The most important part of any building, ministry or individual is its foundation. Though unseen, a foundation is powerful and strategic. In a structure of any kind, if something is off-base or askew there is a problem in the foundation.
Foundations are critical! They are unseen, yet their impact is clearly visible. Where is your foundation? Is it level? Secure?
The Word of God
Since earliest times, the foundation of faith is the writing of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
“The first five books of the Bible (both Hebrew and Christian) are foundational to all of Scripture…taken by the Jews to constitute a unity known to them as the Torah or Law. To the Jews, the word Torah…means not only the “law” but also “teaching” or “instruction” which more completely characterizes God’s communication to the Israelites through Moses.”
These writing were not just read or studied, they were memorized and absorbed. Why? Here that we learn the character and the ways of God.
“He (God)revealed his character (ways) to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.”
Psalm 103:7
It is in these books that we come to “hear” the heart of God and know how He speaks.
God Still Speaks
“For God does speak –
now one way, now another…
In a dream,
in a vision…”
Job 32: 14
When we have the foundation of God’s word, we are able to discern what we hear. Everything God speaks will be laid upon the foundation of scripture. It will align to His character perfectly.
Elihu says the reasons may vary, but God speaks “in their ears.”
God originally spoke to Samuel in an audible voice.
“The LORD came and stood there,
calling as at the other times,
‘Samuel! Samuel!’ ”
I Samuel 3:10
But more often, God “revealed himself to Samuel through his word.” (vs 21)
Jesus the Foundation
“For no man can lay a foundation
other than the one which is laid,
which is Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:11“Therefore thus says the LORD God,
‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,
A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed.”
Isaiah 28:16
Jesus is the Foundation Who has always been!
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
To know the Word is to know Christ. Those who believe in Him “will not be disturbed.” The Amplified version says, “he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed or give or hasten away [in sudden panic].”
Faith in Christ is a Foundation so secure circumstance cannot shake those whose lives are built upon that Stone!
Apostles and Prophets
“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners.
You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people.
You are members of God’s family.
Together, we are his house,
built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.
And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.”
Ephesians 2: 19-20
If there would be a ranking of apostles and prophets, it would be:
- Jesus the Chief Apostle (Hebrews 3:1) and Prophet (Luke 13:33)
- Apostles and prophets of the bible who were given an anointing grace to write scripture
- all other apostles and prophets
The purpose of apostles and prophets is to build and strengthen the church of Christ.
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people
for their strengthening,
encouraging and comfort.”
I Corinthians 14:3
Their work is to build upon the Foundation of The Word, Jesus Himself.
Today
To daily come to God with open bible asking Him to speak and reveal His character is a healthy practise for every believer. He still speaks; He is just waiting for us to listen.
In the margins of my bible are verses that seemed to speak directly to me or some circumstance I was facing. I pencilled in the date and a two-word reference to what was happening. Then when I read these verses, I can whisper a prayer of thanksgiving about how God has already responded.
On my wall are key verses — verses that bring strength, encouragement, comfort, direction, or even correction. I also have written out prophetic prayers which others have prayed over me. Here too, I have been able to add dates and specifics about how God has and is responding through these verses and prayers of others on my behalf.
This is one practical example of being sure the Foundation is secure. I am continuing to build on the Foundation, Jesus Christ.
The Foundation that Lasts
Lord, help me be more intentional
in building my life
upon You, the Chief Cornerstone,
my Firm Foundation,
the unfaltering Word of God.
Here I choose to stay –
secure.
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Want more to read? Try this!
Laughter – It’s Better Than Medicine! Choose Joy!
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