Monday, June 6, 2022
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:20-22
A Firm Foundation - The Beginning of North Side Baptist Church
In 1897, with the railroad dividing the town of Weatherford, the Baptists living on the north side of the railroad tracks started their own church, Second Baptist Church. Eleven years later, Second Baptist Church became North Side Baptist Church. The church grew and in 1917 they were reaching the Weatherford community unlike any of the other local churches. North Side became known as “the most interesting place in town,” which I firmly believe still holds true.
I am so thankful for the obedience of the Christian men and women that have gone before us and not only paved the way, but first laid the foundation. The foundation of North Side Baptist Church has been one that countless families have built the foundation of their lives on. I have worked at North Side for fourteen years and this church has been my family. My children grew up inside the walls of North Side and I am thankful for that very privileged influence in their lives. My oldest daughter met her husband here and both are involved in ministry together. My youngest son spent more time here than any of my four kids and he also is involved in ministry, no doubt due in part to North Side and the staff’s influence on their lives.
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…
A cornerstone of a building is the principal stone, usually placed at the corner of a structure, to guide the workers as they build. The cornerstone is usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the structure. The verse above describes Jesus as the cornerstone that His church would be built upon. He is the foundation. Once the cornerstone was set, it became the basis for determining every measurement in the remaining construction; everything was aligned to it. As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure, and our lives should be aligned with Him.
…in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit
Just as the cornerstone of the building has to be the most reliable part of the foundation, that the whole structure rests upon, Jesus is our cornerstone that we can rest upon and put our trust in fully and build our families upon. Churches help us build this foundation in our lives. They provide a space for us to join together in community worship, to learn in Bible Studies, and to foster discipleship relationships - where change happens. Churches are a vehicle for God’s transforming power in our lives and the community around us. Since 1897, North Side Baptist Church has provided this foundation for its members, as well as the community of Weatherford.
The church is not the building, but the body of Christ. Jesus is our firm foundation on which His church, and our lives, are built. I am thankful for the firm foundation that North Side Baptist Church has provided in my life personally and in the lives of my family members.
