Text: Isaiah 28:16
Intro: The song writer said, “How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord..” another said, “On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand..” (Title found in text)
Five fundamental truths about a foundation.
1. A foundation must be first.
It is the necessary part of the building. There can be no structure without the foundation. Everything is built upon Christ. He is the first and the last in which everything is built. (1 Cor. 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.)
2. A foundation must be firm.
It is the strongest part of the house and must be able to support the whole structure without fail. Lives are at risk. I’m glad that Christ is a firm foundation. (2 Tim. 2:19)
3. A foundation must be formed.
The design and dimensions of it must be exact. It must be laid in a manner so that the entire structure will unite upon it as planned. (Eph. 2:19-22)
4. A foundation must be finished.
It must be to the place that nothing else can be added to it or nothing else needs to be taken away from it.
5. A foundation must be financed.
It always cost someone something to lay a foundation. Someone pays for the foundation. Someone labors to build the foundation. (It cost the Father his son and the son his life.)
What is it that makes this foundation so great?
I. The Maker of this foundation........”Behold I lay in Zion..”
A foundation can be no greater than its maker. God took it upon himself to lay this foundation. He did not leave it to man.
A. He is an eternal maker. (What he does is forever.)
B. He is an expert maker. (Never made a mistake.)
C. He is an elaborate maker. (Always does it first class.)
II. The Material of this foundation.......”a stone”
A. A complete stone. (It is one entire piece. Stronger)
Other foundations can be large lumps, artificially made and prepared. Made of natural things that are terrestrial.
B. A considered stone...”..a tried stone..”
Other foundation may decay, rot, or deteriorate leaving the whole building in jeopardy. Other foundations can be shaken by earthquakes and destroyed. (But not this foundation.)
C. A corner stone..........”..precious corner stone..”
Other foundations are made of stones of little or no value.
III. The Miracle of this foundation.........”a sure foundation”
No matter what foundation man builds, no matter how wise a builder he is; no matter what material he chooses to use, his foundation will one day crumble. You can never say it’s sure.
A. The load it bears.
All the prophets, apostles, minsters, offices, covenants, promises, statues, precepts, commandments, beliefs, believers,
and everything declared is sitting on this foundation.
B. The life it gives.
What makes this foundation different from all the rest is the fact that it is the only foundation that is able to uphold and preserve the entire house. The Church is the building, the house. How can we go under when we are resting on such a solid foundation? We are alive because he is alive. Christ is our sure foundation! (Closing illustration: Subdivision with bad foundations that began to sink. When the world is sinking under you, it’s good to have a solid foundation you can trust.)
