One Foundation

A surprisingly chilly weekend here after setting new high temperature records just nine days ago. Nevertheless, with a blue sky and sunshine, all is right with the world.

Today's Bible Gateway verse is from Ecclesiastes: "As you do not know how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything." Eccles. 11:5

Pastor Brad in white shirt and tie welcomed us and then shared that today's focus is on who God is God. But he got a bit choked up when he shared his feelings about his upcoming move to the next phase of Shannon's ministry. Brad will be leaving to become director of Adventurous Christians in the wilderness near Grand Marais. He wanted us to know "you are loved." He also briefly shared the process that will be coming as the church family seeks and prays for a new pastor.

Darlene transitioned us into worship with the classic hymn The Church's One Foundation. Then we sang it together, "The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord." While the offering was being taken we were led in singing "Ten Thousand Reasons."

Today was Confirmation Sunday. One of the important things our church does is work with our youth. Noah Brewer, Caleb Carlson and Madie Heine were today confirmed, having begun the faith journey many of us have been on for a lifetime. They shared the Old Testament story by means of various gestures, sounds and actions, which was obviously a means of becoming familiar with a range key Biblical concepts in a light-hearted but serious way. They then made a public confession of their faith. After Brad shared Matthew 5:13-15 the church family affirmed its support.

One Foundation

In 1995 Brad ran a mission site in Mexico where kids would come in for ten day projects building shelters for homeless. For that summer Brad's theme was taken from I Corinthians 3: 10, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it." Part of his work included laying a literal foundation for a church. Years later Brad had a chance to go back and see that this church which he had helped lay the foundation for was now completed by the many others who came after. It was a powerful illustration of the way God works, that we do our part and others complete the work.

In Acts 18 Paul went to Corinth and after he stayed quite some time he left for where God had next called him. After he left he learned that there were divisions in the church with some claiming to be followers of Paul and others of Apollos. Paul sent a letter scolding the Corinthians for having become divided in this manner. I Corinthians 3:6 states that Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

We each have different tasks assigned by God. God can pick us up and put us down wherever He wants. We become co-workers with each other and with God.

Keep in mind, we must each assume responsibility to be faithful servants wherever He calls us, and He will make our work flourish. In the end, all belongs to Him. The only sure foundation is Jesus Christ. When we do our part, we're partnering with those who came before us.

Brad shared how various times in his life were spent in various places, and those experiences each contributed to his spiritual development. The foundation for his life was laid when he prayed, "I believe, Lord help my unbelief," a verse he didn't even know was in the Bible. Many builders continued to build on that foundation in his life to help him grow.

During this next six weeks of transition, Brad urged us to keep our eyes on God. This is His church. If you are faithful to do your part, God will be faithful to do His part.