Christian Living

Cracked Foundation?

by paul hoffmaster
06/22/25
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One of the most challenging aspects of life is trying to convert entrenched, dogmatic Christians into elevated spiritual Believers.  Many religious traditions have gone unchecked, and as a result, many Christians are experiencing a lukewarm existence.  Many people have been brought up in a “church” atmosphere.  As we matured, we went through various stages, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Catechism, and membership classes.  For others, it was learning through liturgical readings, teachings, and preaching.  We became what our parents wanted us to be, at least when it came to the family Faith.  As we weaned off from our parental ties, we had to make a decision to stay with the church we were brought up in, or launch out into the vast seas of churches in search of a church that offers something new or different.

Before one ventures into the winds of change, he needs to make sure what he has been taught lines up with the Word of God.  Sadly, very few people want to spend time reexamining doctrines and teachings.  There are many churches today that are giving just enough Bible teaching to satisfy the people, but not enough to change their lives.  People want to hear God speak through His Word, not doctrines and teachings based on man’s interpretations. 

Not long ago, we put our house up for sale.  The potential buyer was faced with the option of having a professional house inspection, but chose not to have it done.  The inspection would have started with the foundation of the house.  About six months before we listed the house, one of the water pipes burst.  As a result, part of our crawl space was flooded.  A restoration team came and found that not only was there water in the crawl space, but the cement floor had cracked, and as a result, sand and water from the ground had seeped in and broken up the flooring.  The foundation crack had started years before, but because of my failure to check the foundation periodically, damage had occurred.  It was also noted that our house was built in a sandy area, which would account for foundational movement. (Special covering was installed, and the foundation was secured.)  

It is the same principle with our spiritual foundation.  If our faith is not built on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-27), it will affect our lives.  It is important to make sure the teachings and doctrines we have received are correctly based on the Word of God.  Too many Christians are like those in the political quagmire, who believe whatever the media says without trying to find out all the information available on the subject.  Christians are spoon-fed doctrines by way of preaching, teaching, viewing, and hearing, without opening the Scriptures to see if those things are true.

The church at Berea was eager to hear the preaching of the Apostle Paul, but was quick to make sure his words were Scripturally sound. (Acts 17:11)  May we do no less today!  Let us never be afraid to check our foundation.  If it is good, REJOICE, but if it is cracked as a result of wrong doctrines and teachings, let us have the courage to correct the errors with the right application of the Scriptures.