THE BELIEVER'S FOUNDATION

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1st Corinthians 3:11,  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There are many foundations in this world but they can be placed into two main categories - spiritual and a carnal. The spiritual foundation gives life. It was the spiritual foundation which had caused the woman at the well of Samaria to throw away her waterpot and run saying, ‘come see a man.’ The carnal foundation takes away life. It brings death and because of it God’s wrath will be poured out on the disobedient and the terrible words depart from me I know you not will be uttered. Each of us has an opportunity to select our foundation.

 I desire to speak to you about the believer’s foundation. This foundation is set in Christ because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Isaiah 9: 6 is a prophecy pertaining to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. It tells us, For, unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. The Scriptures said the government shall be upon His shoulder; this means the He is above all God’s creation and has the spiritual responsibility of redeeming us to God. He is the Mediator between God and man; not only is He a mediator but He is also the Saviour of mankind. Through Him only can one access everlasting life.

Jesus is also referred to as the Mighty God and He is truly the Mighty God. His Father gave Him the power to create things. Jesus is referred to as the Word. John 1:1 tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This does not mean that the Godhead consists of Jesus only because Jesus Himself stated that He has a Father.  This Scripture points to the bond and oneness between the Father and the Son. Jesus also said if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. Colossians 1:16 tells us, ‘For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominion or principalities or powers all things were created by Him and for Him. Psalm 33: 9 tells us that - God spoke and it was done He commanded and it stood fast. It was the Word spoken that created things. 

Jesus is the Prince of Peace; every Child of God must have peace. If you are a Child of God and you do not have peace you need to return to Calvary. John 14: 27 records Jesus saying, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Our Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace that is why Children of God cannot be brawlers, mockers, jeerers and such because we are called for peace.

Isaiah 9: 7 also said of the increase of His government there shall be no end. This is reassuring us that although we are living in this world and enduring trials and tribulations yet we have peace. We have peace within our hearts. Though the world is falling apart we are at peace because it is within our hearts. One cannot be a Child of God and be so troubled and uneasy that you are unable to sleep well or develops hypertension or similar illnesses due to unnecessary stress. 

Jesus, being the Government of Peace is for the world to come; it is not for this world. The Scriptures tell us that the devil will be destroyed and God shall establish a kingdom of Peace. Isaiah 28:16 tells us, ‘Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone a sure foundation he that believeth shall not make haste.  When reference is made of Zion it is speaking either about Jerusalem or the Church of God.  The Church of God is purchased and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus bore our transgressions and suffered much for our redemption.  Thus, Jesus is our Tried Stone. Isaiah 53: 5 tells us, He was wound for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquity the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.

Sometimes as we go through our daily activities we often feel pressured and believe that we cannot go any further but we can because we can get the needed strength from God. Apostle Paul also had his moments of weakness and while in such situation he reassured himself and us with the thought that God’s grace is sufficient and His grace is made perfect in weakness. 2nd Corinthians 12:9, And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Having this confidence, our troubles should never create a blockage in our spiritual lives. We should recognise and allow the power of God to be our strength. Be reminded that we should never place our confidence in man. Psalm 118:8 tells us, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Proverbs 25:19 says, confidence is an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint.

While Jesus was traversing this earth, He had many followers many of whom were following Him for their own selfish reasons. Among those closest to Him was a betrayer, a doubter, one who denied and those who were concerned about position of authority. Jesus knew they were there but He placed His confidence in His Father. He knew that God is ever faithful. Based on Jesus’ experience we know that God desires us to suffer and remain faithful. Yes, it is possible to go through your trials and remain faithful remember that for every problem -the solution is Jesus. Jesus suffered as a Tried Stone, He was beaten, mocked and jeered yet He remembered His mission and remained faithful. Jesus did not get any extra assistance to endure all these trials He was in human form just like you and me, therefore just as He suffered and endured you and I could too. If we only knew the power of our God we would not be moved by trivial things.

Jesus is also called a Precious Stone. He is a priceless stone, a rare stone.  In Exodus 28 the High Priest’s garment had on 12 precious stones set in the breastplate of judgement. On each stone was written the name of an Israelite tribe. Also, two onyx stones were on the ephod which went over the priest’s shoulders. One stone on each shoulder and on each stone was written six names of the tribes. The engravings were done in gold. Today we have no priest wearing the names on his shoulders or on his chest. Instead, there is only one Stone; Jesus Christ is the Precious Stone which represents us all to our Eternal God.

Having such a firm foundation believers should not be unstable and be swayed by every wind of doctrine or carnal desires. Every child of God should run the spiritual race and finish the course by God’s grace. Do you remember how Jesus slept while the ship was rocking? The other passengers were panicking but He was assured of His Father’s protection. When He was awakened, He calmly stood and said peace be still and everything became calm. This proves that God is the Real Authority. Therefore, as the storms howl in your lives be calm and spend a moment to speak to God; only He can give an environment of serenity and calm. If you have not yet acknowledged the saving and sustaining power of Christ, accept Him today. He is our Sure Foundation.

 Writer - A. E. FISHER

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