Fundamental Foundations of Faith
Understanding the Lord’s Church
INTRO.
A. In order to be successful in any endeavor, you must pay attention to the fundamentals. Those
basic fundamentals serve as the foundation and the building blocks for success.
B. For example- In the late ’60s, Vince Lombardi, just after winning the first Super bowl and on the eve of a
new season, gathered his team in the locker room and stepped up onto a bench for a speech. He
reviewed last year’s season, then began to talk about the plans for a return trip to the great game and
how they would accomplish it. “We’re going back to basics,” he said. And with that, he held up a game
ball, and said slowly and deliberately, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Coach Lombardi knew what too
many of us fail to remember – the way to stay on the winning team is to work on the fundamentals of a
strong foundation
C. The same holds true in spiritual matters. If we want to be spiritually successful, we need to pay close
attention to the fundamentals of the faith. Then, we can build upon that firm foundation and be assured
that what we build will be pleasing to God. 1 Cor. 3:10-15
“10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the
foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other
foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this
foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for
the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what
sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's
work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”
1. We must be careful how we build. If what we build is not pleasing to the Lord, it will not last, and it
will not bring us a reward.
2. Only by remembering the fundamentals and building upon the proper foundation, which is Christ,
can we expect to build something that will last.
3. Those who are built as living stones in the church of the Living God- who are faithful and true will be
able to endure the trials of fire.
4. Those who are built as living stones into the church of the Living God- who are hypocritical and false
will be as stubble- they will be burned up by the trial of fire and be lost.
D. Today, I want us to consider the fundamental foundations of faith concerning the Lord’s church, so we
can be sure that we are “wise builders.” To do this, we begin by…
I. UNDERSTANDING THE NAME.
A. The Bible was written in a language known as Koine Greek. In the first century, this was the language
that the common man on the street spoke. (marketplace)
1. The Greek word for 'church' is ‘Ekklesia' = “Those called out.” (assembled)
2. It does not automatically have a religious association at all. This word is used to describe a mob of
people who were upset with Paul's teachings in Acts 19:32,39,41
“32 Some, therefore, cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of
them did not know why they had come together…39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall
be determined in the lawful assembly…41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the
assembly.”
In this context, the word Ekklesia is translated as an assembly and in this case, it has absolutely
nothing to do with a religious gathering of any kind.
3. Rom. 16:16 We see it used in a different sense.
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”
Here we have an example of this word being used to represent assemblies of Christians. This refers
to individual congregations of the Lord’s people. The ekklesia at North Brandon, The ekklesia at
Siwell Road, Madison, Etc.
4. Col.1:24 The word is used in a third sense.
“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of
Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church”
Now we see the word used in scripture to represent the one universal body of Christ. This is the
church universal as one entire assembly. Notice that Paul writes of the body [singular] and calls it
the church [Ekklesia].
5. We have to look at the context of the Scriptures to see how the word is to be used. A secular
assembly (mob), assemblies of congregations, or the one universal assembly throughout the world.
B. Regardless of how it is used, this teaches us that the church is a people and not a physical thing.
1. The word Ekklesia was never used to describe any physical structure in the New Testament. The
church is not a building, it's not a place or a location.
2. An Ekklesia, or church is the assembly of people. We are the assembly therefore we, the people, are
the church. 1 Pet. 2:5
“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
3. How has the world’s concept of the church affected us? Have you ever said, “OK everybody, let’s get
in the car, it’s time to go to church?” I have to confess I have said that myself. That assumes that
the church is a place or a structure. That is not true. What we ought to say is “OK everybody, let’s
get in the car, it’s time to go to worship. It’s time to go to the assembly.” That is more in keeping with
Biblical principles. It’s something that we probably all need to work on.
C. First, by understanding the name, we now have a better understanding that we are the church, the
assembly of God, who is called out to worship Him.
D. Secondly, we continue in the fundamental foundations of faith by…
II. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE.
A. Many in the denomination world understand the nature of the church based on Jesus’ discussion of the
vine and the branches in John 15:1-8
“1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He
takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already
clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine,
you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do
nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather
them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,
you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear
much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
1. To those in the denomination world, each branch on this vine is one of the various, Christian
denominations. There is a Baptist branch, a Catholic branch, a Methodist branch, a Presbyterian
branch, etc.
2. However, if you look closely at the Lord’s words, it is clear that He is talking about Individual
Christians and not denominational groups. Look at the passage again, it is filled with pronouns that
represent individuals. If you abide. If He abides. Clearly, the Lord recognizes each branch as an
individual Christian and not a denominational group.
3. This passage does not discuss or support the existence of denominations. Rather, it teaches the
individual responsibility of each and every Christian to be fruitful in the service of our God.
B. As we examine the scriptures, it is clear that Jesus is speaking to us as individuals and that the Lord’s
church is singular and not plural.
1. Mt. 16:13-18
“13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do
men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and
others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus
answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this
rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
a. On this occasion, Jesus is questioning the disciples about what is being said about Him. His
ultimate goal is to get to who they think He is.
b. They say that the people think that He is one of the great prophets come back to life.
c. Then He asked them what they thought. Peter hits the nail on the head. “You are the Christ, the
Son of the living God.”
d. After this declaration of faith and knowledge, Jesus makes a great pronouncement about the
church- “…you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church” Peter (Petros) = “small stone.”
Rock (Petra) = “a lager stone or boulder.” It is not Peter that the church is built upon, but the
truth of his confession, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. That is the foundation of
the church.
e. Here, in the context of this passage, notice that the Lord only promised to build one church- “I
will build My church” The Lord’s church is SINGULAR!!! It is not plural. There are multiple
congregations, but they all make up the one universal church.
2. Eph. 1:19-23 Paul also addresses the nature of the church
“19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the
working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and
seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and
might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to
come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
a. In this passage of scripture, Paul states that by God’s mighty power, He raised Jesus from the
dead and enthroned Him in heaven.
b. Jesus has been exalted above all powers, and He is now reigning over all things.
c. And He is now the head of the church. By this, we see that Jesus is the supreme leader of the
church. All authority rests upon Him Mt. 28:18
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and
on earth.” All authority and power are invested in Jesus.
d. Notice that the church is described as His body. He is the head, the authority, we are His body.
We are his servants, His hands, and His feet, to do His will.
3. Now, consider what Paul wrote in Eph. 4:1-6
“1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you
were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit,
just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God
and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
a. One, the numerical designation of “singularity.” One is not zero. One is not two. It means one,
all by itself.
b. The text says that there is one body. Now we already know that Christ is the head of that body
from Ephesians 1:22-23.
c. We also know that the body is the same thing as the church- Ephesians 1:22-23.
d. Therefore, since there is one body, and the body is the church, Jesus only built and established
one church.
e. The idea that the Lord established multiple churches and that you can join the church of your
choice is completely unbiblical.
C. By understanding the nature of the church, we come to understand just how unique and distinctive the
Lord’s church is. There is only one.
APP./CONC.
A. When we remember the fundamental foundations of faith, we are able to build upon a firm foundation
and the things we build will be pleasing to the Lord and will last.
B. Those fundamentals concerning the church will help us to have a better understanding of the church as
designed by the Lord. It is His church, and we must accept it as He has given it to us.
C. Not only has the Lord given us His church, but He has also given us instruction on how to enter into His
church.
1. Believe (Jn. 8:24)
2. Repent (Lu. 13:3)
3. Confess (Mt. 10:32-33)
4. Be baptized (Ac. 22:16)
5. Live faithfully (Rev. 2:10)
6. Do this and the Lord will add you to His body, the church (Ac. 2:47)
