The ancient engineers were able to construct buildings without the benefit of steel and concrete because they utilized cornerstones. Cornerstones were just that. Large stones that held the building in place because of their size. Normally they would use the largest stone to hold what was potentially the weakest corner of the building. I've entitled this sermon, "Cornerstones," because it will set forth four theological presuppositions on which Christians should build their lives.
The first "cornerstone" is the Bible; God's Word. The Scriptures are the revelation of God to mankind that have been transmitted through forty some writers and compiled over fifteen hundred years. The Bible contains sixty-six books: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. There are approximately three-quarter million words in the Bible. When most people read the Bible, they are not aware of the many writers because translators have homogenized it. Reading in the original Hebrew and Greek, however, one can sense some of the differences in the background of the various scribes who wrote what they did under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (See 2 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Pet. 2:20-21). The Bible enlightens us with the way to salvation as well as providing the information and inspiration to live the life pleasing to God.
The second "cornerstone" is God himself. In Genesis, we read, "In the beginning god created the heavens and the earth..." The existence of God is presumed. Creation bears witness to the Creator. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Science does not adequately explain certain key questions such as: a)Where did the first matter come from; b)What caused the changes to occur--how did inorganic (non-living) material become organic (living); and c)How did chaos become order. In the absence of an explanation, science usually suggests that the events took billions and billions of years. The person of faith accepts the existence of God and that He created and made things including mankind. While creation bears witness of the Creator, the Bible reveals that the Supreme Being is a loving, heavenly Father. (See John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7).
The third and "chief cornerstone" is Jesus Christ. John tells us that Jesus existed as the divine Son of God before the creation of the world. He is the central figure of history. His uniqueness is seen in his virgin birth, his sinless life, and his resurrection from death. Isaiah the Prophet and Apostle Peter wrote of Christ, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame" (1 Pet. 2:6 and Isaiah 28:16). See also Ephesians 2:20.
The fourth "cornerstone" is the Church which was formed by Christ himself. "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matt. 16:18). Christians commit to being Christ's disciples and follow him in the fellowship of all others who also have been called from darkness to the light. The Church is our spiritual family and Christ's Kingdom on earth.
Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Be a Star
The Apostle Paul wrote these exhortations to the Christians at Philippi: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:12-18).
There are four things that I would like to draw from this passage to elaborate upon. First was Paul's instruction to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12). The Apostle was not suggesting that they needed to work for their salvation but that they should work at their spiritual growth and development. Paul addressed them as his "dear friends" and commended them for "having always obeyed - not only in his presence but much more in his absence" (v. 12). This was a very fine group of believers in comparison to other New Testament churches like Corinth. The Apostle John wrote that the way we show our love for God as his children is by carrying out his commands, (see 1 John 5:2-3), which in turn produces spiritual growth and maturation.
Secondly, Paul told them, "Do everything without complaining or arguing..." (v. 14). If Christians are to be "blameless and pure, children of God," they cannot act the same way as others who are part of the "crooked and depraved generation" (v. 15). [If this is how Paul thought about the people living then, what would be his comments on the world today?!!.] Christians are supposed to act differently. In fact they are to be "new creations in Christ" (2 Cor. 5:17). The world has little respect for those who profess to be "Christians" but do not behave accordingly.
Third, Paul wrote and told them his desire that they "shine like stars in a universe as they hold out the word of life" (v. 15-16). Christians are to be "stars" - not in the sense of movie stars or sports superstars. The kind of "star" that Paul had in mind for Christians to be is like a "light" shining in a dark world. A light illuminates and indicates the way. This is what Jesus had in mind when he said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).
Paul concluded this passage by sharing some personal remarks why he wrote what he did. He wanted the Philippians to conduct themselves in this manner: "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (v. 16). In other words at the judgment, Paul wanted something to show for his life of sacrifice and service. As a pastor, like Paul, I want to encourage you to conduct yourself in a manner fitting a Christian and to be "bright, shining lights," joining our witness to community and state.
There are four things that I would like to draw from this passage to elaborate upon. First was Paul's instruction to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12). The Apostle was not suggesting that they needed to work for their salvation but that they should work at their spiritual growth and development. Paul addressed them as his "dear friends" and commended them for "having always obeyed - not only in his presence but much more in his absence" (v. 12). This was a very fine group of believers in comparison to other New Testament churches like Corinth. The Apostle John wrote that the way we show our love for God as his children is by carrying out his commands, (see 1 John 5:2-3), which in turn produces spiritual growth and maturation.
Secondly, Paul told them, "Do everything without complaining or arguing..." (v. 14). If Christians are to be "blameless and pure, children of God," they cannot act the same way as others who are part of the "crooked and depraved generation" (v. 15). [If this is how Paul thought about the people living then, what would be his comments on the world today?!!.] Christians are supposed to act differently. In fact they are to be "new creations in Christ" (2 Cor. 5:17). The world has little respect for those who profess to be "Christians" but do not behave accordingly.
Third, Paul wrote and told them his desire that they "shine like stars in a universe as they hold out the word of life" (v. 15-16). Christians are to be "stars" - not in the sense of movie stars or sports superstars. The kind of "star" that Paul had in mind for Christians to be is like a "light" shining in a dark world. A light illuminates and indicates the way. This is what Jesus had in mind when he said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).
Paul concluded this passage by sharing some personal remarks why he wrote what he did. He wanted the Philippians to conduct themselves in this manner: "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (v. 16). In other words at the judgment, Paul wanted something to show for his life of sacrifice and service. As a pastor, like Paul, I want to encourage you to conduct yourself in a manner fitting a Christian and to be "bright, shining lights," joining our witness to community and state.
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