The foundation of a government is its laws. All policies and civil functions of a nation are tested by its constitution. The same applies to the church. The foundation of its government, the constitution of its faith, is the Bible, God's Word. (See Isa. 40:8.)
What did Christ say were the two criteria for building "on the rock"? Matt. 7:24, 25.
"The word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows. It is the sure foundation. 'Heaven and earth shall pass away,' said Jesus, 'but My words shall not pass away.' Matthew 24:35."--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 148.
Jesus' words, the everlasting gospel, are to be the foundation, the constitution, of each believer's character and life. Such character building enables the church to witness for the truth because it is character building empowered by Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).
What did Jesus specify as a requirement of true discipleship? John 8:31; Luke 8:21.
This requirement can be met only if we are transformed by His grace. Christ is the living Word (John 1:1-3, 14). He created and upholds all things by His word. Therefore, we, the church, should demonstrate the power of His word as it molds our lives with purpose, principle, and truth.
Are you a tourist or a traveler? Edward Hutton, English author of travel books on Italy, was honored with the highest civilian award of the Italian government--Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Republic. While describing the difference between the Italy of his first studies and the Italy of the present, he commented that Italy then was the land of travelers. But today it is the land of tourists who do not understand what they see.
This is a good illustration of how many Christians read their Bibles. Instead of travelers, journeying slowly, absorbing the blessings and exploring the depths, they are tourists who rush by at high speed, not knowing what to read.--Donald Grey Barnhouse, Let Me Illustrate (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Fleming H. Revell, 1967), p. 31; adapted.
How does your knowledge that Christ is the living Word affect your attitude toward Scripture?