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Importance of a Good FoundationBy the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NIV If you have ever engaged in a building project, one of the first tests that must be completed is whether the soil can hold the structure expected to be built. I was curious whether there is an accepted ratio of depth of foundation per the height of a building. The answer is there is no universal formula! The reason is that “it depends on the soil/bedrock characteristics at the site, and environmental loading considerations (especially wind) specific to the site.” So, physical buildings need a foundation solid enough to hold the structure above, but no set formula encapsulates what is acceptable. The Apostle Paul opens his dialogue by saying we all have some type of foundation we build on. He adds each person should examine the foundation given whether it can hold a household being built. He is clear about one thing regarding a spiritual house, “only Jesus Christ provides a trustworthy foundation for life.” If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NIV Once the foundation is in place, Paul lists six different building materials we can use to erect our spiritual house. Gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw. He shares that whatever we build it with will be tested by fire! That fire will determine the quality and durability of what is used to build. When you examine those six building materials the first three will withstand lots of “heat.” The second three would be consumed by fire: wood slower than hay and straw would obviously burn in a poof! Gold is the best choice of building materials. Gold neither burns nor is flammable. It won't easily melt in a house fire due to its melting point of 1,947 degrees Fahrenheit - hence it is not easily destroyed. Gold will melt, but not burn because it does not react with oxygen. Silver’s melting point is 1,763 degrees. Silver does not melt unless ground into a powder or dust form. It then becomes flammable. The next material listed to build with is “precious stones.” When I looked up these Greek words it defined them as “honorable, precious, a great reputation.” Finally, the last three listed are considered building materials - but certainly wouldn’t stand the test of fire. What is Paul communicating to us? First, the only foundation for life is Jesus Christ. Once that belief is in place we build with the substance that can withstand the “fires” of life. Gold would be the essentials of the Word. Silver could mean truth revealed by the Spirit. Costly stones can be interpreted as our “reputation.” What we don’t need are “quick fixes” or cookie-cutter Christianity. That would be like building with wood, hay, and straw. However, even if people choose those quick fixes, Paul says you still have your faith. Yet, I would propose that those people would have a “rocky road” life. What material are you building with? I Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. NLT This Sunday, I will continue my series, “Resurrection Realities.” In this third message, we’ll consider the “New Exodus” we are engaged in. Come find out more and join the journey! |
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God is at Work!Cathi L. shares with us how she had been experiencing pain throughout her body but God healed her and she has not needed to take any Tylenol for pain in 8 days. Amy D. shares how she was broken and had lost so much of what she valued ... most of all she had lost hope and the will to go on. Then she heard the Lord telling her, through other people, that He loved her and that is when she began her new journey here at Crossroads. Now she is praising God for saving her, loving her, and giving her hope and a reason to live. There has been so much joy and hope in shedding the pain and loss of my old life. I am a miracle! |
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Live Stream Starts at 10:30 amTwo ways to join: |
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Prayer RequestsAnna M. – My husband and I would like prayer to know God’s direction for where to live. Carleen B. – Pray for God to open doors for a job and for healing. Chris O. – Pray for my mom, Beverly, for complete healing to her pulmonary system, so that she would no longer be dependent on oxygen. Dawn B. – Continued prayers for my son Brandon for complete healing and for his voice to return so we can provide him with better care. Sherri L. I Update on S.O.M.E. Ministry. Praise the Lord lives are changing. Individuals are experiencing freedom and breakthrough. Robbin A. – Please pray for my sons, Nick & Zack's, salvation, healing, and deliverance also, spray for my husbands healing from mental illness. |
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Dates to RememberApr 28 - Pray Winchester 8 am Apr 28 - Seniors with a Purpose 11 am Apr 30 - Discover Crossroads 3 pm May 01 - Prayer for the Nation 12 pm May 03 - Intercessory Prayer 12 pm May 05 - Pray Winchester 8 am May 07 - Prophetic Round Table May 09 - Sisters In Arms - Coffee and Conversation 6:30 pm May 12 - Hard and Bowl 6:00 pm
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