Clarifying The Foundation
Dana shares his experiences and reflections on the importance of having a solid foundation in Christ, particularly in the context of the church. He expresses gratitude for the hospitality he received during his visit and highlights the significance of clear communication among the brethren. Dana emphasizes the necessity of clarifying the foundations of faith, using Psalm 11 and 1 Corinthians 3 to illustrate that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation. He warns against building with materials that obscure this foundation, such as religious traditions or experiences that do not align with the truth of Christ. Dana encourages believers to recognize that the Lord is still in control, seated on His throne, and that His presence is vital for a strong testimony on earth. He stresses the need for obedience to God's commands, asserting that a clear foundation allows for a genuine witness of Christ's love and grace. Ultimately, Dana calls for a return to simplicity in faith, urging the church to hear and obey the Lord, ensuring that their lives reflect the clarity and purity of Jesus as their foundation.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction and gratitude for hospitality
- Importance of clear communication among brethren
- Clarifying the foundations of faith
- Scriptural references: Psalm 11 and 1 Corinthians 3
- Jesus Christ as the only true foundation
- Warning against building with obscuring materials
- The Lord's sovereignty and presence
- Call for obedience to God's commands
- Encouragement for a genuine witness of Christ
- Conclusion: Return to simplicity in faith
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.
1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
