David Alan Black 

Now here’s a title for a new movie. It’s based on Ephesians 2:20. Actually, on a stone that simply will not move. It’s the foundation of the church, and it’s a doctrinal foundation.

Take a look at the church today. It is built upon everything but a doctrinal foundation. The word of the apostles and prophets will hardly suffice for purpose-driven Christians. We need a “new” foundation, people say. Preferably one without a Christological focus. And certainly one without Christ as the cornerstone.

Call it “Neo-Christianity.” Call it a “No-Cost Church.” Call Him a “God of Convenience.” Tell people they don’t need truth – they need a BHAG, a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal.” Do you want to succeed? It’s easy. Just adopt the principles of Harvard Business School.

This has become the age of the sermonette. And sermonettes produce Christianettes. The standard of teaching in our churches is deplorable. There are few great pastor-teachers today. Our dictum is, “Do anything you can to get them to walk the aisle.”

Before there can be any true revival in America there must be a true revival of commitment to the Word of God – to the “all things” Jesus commanded us to obey (Matt. 28:19). He is the cornerstone of truth. And because of the faithfulness of His apostles and prophets, we have a sure word from God (Eph. 2:20).

The New Testament is our authoritative constitution. It is sufficient for all our beliefs and for all our practices. If I were to ask you why you do things the way you do in your church, would the answer be “Because it was done that way in the New Testament”? Apostolic principles and practices, my friend, are not optional; they are obligatory.

Jesus loves His Bride. He gave Himself for her. It is His institution. There is nothing on earth more important to Him. Why, then, do we have so many church leaders who are well taught in every area of doctrine but the church?