JESUS CHRIST- OUR FIRM FOUNDATION

Ephesians 2:19&20

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:20

Again, we gather as one people of God to celebrate the 157th Anniversary of Christ Church Marina and the 78th Dedication anniversary of our present Church building. On this joyous occasion, we raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving, for indeed, “The Lord is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer; our God is our rock, in whom we take refuge, our shield and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

It is known that Christ Church Marina holds a special place in our hearts as it represents a legacy of faith and fellowship that God has blessed for many years. Through the generations, God’s people have worshipped and served Him here, and we are humbled by the beautiful work God has accomplished through them. We are deeply grateful to these devoted servants of God who have worked tirelessly to nurture and sustain this spiritual home, and we honour their commitment to serving God. Their steadfast dedication and selfless sacrifice paved the way for the vibrant ministry and church tradition we are privileged to experience today. May God grant the dead eternal rest and divine assistance to the living.

Our Church, a sanctuary for countless believers over the decades, has weathered many seasons. It should also be known that its endurance is not rooted in the bricks and mortar of the Gothic architect that houses it but in the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. Our text is thus a reminder that we are ‘built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.’ (Ephesians 2:20) In other words, Christ Church Marina stands on a foundation laid not by human hands but by the divine architect - Jesus Christ. He is our firm foundation; through Him, we continue to thrive and serve His kingdom.

And so, today, we are not just commemorating the physical structure of our church or its relocation to this site in 1867. We are celebrating the spiritual foundation that has upheld us through the ages. We are celebrating the abiding presence of Jesus Christ among us, a reminder of the enduring strength and stability that only He can provide. Isaiah 28:16, speaking of this foundation, declares: ‘So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.’

Our forebears relied on the sure foundation, and we have continued to rely on Him. So, despite our challenges, our faith in Christ – our Firm Foundation - has kept us grounded, ensuring that our congregation remains a source of hope and light to the world around us. Yet, we are not stricken with panic for the future, for we are assured that the foundation upon which our church stands is unchanging and everlasting.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 provides profound insight into this subject, stressing our responsibilities in building up the church in a manner that honours and reflects Jesus Christ’s foundational teachings. He warns those who build to be careful how they build upon this foundation, highlighting the seriousness and responsibility of their role. ‘For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ...If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it  is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.’ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

As we mark another year of grace and growth, let us recommit ourselves to this firm foundation. Let us continue to build upon what our forebearers started. Not with material wealth or worldly acclaim but in love and unity, strengthening our bonds within and extending our hands outward, knowing that the Lord who began this good work in us will continue until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Let Christ’s teachings continue to mould us. His love inspires us to continue reaching out to our community with compassion and zeal, as we have been doing.

I pray that God will keep us fully established and thriving on our Firm Foundation – Jesus Christ and, in the end, grant us a safe lodging among His saints in the Church Triumphant. Amen

Happy Celebration!