Pastor's Corner: Foundations: What the Apostle Paul taught us

Paul of Tarsus, Apostle of Jesus Christ, literally changed the world through his writing and preaching of Christianity. He is responsible for much of the New Testament and gave us the theological basis for Christianity.

Paul wrote about many things but certain things stand out. He taught that Christianity was built on a foundation, first of all the person of Jesus Christ. Then as Paul traveled the Roman Empire, he preached one message: Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified for our sins and then raised from the dead for our redemption. This is the only way of salvation. This is the only path to heaven. Nowhere does the Bible even suggest a possible alternative. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26 NIV)

Paul was instrumental in the creation of the church. In Romans chapter 12 he tells us what makes a church live and thrive. In verse 3 he says the church must be built on humility and service. When we resist the temptation to judge fellow Christians the church thrives. He says in verse 9 that the church is built on love. If we love and honor one another, the church thrives. And in verse 11 he tells us to not get lazy but to remain passionate. He says be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. When we lose hope we lose our joy. When hard times come we must stand fast because hard times don’t last but hardy people do. And we must pray and not quit because we get bored or discouraged.

When the church is unified around these foundation stones, the church thrives. The church becomes the living organism it was meant to be. 

Many of us on the Hi-line are builders. We understand the need for strong foundations. We know they need maintenance. When our foundations are neglected or were built with weak materials, things start to come apart. It may take a while or a terrific storm may break them down. Churches close when their foundations fail. Nations become corrupt when their foundations fail. Families fall apart when their foundations fail. Lives are ruined when their foundations fail.

The foundation that Paul preached will see you through: Jesus, humility, service, love, hope, resolve, and prayer. It’s never too late to build a strong foundation. It worked for Paul: The church is 2,000 years old and still standing.

Pastor Tim Zerger

Community Alliance Church