3. How Firm a Foundation
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5
A church I pastored in Texas had foundation issues. Less than ten years old, the building was sinking. When you walked into the new sanctuary you could see cracks in the pillars that held the ceiling. If anyone wanted an excuse for not attending, not wanting to have the roof come down would have been legitimate. When the foundation was being laid the church body was told to dig feet deeper than normal for a firm foundation. Of course, digging deeper on a large structure meant more money, to the tune of an extra 150k (In 1990 dollars). Back in those days, the church opted to save the cash, and hope for the best. Sure enough, ten years later they paid that 150k plus more to do what should have been done all along. When you hear foundations are essential, let me tell you from experience, they are essential. The day support beams were placed under the foundation the walls came back together (like a puzzle).
We cannot afford to cut corners on the foundation of Christian education. All education theories and procedures are based, to some degree, on some type of foundational philosophy. While secular philosophies can help, Christian Education has a clear and distinct undergirding philosophy that is based on the Scripture. This is what sets us apart and makes us “distinctively Christian.”
There is a misnomer that believes Scripture is limited and only applicable in some sort of spiritual realm. Those who adhere to such thinking claim that other realms of life operate from a different set of standards, norms, or philosophy. This is an age-old question that has been posed by great thinkers such as Tertullian who asked: “What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem (Tertullian: Prescription Against Heretics).” Athens was the center of worldly philosophy, and of course, Jerusalem the center of Judaism and Christianity. Could the two be mixed? Should they mix? The answer for the true Christian is a resounding “Yes”, for to say anything else you deny the Bible.
All my life I have had people tell me that psychology, science, history, and the like are all separate. “Preach your bible on Sunday pastor, but Monday-Saturday are different.” I don’t know how that could be. If I read my bible, then I must conclude it is sufficient for all life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It deals with everything from depression (Psalm 42-43) to suicide. It tackles marriage and lifestyle. There is nothing that the principles of Scripture do not in some way touch. The fundamental issue every believer on earth (for all time) must personally question is this: “Does the Bible govern my life?” It is not a question if you read Scripture. It is not a question if you feel something when you read it. It is not a question if you believe it to be historical, factual, or reliable. It is always a question of its authority over you. I will tell you, that is THE issue facing the church today. Often, I have witnessed people cling to their Christianity while denying it with their lifestyle.
The challenge presented here is for each of us to examine first our belief about the Scriptures. Do we hold to what the proverb says: “Every word of God proves true?” Is that what undergirds all we say and teach? Are your lesson plans and methods reflective of such truth? I pray that you are committed to the precious and wonderful word of God. His word is living and active and ultimately our foundational source for all we teach.
Discussion Questions:
How does Scripture impact your personal life?
How does the Bible provide a firm foundation for your teaching?
How can we use our teaching platform to support and affirm the Scripture?
