A Foundation Of Faith: Dedicating This House To God

A Foundation of Faith: Dedicating This House to God

Hebrews 11:9-10

Introduction:

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to celebrate a special occasion—the dedication of this house to the Lord. As we stand in this new home, we should reflect on the foundation of faith upon which we build our lives and our households. Hebrews 11:9-10 tells us about Abraham, who lived by faith, looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Like Abraham, we too are called to build our homes on a foundation of faith, dedicating them to God’s glory and purpose.

Hebrews 11:9-10 (NIV)

"By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

As we gather to dedicate this house to the Lord, Hebrews 11:9-10 offers profound insights into the essence of building our homes and lives on a foundation of faith. These verses speak about Abraham, a man who left his homeland and lived as a stranger in the land God promised him, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to a future city built by God Himself.

Abraham's life was marked by faith. He left the familiar to venture into the unknown, relying solely on God's promise. This journey of faith resonates with us as we dedicate our homes to God. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God with our lives and households, believing that He is the ultimate architect and builder.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in tents, signifying their transient existence and their understanding that their true home was not in this world but in the heavenly city God had prepared for them. This reminds us that while we establish physical homes here on earth, our ultimate goal is to prepare for our eternal home with God.

Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. This city represents God's eternal kingdom, built on His unshakable foundation. When we dedicate our homes to God, we commit to building on His principles and teachings, ensuring that our household stands firm.

Our message today is divided into three parts: "A Blessed Home: Living Under God's Favor," "A God-Fearing Family: Cultivating Faith and Obedience," and "Building the House unto the Lord: Establishing a Strong Foundation." Let us explore these themes together.

1. A Blessed Home: Living Under God's Favor

2 Samuel 6:11-12

"The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. Now King David was told, 'The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.'"

The story of Obed-Edom teaches us about the blessings that come from having God's presence in our homes. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into his house, the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and everything he had. This passage reminds us that when we invite God into our homes, His presence brings peace, prosperity, and protection.

Illustration:

Faith as Big as a Small Hand

Two years ago, I found myself preaching the Sunday service at Calvary Temple AG Church in Bangalore. After the service, Reverend Arthur Napolean and his wife, Pastor Christina, extended a warm invitation to their home. Upon reaching their beautiful apartment, nestled in a prime location within the city, Pastor Christina shared a remarkable story about how they came to possess it.

It all began during a special prayer meeting at their church. As the service concluded, Reverend Arthur called forward all those yearning for a home of their own. Several members stepped forward, but Pastor Christina remained behind, her eyes closed in fervent prayer. Suddenly, a tiny hand reached for hers – it was their daughter, Elisheva. With unwavering faith, Elisheva whispered, "Mommy, we don't have a home either. Why don't we go pray with them? Surely Jesus will provide!"

Pastor Christina, deeply touched by her daughter's innocent belief, joined the prayer line. Reverend Arthur, unaware of this exchange, continued leading the gathering. Days turned into weeks and then came an unexpected turn of events. The owner of a construction company requested the Reverend and his family to bless their newly built apartments. After the prayer, the owner presented them with two keys, offering them the privilege of choosing their own home. With a single turn of a key, they unlocked their destiny – a spacious 3-bedroom apartment, the very one they still reside in today.

Their story exemplifies the immense power of faith, particularly when held in the hands of a child. Elisheva's simple act of believing in God's provision became a catalyst for a significant blessing. This tale resonates with the passage from 2 Samuel 6:11-12, where Obed-Edom's household is showered with blessings upon receiving the Ark of the Covenant. It reminds us that when we invite God's presence into our homes, just like Obed-Edom, we open ourselves to an abundance of peace, prosperity, and protection. Pastor Christina and Reverend Arthur's story is a testament to the unwavering power of faith, even in the smallest hands.