BUILT TO LAST

ESTABLISHING THE FOUNDATION

A house ability to stand depends on the foundation it's built upon. If the foundation is strong the house itself will be strong.  If the foundation is weak, the house though it is built with strong and durable materials will fall when adversity strikes.

Ephesians 2:20 (KJV)
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

To understand today's discussion, let's define the word cornerstone:

By definition the word means -a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls; an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.

Take a look at this definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

In line with the scripture and meanings above, let's lay the foundation:

We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets- We must first understand their foundation.  How and by whom they were laid,or built.  

The foundation of the Apostles and Prophets were built with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone.  

Using the Wikipedia encyclopedia's meaning of a cornerstone being the first stone set in a masonry foundation you can now understand why they were so effective and powerful.  Their foundation was laid on Jesus' teachings, principles and examples. Jesus taught with authority.  He healed the sick, lame and demon possessed. Therefore, the apostles followed because they were joined to the cornerstone as the definition depicts.  This is the important feature that allowed and cause the continuation of the flow of Christ anointing.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  CHECK YOUR FOUNDATION

As you reflect over the discussion above and taking into consideration the meanings let's do a foundation check:

• Are you built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets?
• What is the base of your belief, action or characteristics?

• Are you connected or disconnected to the Cornerstone?
• What is the position or condition of your structure?
• Is there enough evidence that indicates that you are?
• What signs indicate that you are not?
• What improvements, maintenance or changes need to be made?

• How do you respond when adversity strikes?
• Does your action show that you are built to last?
• What areas do you need strengthening?
• Do you perhaps need to revisit or re-evaluate your foundation?

• DO YOU HAVE FAITH IN YOUR FOUNDATION
• Do you trust that it will hold you up?
• Can you defend it against the forces?
• Are you ashamed or proud to be a part of it's structure? 
• How can you contribute to it's growth?
•  Are you positioned for others to built upon you?

Know that God has called you to be built upon the already established structure of the Apostles and Prophets where Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone.  No other foundation has He laid that is as solid, proven, tried and powerful as this blueprint. The Master Architect designed and built the structure of His church in such a way that no devil in hell can mess with its design.  No wind of adversity can destroy the structure because it's tied in with the sacrifice He made through Jesus Christ.  That Chief Cornerstone is set so all can be laid upon.  It is a perfect Stone, a Stone that endured suffering, hardship and even death.  Thus we can and are able to last through the trials, temptations and anguish of our construction, building and existing processes.  

Remember, you are built to last because  you are built on a solid foundation.  You are unshakable,  unstoppable, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord. You are built to last because your foundation is based on the most important feature of a strong structure- You are tied to the setting of the Cornerstone!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel