Foundations are important. Designers, builders, architects, engineers, vision inspired dreamers, contractors, suppliers, and construction workers all know that the crucial key to obtaining a successful finished product is the foundation. Where you build and what you build upon is vitally important. The strength of the foundation enables the building to withstand and survive the elements.
The failure to establish a firm secure foundation has been the downfall of several notable building projects. Stories of ill-reputable “fly by night” contractors that prey upon vulnerable clients in the aftermath of a disaster abound. Much hurt, disappointment, damage, and harm has been caused by those that take advantage of others in the aftermath of a crisis. Many of these cases are the result of a faulty foundation, either literally or in principle. Church leaders should take note that it is impossible to build a strong structure on a shoddy foundation!
No building will last very long without a proper foundation. If the foundation is not secure, stable, and structurally fit, the entire building is in danger of ruin. The roof, siding, walls, windows, and doors can be constructed with the best material available, but it is all for nothing if the foundation is not done properly.
A good foundation is essential to building anything successfully. Just about everything in life depends on having a solid stable foundation; a marriage, a home, a family, an education, a career, a team, relationships, all require a solid foundation to ensure success.
Jesus, at the end of his “sermon on the mount” talks about the importance of choosing the right foundation.
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27.
Jesus is very clear, building a structure directly onto the ground, no matter how good it looks, is doomed to failure. Without a proper foundation the building is at the mercy of the natural elements. Eventually the wind, rain, and flood waters will test the security and safety of the building. Every building that is built on sandy ground will collapse when battered by the elements. Jesus said that those who are wise build their houses on the rock. The rock provides the proper foundation that allows the house to survive and provide safety to the occupants during turbulent times.
The scriptures testify that Jesus is our solid rock and the only foundation that the church is built upon. Paul reminds Christians in his letter in First Corinthians 3:10-11, “10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. “
The season of Advent is a reminder that Jesus Christ alone, our solid rock, provides us hope in times of darkness. Jesus is not only our rock of stability, but he is the light that overcomes any and every dark storm that we face. Jesus offers us a peace that guides us through the turbulent storms of life and yields ultimate joy, as we not only withstand the storms, but we triumph over the storms. “On Christ, the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!”
The sand may look good, and it may seem stable now but what happens when there is a storm? If we are not built on the proper foundation, Jesus Christ, we will find ourselves in peril when the storms come. There is no storm avoidance, storms come to every Christian, every lay person, every clergyperson, every congregation, every denomination, and every ministry. Storms are a fact of life. Our best defense against the storms is a rock-solid foundation.
Advent is the time to affirm and proclaim our security in Christ, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!”
God Bless
Bishop Beard