FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION: noun
a basis upon which something stands or is supported <the foundations of geometry>
2 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution :
3 : an underlying base or support; especially : the whole masonry substructure of a
building
4 a : a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid b : a woman's
supporting undergarment; or anything that supports

(Greek) foundation - themelios {them-el'-ee-os} or qeme,lion themelion {them-el'-ee-

on} • from a derivative of 5087; TDNT - 3:63,322; adj • AV - foundation 16; 16 • 1)
laid down as a foundation, the foundation (of a building, wall, city) 2) metaph. the
foundations, beginnings, first principals 2a) of institution or system of truth

1 Corinthians chapter 3:

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God
that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall
receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's
building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise
masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let
every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones,
wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of
what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a
reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be
saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of
God is holy, which temple ye are.

In order to bring this discussion into sharper focus, consider the following questions:

(1) If you were to die today, are you confident that you would go to heaven (if you
believe that such a place exists)?

(2) Assume you did die today, and you found yourself standing in the presence of God. If
God reviewed your life and asked you for a reason why you should be permitted to enter
heaven and live with him throughout all eternity, what would your answer be?
A foundation, of course, is always important, important for the building. For the
foundation in many respects determines the superstructure that must be built on it. It
stands to reason that the foundation already determines the size and the strength and the
shape of the superstructure. You cannot build a extravagant structure on a flimsy
foundation, say, of twenty-by-twenty. You cannot build a perfectly square structure on an
oblong foundation. You cannot build a skyscraper on a foundation that is intended for a
garage. The strength and the size and the shape of the foundation already determine the
superstructure. For that reason, when the superstructure is planned, the foundation must
be planned.

Is there a plan?
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongues. (one body with many members)
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you,
not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according
as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

What is our foundation?

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in
the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit.

Can we build a new foundation?

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.

How strong is our foundation?

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this
seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the
name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Who laid the first foundation?

Hebrews 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

How should we treat this foundation?

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go
on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of
the dead, and of eternal judgment.

We are the light to others and the word is our light.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid.