Focal Passage: I Corinthians 3:10-17
My dad and oldest brother have a gift or a skill that I wish I could duplicate. This skill allows them to look at something that may need some work and envision what it will look like when they are all finished. I may be able to talk about what I would like for it to look like and may even find some pictures that illustrate what I want, but I lack the skill to accomplish the task. This morning I walked over to the house that our church is remodeling just to see the progress that is being made. It is exciting to see something gradually being built or changed to look new and fresh. It is amazing what new tile, new paint, new bathroom, and just up-to-date construction can do to an old home. The reality is that no matter what you do to change the appearance on the outside, the house has to have a strong foundation for that remodeling to make any substantial difference. Another way of putting it is: if the walls can't stand, what's the point of painting them?
In I Corinthians 3:10-11 Paul reminds the church at Corinth the most significant thing about working in God's church is to never get away from the foundation that has been laid. Quite simply: the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church may involve itself in many different discussions and ministries (may do remodeling) from time to time, however, it must never get away from the basic message of salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone. In today's American church culture, the church is always trying to find the next best movement to attract people into its doors (the seeker friendly church, the purpose driven church, the simple church, and now the transformational church). All of these movements, strategies, models can have their place in ministry settings if the church does not change the foundation from which it was founded.
The church (the people of God) is the bride of Christ. Christ is the head of the church. Christ ought to lead, guide, direct His people to fulfill the Great Commission, by living out the Great Commandment, and bringing unchurched people to a saving knowledge of the Great Confession. With all the printed materials we read, all the opinions we have about what the church should do and be, we (as God's people) must never forget what Paul reminded the church at Corinth of so long ago: NO ONE can lay any other foundation than what has already been laid - that is Jesus Christ.
What are you doing within your church to build upon the foundation of Christ and Christ alone? What does your church do to fulfill the Great Commission, live out the Great Commandment? When was the last time you witnessed someone express the Great Confession, much like Peter did? Share your answers to these questions in the comment section of the blog.
As we heard on Sunday our church has done and is doing a lot locally and abroad but there is so much more to be done. I would like to see much greater personal involvement in missions. I think everyone who is physically able should experience a mission trip at least once in their life. It doesn't have to be out of the country but is does need to be out of their comfort zone!
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