On the Sunday before last, we considered the ninth “foundational commitment of a healthy church”. There is certainly more to be said, and I expect to return to the Foundations series for at least a few more installments, but I thought I’d review the nine commitments thus far:

1. The Word (Acts 20:17-32; 2 Timothy 3:16-4:7)
   
   The commitment to center our lives and our gatherings around the study of God’s Word, for it is through His Word that Christ rules His people.
   
   
2. The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
   
   The commitment to center our lives and our gatherings around the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the message of His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection from the dead for our sins is the most important thing.
   
   
3. Sound Doctrine (Deuteronomy 12:32-13:10)
   
   The commitment to sound doctrine and true worship, or, put differently, the commitment to speak truth, correcting any who promote falsehood in our midst.
   
   
4. Christ Alone – “Solus Christus” (Romans 3:19-5:2)
   
   The commitment to trust in Christ's righteousness alone for salvation.
   
   
5. Faith Alone – “Sola Fide” (Galatians 5:1-9)
   
   The commitment to faith alone being the means by which we are saved.
   
   
6. Prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:23-31)
   
   The commitment to be a praying church.
   
   
7. God's Glory Alone – “Soli Deo Gloria” (Matt 6:1-18)
   
   The commitment to live for God’s glory, and not our own, seeking praise for Him rather than for ourselves.
   
   
8. Kingdom First (1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1)
   
   The commitment to prioritize God’s mission above our preferences/rights.
   
   
9. Discipline (Matthew 18)
   
   The commitment to pursue purity through every means of grace that God has instituted.

May the Lord bless our kingdom labors as we seek to walk in His ways.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan