The world – full of instability and fluctuations. How can we find a firm foundation of peace and security? Here is clear guidance from the Chief Apostle.
Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider based the divine service in Tirana, Albania, on Isaiah 28: 16: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.’”
Earthly reality vs. divine reality
In today’s world and society, we see many unpleasant things: unrest, war, violence, injustice. “There is a great deal of instability and fluctuation,” the Chief Apostle said, noting, “Sometimes it almost seems to me that love has shorter lifespan today.” Love just expires and that causes a lot of pain and suffering in the world. “People are more concerned with themselves than with others. That is alarming.” The thing is, this uneasiness and anxiety does not stop at our life of faith either. There are many changes, uncertainty, and fears about the future, the Chief Apostle said. God knows this reality. He sees the problems and the burdens. “But He wants to show us the divine reality. The One who comes to our aid will prevail.”
Built on a solid foundation
“Believe in God. He knows you. He loves you. He is the strongest. And believe in Jesus Christ,” the Chief Apostle appealed. After all: “He is the rock, this solid stone, which is firmly established. God creates security for human beings through Jesus Christ.” This rock, this firm and unshakeable foundation, is comprised of
the gospel. “The teaching, the gospel of Jesus Christ, is the truth, and it will be eternally true.” No matter what people think, no matter how many believe in it. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will not pass away. “A firm foundation, an unshakeable foundation.”
love. “God loves human beings unconditionally.” That will never change. “If you are unfaithful, He remains faithful.” Even if you behave badly, He still loves you. “His love is firmly established.”
grace. “Christ’s sacrifice is eternally valid for all human beings.” All who believe in Him and are willing to repent can receive grace and forgiveness. If sin is powerful, grace is even more powerful, the Chief Apostle said. “The grace of Jesus Christ is a firm foundation.”
omnipotence. “A very solid foundation: Jesus Christ is omnipotent. He has all power in heaven and on earth.” He is reliable, the Chief Apostle said. He does exactly what He wants, what He has decided, and nobody can stop Him.
His promises. “His promises are a firm foundation.” These are not human promises, because God’s promises are true. “Jesus Christ said, ‘I will come again and take you to Myself so that you will be where I am.’” This is not a dream, not some kind of consolation, but a divine reality. “God promised the Apostles: I will be with you until the end.” He will complete His work through the apostolate. He promised that He would bless His church and be with it. The gates of Hades will not prevail against it. “It is simply a divine truth. We can rely on it.”
Our connection gives us a firm hold
“Are we going to stay on this rock or not?” the Chief Apostle asked. “You are responsible for your connection with this rock. God provided the rock.” And he continued: “But now you have to make sure that you are firmly connected to this rock, that you are secure.” This personal connection is created through:
faith. “We must believe in Jesus Christ.” This is not about a traditional faith, because true faith goes much deeper: “It is the certainty of what you cannot see.” Total trust. The Chief Apostle said that true faith defines our life and all our decisions. “Firm faith defines our relationship with Jesus Christ.”
love. “Our love for God also creates a connection, a bond.” It is because of this love that we remain faithful, not because of earthly things. Otherwise, the whole edifice of faith would one day be swept away.
grace. “We must continually receive grace.” Because every sin separates us from God and damages our relationship with Him. “To obtain true forgiveness, we must be aware of our mistake, sincerely regret it, and be firmly resolved not to make the same mistake again.”
“Remain faithful to the Lord no matter what happens around us. Those who remain faithful to the end will receive salvation,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider appealed. “Make sure that you are closely connected to Jesus Christ. Then you will have peace and security.”
