture. That it is your job to uphold this building of the church with gold, silver, and precious stones that I believe are, that is, scriptural truths that take mining, that take excavating." [51:24] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, you need sturdy ecclesiology. Understanding how the church works and why it is. And you need a robust theology applying the scriptural truths to the cultural moments. And it needs to be wrapped up in this heart for the outsider. And that's hopefully where we are at. Because then you get to the spot where you look at those who do not know Christ. That do not know Jesus. As their savior. Have not submitted their lives to Christ. And you break for them." [59:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus. Hopefully this isn't new. Bethel's mission statement has been make disciples. Man, two words. And it's accurate. And that's what we're doing. We want to, we will continue to do this. We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus. In essence, we want to make disciples." [01:02:43] (6 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your affections should change. Your allegiances should change. Your ideologies should change. Because you are becoming more like Jesus. Your savior. And this is disciple making. It's the exact same thing as make disciples. We just added, I don't know, ten words. We exist to help people meet, follow, and become more like Jesus." [01:05:03] (-139 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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