wonders of redemption, of reconciliation, of the Passover and of propitiation.  The

epistles to the Romans and to the Hebrews will early have a place in his expository

Vitally connected with the great foundation of Christ is the doctrine of the inspiration

and authority of the Scriptures which makes us wise unto salvation through faith in

Christ. It is impossible to preach Christ faithfully and fully without accepting, as He did,

the whole of the O.T. Scriptures as the Word of God that cannot be broken, speaking

from first to last of Himself.

While, however, the laying of a foundation is of first importance, we must take

account of a further scripture if we wish to understand the whole truth of the matter

before us:--

While "fundamental truth" is a prime necessity, it is only of value if we build upon it.

This may perhaps be better appreciated if we give a simple illustration.

A man wishing to have a house built would feel very fortunate in securing a builder

who stressed the importance of "having a good foundation". We may suppose that at

some little time from the commencement of the work the prospective owner would visit

the site. Perhaps he would be a little disappointed at not seeing any walls standing, but

would chide himself for over-anxiety and agree that "a good foundation was worth

while". But, if weeks lengthened into months, and nothing more were done than the

laying of this most excellent foundation, he would rightly consider that a foundation,

however, good and solid, was a waste of good material unless a building was erected

upon it.

So far as the individual is concerned, this is also true of "fundamental truth". The

foundation has been laid so that a building may go up. We need both I Cor. 3: and

Heb. 6: to give us the complete truth. The wise master-builder lays a foundation, but he

does not proceed to lay it again.

No one is fit to be a teacher who has not gone further than the elements, though the

elements are, of course, necessary:--

Teaching should be constructive, and the twofold figure of growth and building should

be constantly before the mind--"rooted" as a tree, and "grounded" as a building. Unless

a tree grows and produces fruit it "cumbereth the ground". Unless the great foundation

be used for a building that shall stand the test of fire, it has been wasted.

Be distinct in your teaching; remember the word "sting" and let your teaching be with