The Foundation of the Church (Acts, Ephesians 2:20, 4:11) 6-16-25

This is a continuation of the series of “The Biblical Guidelines for God’s People” to open the eyes so they will know and understand how God wants His church to function. Remember the church is not owned by a person, or a group of people, it is owned by God. Therefore, He expects us to abide by His rules.

The warning is to be careful how you build (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)- According to the grace of God, which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

Sadly, because many people in the church built on the wrong foundation. Example: a group of people get together and start a church; where are the apostles, prophets, and Christ? It must be done the way God ordained, or His master blueprint that was laid in stone (the Bible) for the church to continue building on.

The scenario- Apollos one being favored by one group and Paul was favored by another group, which caused division in the church. That was a mark of immaturity because they were still operating in carnality (their flesh).  What about God? The Lord God should have been their central focus, because focusing on a person was putting more emphasis on him rather than on God.

The foundation of the church was already established, but they were not rooted and grounded, therefore there was a shifting because of division. Neither Paul or Apollos or any minister is better than the other, they were/are working for the same cause, to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives and to mature the children of God.

I am overjoyed at how Paul addressed this situation, but also there are leaders who take ownership of the church and the people,  influencing them by using certain tactics that ends up being a clique in the church. It may be that someone is well off financially, and they are favored; and it is evidenced by the people.

There are many things done in the church that causes problems and God is not glorified. Most of it has to do with the leaders operating in the flesh to satisfy their ego. They also misinterpret the Bible and use it to benefit themselves for selfish gain.  

These types people have ignored the truth when it comes to how the church is to function. They don don’t spend time in the Word of God because they are too engaged in outside affairs, getting involved in politics. They are put on a pedestal, and want to be among the rich and famous, rather than serving as Jesus did: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body [a]and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20). These people need to go back and learn the first principles For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe (Hebrews 5:12-13).

What happened to the foundation? Somebody is shifting on the foundation because they want to do things their way. Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Lord willing, this will be continued tomorrow.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org