Foundations of Prophets and Apostles Ephesians 2 19

Foundations of Prophets and Apostles Ephesians 2: 19 -22

Comparison Between Church and Temple • As Christians, we are not only in the temple. We are the building itself. • The church is built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles.

The Foundation The Church/Tem ple Christ 1 Corinthians 3: 11 “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ”

1 Cor. 3: 11 Eph. 2: 20 Contradiction? For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Foundation: Jesus Christ, The Son of God

Harmonizing the Passages • Matthew 16: 18—built upon the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. • 1 Corinthians 3: 11—built upon Christ. • Ephesians 2: 20—not built upon the men themselves; built upon the truth they preached! The foundation Is Jesus Christ the Son of God!

Apostles and Prophets • Apostles—the twelve • Prophets—NT prophets – Apostles are mentioned first. – A foundation for the Jews and Gentiles fits NT prophets better. – Ephesians 3: 5; 4: 8 -11—prophets refer to NT prophets.

The Fact: Jesus is the Son of God • His claims – John 5: 17 -19 – John 9: 35 -37 – John 10: 36 – John 19: 7

The Fact: Jesus is the Son of God • Evidence – Miracles—John 5: 36; 20: 30, 31 – Testimony of the Father— Matthew 3: 16; 17: 5; John 5: 37 – Testimony of John— John 1: 6, 14, 15, 24, 33, 34 – OT Scriptures— John 5: 39; Acts 10: 43 – Resurrection—Romans 1: 4

The Foundation: Jesus Christ • Importance of a foundation – It is the building’s beginning point. – It supports the entire structure. – If the foundation is weak, the entire building is in danger. – If the foundation is wrong, the building cannot be right!

The Foundation: Jesus Christ • A foundation’s importance. • Built upon the principle of who Jesus is.

• Question • Men say • Peter: Son of God • On THIS Rock, I will build. Matthew 16: 13 -18

The Foundation: Jesus Christ • If built on any other foundation, it’s not God’s building. • Not a foundation of Christ + ______; only Christ. • Foundation is Divine. • Foundation is not a human or wisdom of men.

Proclaimed by Apostles and Prophets • • Acts 2: 22 -36—Preached Christ Acts 3: 13 -24—Preached Christ Acts 4: 1 ff—Questioned for preaching Acts 8: 35—Preached Jesus Acts 10: 34 -48—Preached Christ Acts 13: 16 -41—Preached Christ Acts 17: 22 -31—Preached Christ

The Force: Its Meaning to Us • We have a solid foundation. • Our foundation does not move, shift, or change. • Every evidence of the Deity of Christ—tells us of the strength of the foundation and Church.

The Force: Its Meaning to Us • We are measured and built according to the foundation. • United and held together by our connection to the cornerstone. • Suggests a fixed pattern and standard of doctrine and practice.

• The Fact: Jesus is the Son of God • The Foundation: Jesus Christ • The Force: Its Meaning to Us