Love For the Local Church: (Ephesians 2:19-22). Part Two

In this teaching on loving the local church, let's examine the foundation of the church. What we're going to learn is that God founded the church on New Testament truth, with the Lord Jesus central to everything! Verse 20 reads, "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone." The apostles are in reference to the Twelve and Paul along with James, the Lord's brother. These men had seen the risen Lord and Jesus commissioned them with special authority to found the church. The prophets are in reference to New Testament prophets in the early church (Eph. 3:5; 4:11; Acts 13:1). Before the New Testament canon was finished, the prophets received direct revelation from the Lord to build up and encourage the church (Acts 15:32; 1 Cor. 14:3, 29-32). Paul's emphasis here is, the church was founded on the truth that we now have in the New Testament, the testimony of Christ. This means that before you commit to a particular local church, you need to consider whether it emphasizes the teaching of God's Word as absolute truth! If the leaders of the church evade certain teachings in the Scriptures because they're not politically correct, or not popular, you should not commit to that church (2 Tim. 4:1-5)! Not only is the church founded on New Testament truth, but also that truth necessarily puts the Lord in the center of everything! Paul calls Jesus, "the corner stone." The corner stone is what builders use to set the foundation and square the building! It was the first stone laid at the corner. It had to be positioned correctly, because all of the lines of the building came from that corner stone! This refers to the fact that the church is built out and up from the the revelation given in Jesus, with the prophets and apostles explaining that revelation which was a mystery to us. We must understand and embrace that all is built on Jesus, supported by Jesus, and the direction of the continuing building is determined by Christ ALONE, the cornerstone! Any church that diminishes the person and work of Jesus must be rejected! Any church that undermines the final authority of the Bible, must be rejected! They are churches without a firm and solid foundation! Your move. Be encouraged!