IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED

                     

                           IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED

"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalm 11:3

 The foundations that God sets in our lives cannot be destroyed by any outside source, but they can be removed by us in our own life. But why would we remove them? 

INDEX:

FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE AND ETERNITY

SOME SOURCES OF ADVERSITY

BUILDING ON THE BASIS OF FAITH

ERODING OUR FOUNDATIONS AND FALSE GOSPELS

WHAT CAN WE DO TO SECURE OUR FOUNDATION?

HELPS

EXAMINE WHERE AN INTEREST, BELIEF, OR VALUE TAKES YOU IN THE END

WHAT IF I HAVE BEEN HURT BY SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS AND THE CHURCH?

FOUNDATION STONES

"Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of Mine, and does them not, shall be like a foolish man which built his house upon the sand. 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." Matthew   7:24-27 

FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE AND ETERNITY 

  Dear friends, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are to live our lives, not only in consideration of this life but for eternity. Keeping this in the back of our minds will help enable us to stay more correctly focused and make wise choices through the storms of life that are coming. Our success or failure will depend not on our skills or intelligence, but on the grace of God. In Him is where we make our choices. If our foundations are on the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God (the Bible), the storms cannot destroy us, but if we build them on anything else, we may face a disastrous end, and possibly drag others down with us! That may sound dramatic, but we must be clear as to how serious this is. For instance, Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." John 8: 24. That infinitely overshadows all other issues of our life. In the turbulence or ease of life, we can be easily deceived as to what the true concerns of life are and where we are all heading unless we hold firm to our faith in Christ and the Gospel. Let me remind you as to what we are talking about:

- All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God on that day. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in his body according to that he has done, whether it is good or bad." "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."  2 Corinthians 5:10   Revelation 20:15

- God is Holy, and in Him there is no darkness at all. On the other hand, we are all guilty of sin in His sight. - "There is none righteous, no not one... for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:10, 23 ... BUT...

- God our Loving Heavenly Father has provided the only Hope and answer for all of mankind, His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who took the penalty for our sins on the cross, then rose from the dead. We must put our faith in Him to be forgiven, saved, and have the hope of the resurrection unto eternal life - "Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the WORLD." "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ the Lord." John 1:29, Romans 6:23, John 3:16-17

  Not everyone needs to understand or know all this to be saved, like a little child we only have to believe in Jesus; nevertheless, be assured of this, that our entire lives are lived under the ever-watchful eye of our Heavenly Father, and every issue in our lives is a concern to Him. As we grow and mature in Christ and attempt to live out our faith, our faith will be challenged and bombarded from every direction. So knowledge of His Word is critical and needed to face life's challenges; however, without an unshakable faith we are vulnerable. The expression, "God said it, I believe it, and that is final!" is where we need to stand.

SOME SOURCES OF ADVERSITY

 Many of the issues in life are actually spiritual confrontations and not just natural from natural sources, no matter how natural they seem, especially if they challenge our foundation of faith and the instructions of the Scriptures. We must learn the Biblical concept of 'Spiritual Warfare' so that we can more readily identify what we are dealing with and how to keep it from causing us to stumble. "Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts (arrows) of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD..." Ephesians 6:10-17 

 Here the Lord through the apostle Paul not only warns us about them but instructs us as to how to defend ourselves. Demonic influences are often the sources of the conflicts of life. How can we know what we are facing and how to deal with them? We certainly cannot depend on the knowledge, wisdom, or skill of man. God has not only sent His Son to save us, but has also left us His Word (the Bible) which is "...a light unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 by which we can discern what we are facing and how we must deal with it. Christians have often been deceived into supporting worldly causes and forsook the Gospel and the cause of Christ for the sake of other campaigns, concerns, interests, or causes. Some may actually be fine if approached in a Biblical and Christlike manner. Nonetheless, we are to beware of the possibility of being dangerously distracted and or diverted from our faith and consecration to Christ and even forfeiting our very own salvation in the process. 

"FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS SOUL? Or WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?" MATTHEW 16:26

BUILDING ON THE BASIS OF FAITH

 IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE BUILD OUR LIVES AND MAKE OUR CHOICES BY FAITH IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE PRECEPTS OF THE SCRIPTURES. IN DOING SO, THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR LIFE AND THE BUILDINGS WE CONSTRUCT WLL HAVE SOLID AND UNSHAKABLE FOUNDATIONS THAT WILL STAND THE STORMS OF LIFE AND HELP PREPARE US FOR ETERNITY.  

 Years ago, while driving home from work early in the morning (I was working as a janitor) and heading down the highway, a fellow was hitchhiking on the other side going the other way. As I passed him he put out his hand in a pleading motion for me to stop and pick him up. The Holy Spirit told me to pick him up. I was a little annoyed, I had no intention of stopping. After all, I was tired, and furthermore, he was heading in the other direction. But this was the Alaska Highway, and the distances are long and can be barren. In such circumstances, one should not ignore people. I was living in Whitehorse and he said he was heading to Alaska. Apparently, he was out of money and somehow lost everything except for the clothes he was wearing. Good thing it was still late summer. I first asked him if he was hungry, which he was. So I took him to the church where I was living at the time and cooked him up something to eat. I asked him if he believed in Jesus. He said he did because he was a Catholic. Being myself from a Catholic background I knew how to speak to him. I asked him if he believed that Jesus is God. "No, He is the Son of God. He is not God," was his answer. I asked him if he believed that the Bible is the Word of God. He affirmed that he did (a prime foundation stone), so I proceeded to show him from the Scriptures that Jesus is indeed God. He was frustrated and a little exasperated. He said, "I can't believe that, but it says it right here!" While he was struggling, I turned to finish preparing breakfast. Then he suddenly stood up, pointed to the Bible, and excitedly exclaimed, "That's it! He is God!" He told me how he just saw from the Scripture that Jesus is the Son of God, but that He is also God. I pointed out in Matthew 16 how God gave the apostle Peter that revelation, and he just had that same experience. Our faith is built on that revelation that comes from God Himself according to His Word, whether someone declares it to us or by reading it for ourselves.  We had something to eat and I gave him what cash I had, drove him as far as I could, and sent him on his way with joy. I knew he would be fine.

 The point I want to make here is that his foundation was not necessarily his knowledge of the Bible, but his assurance that it is the actual Word of God. This is a foundational aspect of our faith which is constantly being attacked. Even though he had to struggle through his own reasoning with the Bible, his confidence/faith that the Bible is the Word of God enabled him to confront his doubts with an open heart, receive the revelation from God, and the Holy Spirit birthed him in Christ right then and there. He left there a new man in Christ. How exciting was that for both of us. "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me;" John 5:39, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

 ERODING OUR FOUNDATIONS AND FALSE GOSPELS 

  Over the years I have witnessed a number of disturbing situations where formally solid followers of Jesus had forsaken the instructions of the Bible, and perhaps even faith in Jesus because they were not able to reconcile their experiences in the Christian community (which is very understandable), or their understanding of the Scriptures with their life experiences. There are many reasons for this, but the end is extremely dangerous if they lose faith and or forsake the Way!!! 

    As people attempt to sort out their lives when plagued by hurts, offenses, disillusionment, confusion, doubts, and even questionable affections and relationships, some find themselves unable to reconcile their circumstances and experiences through their faith in Christ and their knowledge of the Bible. In desperation, confusion, frustration, or even hopelessness, they resolve to comfort themselves with a gospel (good news) that more easily suits their understanding and or abilities to deal with these struggles. To them, it is a comforting solution, assurance, and even satisfaction to their mind and soul. But therein the supreme danger if they embrace it at the cost of their faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. What I am referring to may not be another religion. Some people give themselves over to a scientific worldview that seems to satisfy their confusion and doubts. Others, to a political or social ideology that apparently presents a vindication for what they perceive to be wrongs and injustices. Others default to some type of worldly distraction, all of which may be fine in themselves but if you are using them to replace your saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrines of the Bible, you are destroying the foundation of your salvation and making these other things your gospel (good news, message of hope). Whatever we embrace, we naturally implement those values as foundations for our lives. If they somehow dissuade us from faith in Christ and disbelieving the Gospel, we are in huge danger! The price is our eternal soul! 

 Another tendency of some is that they still hold on to a faith or belief in God, but will bend the Scriptures to conform to their worldview, or follow someone else who does. TAMPERING WITH THE TRUTH OF THE BIBLE CAN ALSO CAST A STUMBLING STONE IN THE PATHS OF OTHERS AND TEMPT THEM TO BUILD ON A FALSE FOUNDATION - THIS IS SERIOUS!!!

HOW SERIOUS IS THIS? The apostle Paul put it like this - "But even if we, or an angel of heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned." Galatians 1:8 NIV

ANY OTHER GOSPEL DEFIES AND NEGATES JESUS' SACRIFICE FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION!

  As I said, this may not be another religion where we find our hope and salvation. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins. The object of our hope may not even be intended for that; however, if that is how we embrace it, then we have made it a gospel for ourselves - a false hope and salvation thinking "This is the answer to my questions and disagreements!"

 In college, some of us fellows once engaged in a debate instigated by one of the guys who was a professing atheist. He challenged us with this question, "What can save us, science or religion?" He himself, was unable to grasp the concept of faith in God. Instead, he embraced science as the savior of mankind thus expanding science beyond its intended purpose - the study of the the physical universe.  By the way, that conversation never went anywhere.

  We can do that with many things and in many ways, even by distorting the true Gospel and turning it into a gospel of works, or prosperity. Some, still wanting to hold on to their faith in Jesus but are not able to embrace the tenets of the Scriptures, will make another Jesus in their mind or another gospel that will allow and even endorse the values, perceptions, and beliefs that they are holding on to even though they may be condemned in the Bible. How dangerous is that?! 

 What makes this so serious are the very points of Scripture stated above. We are all going to have to stand before God Almighty on that day and give an account for the lives we lived. He does not and will not change His Word to accommodate us, our values, and our perceptions. As sinners, we are in danger of eternal damnation, and the only hope for our salvation is faith in the blood sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who paid for our sins on the cross and rose from the dead three days later. If we reject that for any reason we have forsaken our only hope. It is so easy to get caught up in the daily struggles of life and forget altogether the true meaning of life, which is eternity with our Loving God and Creator. All this is passing. We can easily be overwhelmed by the all-consuming natural world and completely lose sight of God, eternity, and our true purpose for being here, which is choosing to be reconciled to God our Creator. 

WHAT CAN WE DO TO SECURE OUR FOUNDATION? 

- DETERMINE WHAT IS THE TRUTH AND MAKE A DECISION

ABOUT GOD!

   Elijah, on Mount Carmel, challenged the people of Israel saying, "How long will you halt between two opinions?  It the Lord is God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings 18:21 

 Again, this is not a game. Your eternal soul is the prize. Why do you tarry in doubt and indecision?

ABOUT JESUS!

 "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man Am?...But Whom do you say that I Am?" Matthew 16: 13,15

 Dear friends, the answer to this question is the Rock of our Salvation! Just to let you know, you are not getting anywhere until you figure this out for yourself.

ABOUT THE BIBLE!

 "Many, therefore, of His disciples, when they had heard this, said," THIS IS A HARD SAYING. WHO CAN HEAR IT?" JOHN 6:60

  Many people believe in God and Jesus, but there are hard sayings and teachings in the Bible that are not compatible with our reasoning and understanding, and therein do many stumble and some even walk away. But God does not need to apologize to anyone? He is God, He is Perfect, and His judgments are true and just, even if they do not conform to ours or popular opinions. What will it be? Do you trust Him even if you don't understand them or find them hard to grasp? Jesus, even unto His death quoted from the Scriptures, and He did say, "...and the Scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35

HELPS:

-TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM  

"And Jesus said to His disciples, 'Any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross (daily), and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23

 Often things seem easy and inviting on paper, but the reality of life with all its hardships, struggles, and oppositions, can quickly paint another picture. Jesus left us no illusions as to what it may take to follow Him. But keep your eyes on the prize of the promise - the resurrection and eternal life. He will give you all the grace needed to make it through. We do not have what it takes in ourselves. By the way, the greatest part is that it is Jesus Himself walking through it with you every step of the way. He loves us so much!

- "...THAT YOU SHOULD EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED TO YOU." JUDE 3   Indeed, we "are kept by the power of  God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:5 My dear friends, it is only the power of God that keeps us, but we have a responsibility to hold on to the faith He has delivered to us.

- ALL OUR CHOICES, PLANS, AND BELIEFS MUST FIT INTO GOD'S PLAN OF OUR SALVATION. If I embark on a pursuit, no matter how noble it seems to be, if it runs contrary to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, or causes me to veer off from the pursuit of our faith in Him then we are damaging our foundation. Now, our pursuit may be fine in itself, but it could be we ourselves who are out of line with it.

- ANY TEACHING OR INSTRUCTION THAT CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE MUST BE CHALLENGED, NO MATTER HOW RIGHT IT SOUNDS. There are things we may not understand or be able to grasp in the Scriptures, so if something comes along that seems to make more sense, we still must hold on to the Word of God and He will sort it out for us. There is the possibility that our interpretation of the Scriptures is in error or incomplete. So seek out credible Bible scholars and by prayer try and sort it out. But be assured that, "Let God be true, and every man a liar." Romans 3:4 Whatever we do, do not reject what the Scriptures say at face value, especially in preference for another person's opinion, teaching, or interpretation, no matter the source and apparent qualifications. 

-  EXAMINE WHERE AN INTEREST, BELIEF, OR VALUE TAKES YOU IN THE END

   Every belief and pursuit takes us somewhere and will have a corresponding end. We have a responsibility to ourselves to examine it prudently.

- WHAT IS THE SOURCE??? The source of something can give a quick answer as to where it will take you. Some are more obvious than others, like drugs. But if the source is obscure, the best way to determine the source and its end is by finding out:

- what does the Bible have to say about it? If it still seems harmless...               - where does God's plan of salvation fit in the process of application? If there is no apparent contradiction...                                                                                    - WHAT AM I PUTTING AT RISK? Will it take me, and or those I am responsible for (family), into an arena that they can manage safely and stay Christ-focused?

- If a faith focus or fear of God is not in the foundation of its origin BEWARE! It may be useful, helpful, instructive, inspiring, and even fine, but because of the godless factor, unless you can apply the tenets of the Scriptures in it, it can veer you off course. Psychology is a prime example of what I am referring to because it touches on the issue of human behavior, wherein the Bible is the final authority on this topic. Doctor Dobson, an American Evangelical Psychologist managed to use the tool of psychology effectively for the glory of God and faith in Christ to the benefit of many. Yet I have seen other Christians attempt to do so and they veered off from their faith. 

  WHAT IF I HAVE BEEN HURT BY SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS AND THE CHURCH?

   I hate to say it, but expect it. Jesus said, "It is impossible but that offenses will come, but woe unto him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." Luke 17:1-2

 This is extremely serious, and if you have been hurt by a professing believer, then confront them as Jesus said. But by all means forgive him or them, even if you are unable to confront them or they refuse to hear. They are in huge danger before the Lord, and they need your prayers. Look how Job's friends treated him. God required Job to pray for them. But by no means do we lay the deeds of others against the LORD! Jesus is Good all the time and He does no one wrong. He hurts when we hurt, and is broken when we are broken. Stay in love with him, forgive others, and love them by faith. Too often, when a believer is hurt by the church, they walk away from Christ in response. Never do that, dear friends! All that we need is still in Him.

FOUNDATION STONES

"Now, therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone." Ephesians 2:19-20

EVERYTHING IS MEASURED AGAINST WHAT HE HAS SAID SO LET'S BUILD ON HIS FOUNDATION  Here are some foundation stones we need:

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE - "...Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29, "And Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.'" John 14:6 "Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-21, "Think not that I (Jesus) am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17-18 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35, "And account that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written to you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable resist, as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:15-19

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

 "Moreover Brethren, I declare unto the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE WAS BURIED, AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES. And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of James, then of all the apostles, and last of all He was seen of me also..." 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

THE FEAR OF GOD - "...and by the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil." Proverbs 16:6

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS - "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol...You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain...Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... honor your father and your mother...You shall not kill (murder). You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet... anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:3-17 NAS  THES DO NOT AND WILL NOT CHANGE WITH SOCIAL OPINION.

THE LOVE OF GOD "And Jesus answered him, 'The first of all the commandments is 'Hear O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like namely this, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There  is none other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

THE GRACE OF GOD "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, lest any man should boast."   Ephesians 2:8-9

THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 "And this is the will  of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

 May the grace of God and the love of Jesus keep you stable and strong!