Church Foundation

In the early days of the Church Paul dealt with many problem within the various churches.  After Paul was gone I’m sure it wasn’t much easier for the ministers to continue in the practices that were laid down for them by the apostles.  Christ gave the right of laying down the foundation of the church to the apostles.  Ephesians 2:20.  Now within the foundation of the church you would find the doctrine and practice of the church and God’s people.  So if the foundation was given to the Apostles who has the right to add on to His Church.  I would have to say only the Apostles.  I’m pretty sure that there aren’t any more of them around today.  So the Apostles set it up being guided by what Christ had taught them and being lead by the Holy Spirit.  It is the duty of all of God called ministers to uphold the doctrine and practices that was set up by the apostles and not sway from them even if they think they have a better way.  No man can improve upon what God has done.  Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts, and our ways are not His ways.  May the true doctrine and practice stand firm until our Saviour returns.  He said it would and that is good enough for me.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 Philip

Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

     This verse is telling us that God chose His people before the foundation of the world to be with Him.  God’s love for His people is so great that no matter what we do He assures His people a home in Heaven. 

 

What about everyone else? 

God in His perfect rightousness has no obligation to save any, except those that He promised before the world began, and even those do not deserve a home in heaven. 

 

Why then should we do any works here on earth if not to get a home in heaven? 

Because we have a loving Father that has shown his love so abundantly that to worship Him during our short time here on earth is the least that we could do. 

 

Why preach the gospel if not for everlasting salvation? 

For the same reason that you would want to tell some one that you paid off their debt.  If you went to the bank and paid off someone’s debt that they couldn’t pay, but didn’t tell them.  Then they would still have the worry and stress of trying to pay it.  Until you told them other wise, then what a relief that would be.  Can you imagine?  What a great salvation is in the Gospel.

Philip