Foundations

Each of us is designed to build on something that will last for eternity.

There is something special about being able to take part in building your own house or the house of another. Somehow, the construction and completion of something as usable and positive as a house leaves us all with a good feeling. I have been directly involved in the construction of five houses, and the first lesson that I learned was the importance of laying the foundation properly and carefully. One needs to be aware of the soil on which the foundation rests as well as things like drainage, substance of the base used (usually concrete) and the proper strengthening of the base with metal rods. Once the foundation is secure, the house can be built with confidence. Jesus knew about foundations for houses when He remarked that rock was a lasting base on which to build (Matthew 7:24-27 [24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

See All...). But His remarks go further than house-building. 

A strong foundation stands the test of time

We lay different foundations for various things in life. A good foundation at home and in elementary school is vital for success at the higher levels of living and learning. Marriage that has been planned and approached with the desire to be strong and lasting needs a good foundation. Our faith and spiritual lives are also secure when the foundations upon which they stand are sturdy. In our spiritual life, it is God who does the shaping, forming, designing and building within each person whom He calls. He is the master potter or master builder (Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
See All...). He knows how important it is to begin properly in the development of a “temple” for His spiritual residence (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 [16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

See All...).

We humans often try to cut corners to save money, time or effort, but God knows the value of good construction that lasts forever regardless of time or effort. On the other hand, God also allows us to have a hand in the construction of our spiritual lives. He is never far away, and is always involved, but we are given instructions and directions that allow us to be part of His great work on Earth. We are to be like Mary and choose the good part – the part that satisfies a hunger for more knowledge and understanding of God’s way as Jesus taught (Luke10:38-42).

The reason and purpose for all God has accomplished is to develop sons for His family for all eternity. The building God is concentrating on will last forever, so the foundation must be immovable and unshakable. It has been laid with the greatest care and attention to detail.  

Jesus Christ is the true foundation on which we must build

Jesus Christ was the main “rock” upon which the foundation was laid. The foundation, strong and solid, is to hold the rest of the temple that is to be built. Paul wrote about this in Ephesians 2:19-22 [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

See All.... In these verses, Paul explains the wonderful truth that the Church is built upon Christ and the foundation of the apostles and prophets. It is to become a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Our part is to study, learn and then apply the teachings God has given from this foundation (1 Peter 2:1-5 [1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
[2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
[3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

See All...).

Peter goes on to explain the responsibility of each of Jesus’ followers to conduct his or her life in a way that brings honor and glory to the heavenly Father. Jesus left us a blueprint of how we are to conduct our lives. This rock is immovable and not made by human endeavor. It came directly from God, but the remainder of the responsibility in building involves us humans.

Why would God choose those He did when the foundation is so important? Why not the most learned and capable men? God tells us He chose the foolish things that were despised so that He would shame men who think they have a “better idea” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29 [26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.

See All...). No human will be able to glory in His presence. He is supreme today, was yesterday and always will be.

Let us concentrate on the foundation for a moment. God chose men and women who were deeply committed to what we call the Old Testament. He chose those who obeyed His commandments (the Ten Commandments and more). The 12 disciples who became the main apostles were chosen from simple backgrounds—men who did not have their minds cluttered with politics, philosophy or greed (Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
See All...). God did not expect them to remain as they were, but they were to continue to grow in grace and knowledge of the truth as we all are (2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
See All...). Even with all the help God gave, one of the 12 became the betrayer of Jesus Christ. God does allow for free choice and wants willing followers. That one was replaced sothat they all qualified to have their names inscribed on the true foundation (Revelation 21:14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
See All...).  

Why would God call only Jews and only men who would find it very difficult to change any beliefs they had? Peter, for example, took decades of experiences, learning and effort to finally be able to understand and accept Gentiles as equal to Israelites in God’s eyes. Paul had to confront Peter about his biases and fears years after the lesson God gave in the dream Peter received (Acts 10:14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
See All...; Galatians 2:11-13 [11] But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
[12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
[13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

See All...). God does not fault Peter, though he was wrong. God needed men who would not easily be moved from the teachings of the Old Testament. In fact, they were not to be removed at all, but they were to grasp the greater, magnified teachings that God always intended.

God’s laws define Christ’s foundation

Jesus came to magnify God’s law – not to annul it (Isaiah 42:21The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
See All...; Matthew 5:17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
See All...). He did not come to change the Sabbath to Sunday, for example; He came to support the Sabbath just as He supported and magnified the other commandments in His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:19-48 [19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
[23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
[25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
[29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[31] It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
[32] But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
[33] Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
[34] But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
[35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
[36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
[37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

See All...).

The apostles, however, did need to leave the traditions of men behind. The Jews of Jesus’ day thought they were pleasing God when they defined and regulated thousands of details about behavior that they deemed “sin.” They made God’s laws a burden through the heavy yoke they placed on people (Matthew 23:4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
See All...; Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
See All...; Matthew 11:29-30 [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

See All...). Jesus was not happy with the manmade rules that confined people. God’s laws are supreme, and to be kept, but not as a fanatic.

Jesus expressed a whole new spiritual aspect to God’s laws, which brings mankind closer to God as they learn to think as He does. He also explained that, although the Sabbath was a wonderful holy day, there were things you could do such as visiting the sick, or performing a good deed as He did when He healed the sick (Luke 13:15-16 [15] The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
[16] And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

See All...; John 5:8-10 [8] Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
[9] And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
[10] The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

See All...; 9:14). Paul wrote and cautioned each human who builds on the foundation to be careful (1 Corinthians 3:9-17 [9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

See All...).

Jesus Christ was the express image of God the Father (Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
See All...). He was Jewish too. He learned the scriptures so well that by the age of 12, He could easily discuss them with the most learned men of Jerusalem (Luke 2:47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
See All...). There is a very good reason the Son of God was to be educated and trained among the Jews. There is a very good reason the foundation of the Church was to be the apostles and prophets. There is a good reason that the apostles will have their names engraved on the foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
See All...). God was making sure that the foundation of the Church was rock-solid.

His holy word was written in the Old Testament, taught and broadened by Jesus Christ and the apostles and written in the spiritual fullness in what we know of as the New Testament. The New does not cancel the Old; it embraces it and is in full agreement. The foundation has been laid, not by men, but by God through men. Humans are allowed to work on this foundation, but not to change it (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

See All...). It feels good to be building for eternity. This “house” will last forever and is worthy of every effort. It will cost us our lives, yet that is a small price to pay for the new life God offers (Philippians 3:8-14). Foundations are how long-lasting buildings stand. What a privilege to be on this worksite!

To learn more about Christ’s ministry and teachings, the foundation of God’s Church, request the free booklets Jesus Christ: The Real Story and The Church Jesus Built .