What to Do When the Foundations Are Destroyed

REFLECTION QUOTES

“While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.”

~Tim Keller (1950-present), pastor and writer

“Mao thought he could eliminate religion. He thought he had accomplished this. It’s ironic – they didn’t. They actually failed completely.”

~Yang Fenggang, professor of sociology, on the rise of Christianity in China

“We do not render to him the honor which is his due unless we are fully persuaded that his judgment seat is a sacred sanctuary for all who are in affliction and unrighteously oppressed.”

~John Calvin (1509-1964), reformation leader in Geneva, on Psalm 11

“The fall [into sin] also entrenched in our minds dark thoughts of God, thoughts that are only dug out over multiple exposures to the gospel over many years.”

~Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners by Dane Ortlund

“To walk before God means so to walk as to have the thought of God’s presence and supervision constantly in mind, and to shape one’s conduct accordingly.”

~Geerhardus Vos (1862-1949), Dutch-American theologian

SERMON PASSAGE

Psalm 11 (NIV)

1 In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.