Have The Right Foundation To Withstand Storms

Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. We are visiting several areas in Turkey and Greece where the world’s first Christian churches were planted; and today, we are in Ephesus.

Paul was the planter and pastor of this church, but it was from prison in Rome that he wrote letters to Timothy who was pastoring this church and a letter to the church itself. Today I want to look at Paul’s greeting to the Ephesians in chapter 1 verses 1 and 2: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”(Ephesians 1:1-2 NIV).

Notice that three times Paul says, “Christ Jesus, Christ Jesus, and the Lord Jesus Christ”. In verse 3 Paul writes again, “Lord Jesus Christ”.

Paul is setting from the beginning that for the Christian and the Church, Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. No one else but Jesus. Not those who were its pastors and leader - Paul, John, Timothy, Apollos. The church is built on no one else but the Lord Jesus Christ.

Edward Mote wrote 200 years ago: My hope is built on nothing less; Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Paul also reminded the church that this Jesus is both Christ, the Greek word for Messiah, and Lord meaning Master. The church and the Christian faith are built on no one else but the Lord Jesus Christ, His teachings, His death and resurrection, and His cause.

The Greek goddess Artemis (known to the Romans as Diana) was particularly important to the Ephesians. She was the goddess of chastity, hunting, wild animals, forests, childbirth, and fertility. The city built the Temple of Artemis which was estimated to be four times larger than the Parthenon and became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Such cultish worship was a threat to the new church at Ephesus with people desiring to influence them with their beliefs and practices and so for Paul this letter was important to remind them of the gospel of Jesus Christ with some instructions on Christian living.

Churches that are built on lose theology and are swayed by popular culture, will experience their foundation disappear in sinking sand much like the huge Temple of Artemis that now has only two columns left.

Churches and Christians whose hope is built on the blood and righteousness of Lord Jesus Christ and who lean on Jesus’ name in prayer, stand on solid rock – firm and secure. The rains may come down, the streams might rise, and the winds can blow and beat against you; but you will not fall, because your foundation is on the rock of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:25).

The world today is like the world when this city was thriving. All sorts of beliefs and practices are followed. Paul reminds us to be holy, faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to His teachings.

Let’s pray.

Dear God. May our lives and Your church be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ so that we can withstand the storms of life. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

David Moyes