The Foundation of the Church
The church stands on a solid foundation which is imperishable. It is built on the foundation of God who created heaven and earth. This confession of Peter serves as an affirmation of Jesus as an integral part of Trinity. A church built on the Trinity of God is a place where Christians find the peace of mind, express their joy, increase their love and act passionately in building up the kingdom of God.Peace of mind.
Through Jesus God brings peace to the world. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The church acts as a representative of the peace amongst humankind. At all times and in all situations, the church must be a champion peace. As a champion, she must sow the seed of joy in the midst of despair, hurts, discomfort and injustices. The Prophet Amos says, "but let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream"(Amos 5:24). The church then becomes a cooling place for those who are hurt. The church is like a salt which makes the world a tasty place of hope. A church that spreads hope is a church that brings joy.
The church brings joy
The Prophet Habakkuk says, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour" (Habakkuk 3:18) The church that Jesus prayed for is an expression of joy in the midst of hurts. When the Christians are hurt in the world they know that there is a calming place, the church. It is in that church where broken relationships are healed, painful experiences are transformed and suffering and hardship are turned into abundance. When God builds the foundations of His church, He increases His love. Love, not hate, is the concrete foundation of God's church.
The church increases love.
At the core of the church is God's love. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John3:16) God wants humanity to keep on loving each other as sisters and brothers (Hebrews 13:1). Love is an anchor of God's kingdom.
The church acts passionately in building God's kingdom
God builds the church on a rock called Jesus Christ. "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the just one do"(Psalm 11:3) The foundations are lowest load bearing part of the building. With Jesus being the foundation of the church, the church will not be shaken or moved by whatever whirlwinds of change.
| And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew16:18) |
Charles Bonga Bosiki is a chaplain at the SANDF and an Interim Moderator at BD Yanta Congregation in the Highveld Presbytery. He is married to Cordelia and is also an author and poet.
