Tragedy Of Failure To Stand On The Rock Part 1, By AKO

 

This lecture was delivered on the 18th day of March, 2023, in an interactive virtual conference, organized by the Council Of Shepherds And Church Workers, Celestial Church Of Christ, Diocese of the United States of America. It involves a biblical examination of the theme of the Conference, Christ: Our Firm Foundation, with a view to discover the following:

1. The relevance of Jesus Christ as the only firm Ministerial foundation, in contemporary Christianity

2. The need for present and future Shepherds/ Ministers of the Gospel and Church Workers, to stand firmly on the Rock.

INTRODUCTION:

The text for this lecture is taken from the book of 1 Peter 1:25

★ But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, is the eternal Word that endures from everlasting to everlasting, as indicated above. He is the enduring Word of faith and the awesome Word of life, that sustains the Household of Faith.

The gospel of John 1:1-3, support the above views, as follows:

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

• The same was in the beginning with God.

• All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

From the preceding gospel, it is beyond controversy, that Jesus Christ is the Word, who was with God in the beginning.

In addition, the same gospel of John amplifies the earthly manifestation of Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among men as stated in John 1:14:

• And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Foundation as an essential component of every visible and invisible structure, can not be overemphasized. Physical and spiritual structures, including Ministerial Calling, require solid foundations.

A firm foundation is essential to facilitate effectiveness, functionality, stability and sustainability. In this light, we shall examine the significance of Ministerial foundation.

For ease of navigation and understanding of this lecture, the following outline shall be adopted, namely:

• The Concept of Christianity

• The Bible Meaning Of The Word Rock

• The Need For Ministers To Stand On The Rock

• Tragedy Of Failure To Stand On The Rock 

To know the 8 Pioneers Of Overseas Missionary Exploits In Celestial Church use this link:

https://libertylifehub1.blogspot.com/2023/04/tributes-to-8-celestial-icons-and.html

• Conclusion

The Concept Of Christianity:

Christianity as a spiritual structure, is erected on a formidable foundation, which predates its earthly manifestation, as indicated in 1 Peter 1:25 above, which declares that the Word endures forever.

Unfortunately, the word Christianity does not occur in the scriptures, however, the word Christian occurs on three distinct occasions, namely:

In Acts 11:26

★ And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

The above verse is a reference to the Ministerial exploits of Barnabas and Saul(as he then was).

In Acts 26:28

★ Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

And in 1 Peter 4:16

★ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 

Among the several dictionary definitions of Christianity are the following:

• Religion of Christians, Christian religion, teachings of Christ, the Gospel and divine revelation.

• Christian disposition, Christ-like temper, Christian spirit and Christian Character.

In addition to the foregoing dictionary definitions, I consider the term Christianity as the way of life of a Christian, patterned after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It manifests daily in Christ like activities, behaviors and speeches by true believers.

In agreement with the preceding views above, are the respected observations of Jerome Carcopino, in the Book Daily Life In Ancient Rome, at page 139, reproduced with permission in the Bible Students’ Source Book, at page 231, paragraph 418, as follows:

• The Christians are brothers and called each other so. Their meetings were often called agape which in Greek means “love.” They constantly assisted each other without “parade or patronage.“ Between them, was an unceasing interchange “of counsel, of information, and of practical help.”…. Many observers in those days were constrained to say of the Christians: “How simple and pure is their religion! What confidence they have in their God and his promise! How they love one another and how happy they are together!”

Unfortunately, these positive testimonies about brotherhood among early Christians, are fading away with rapidity, in contemporary Christendom.

Is Christianity as simple and pure at present? Is brotherly love thriving among Christians today? Are we happy together as Christians in this dispensation? These issues are fundamental source of concern, to every Minister who knows the exact purpose of his or her Calling.

As a spiritual structure, comprising the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead. The foundation of Christianity is purely an awesome spiritual edifice. 

Christianity and Christians are predicated on a rocky foundation, which is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the eternal Rock of ages. 

Use the link below to access the instructive Ministerial exploits of Celestial Icons of Faith:

https://libertylifehub1.blogspot.com/2023/03/tributes-to-missionary-amazon-at-80.html

The Bible Meaning Of The Word Rock:

In biblical terms and interpretations, Rocks have literal and figurative meanings. The scope of this lecture, dwells extensively on the latter.

There are instances in the Bible, where God and Christ have been symbolized as the Rock, they include the following:

• 1 Samuel 2:2

There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

• Psalms 18:2 & 31

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

• For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God?

• Psalms 31:3

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

• Psalms 71:3

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

• Psalms 78:35

And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

• Psalms 95:1

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

• Romans 9:33

 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

• 1 Corinthians 10:4

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 

Similarly, a reference to Jesus Christ as the smitten rock and foundation of Christianity is beyond controversy, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 10:4 above.

In agreement with the views expressed above, Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible at page 239, Column 3, Notes On Deuteronomy, indicates the 4 Uses Of The Word Rock in the Bible, as follows:

• A literal Rock

• A symbol of God

• A symbol of Christ

• A type of Christ. 

Beloved, to access the conclusion in Part 2 of the lecture, click on the link below:

https://libertylifehub1.blogspot.com/2023/03/tragedy-of-failure-to-stand-on-rock_30.html

If you were blessed by this lecture, kindly leave a comment, share and follow for updates on this platform.

Peace!

Do You Desire To Explore The Globe? Click the link below:

https://www.infinix.club/forum/188/10111701