Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood hay or stubble: everyman'swork shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it… (1 Cor.3:12)

That foundation is God's grace in Christ. That is God's everlasting love and mercy. It is evidenced by the fact that there are some called the elect, which the Father chose in Christ before the world began. It is further evidenced by the fact that the Father sent His only begotten Son to save His people from their sins on the cross. The elect are cemented as lively stones onto that foundation with the most precious mortar. That bond is made perfect by the blood of the Lamb. Now all man can build upon that everlasting foundation pertains to time and personal experiences.

Now what shall we say of those precious stones? Every child of God has recollections of God's graciousness. These are precious mementos of His grace. Are these not more valuable than precious gemstones? If every child of God would write every blessing they have ever received from God's hand, then that would be a monumental writing indeed. The apostle John wrote that there are many other things which Jesus did.. If they should be written every one that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written (John 21:25) . The apostle doesn't say that could be written; but rather he says they should be written.

I have no confidence in the flesh. I know that all the things that Jesus has done shall never all be written. That doesn't stop God. That doesn't deter Him from dispensing His tender mercies. The fact that His children may fail to recognize all His blessings and take them for granted doesn't hinder Him from doing good. None can stay His hand! If the "precious stones" of His grace were converted to actual gemstones of this world, then each heir of promise would be richer than the millionaires of this world. Let's glory in Christ that His children are rich in mercies and in the love of God. No sensible sinner would trade those for the riches of this world.

As far as the wood and hay and stubble, these are the things of this world and the works of men. These things shall not withstand the test of time. The Church that our Lord said that He would build should not be cluttered long by wood and hay and stubble. Let us continue to preach Christ and Him crucified and continue to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let's stand faithfully on that eternal foundation, continuing to contend for that faith and be thankful for the unsearchable riches of Christ Jesus. 7/6/2004