The words of Jesus in Matthew 7 remind us that the true test of faith is not in outward appearances or even in impressive spiritual activity, but in the fruit that our lives bear and the foundation upon which we build. Just as a house built on rock stands firm against storms, so too must our lives and our church be grounded in Christ and His teachings. The story of Peter and John healing the crippled man in Acts 3 is a powerful example of what happens when ordinary people rely not on their own strength, but on the power of God. Miracles, transformation, and awe follow—not because of human ability, but because of God’s presence and grace.
A healthy church is made up of healthy Christians, and the foundation of both is a life marked by repentance and dependence on God. It is not enough to simply believe the right things or participate in religious activities. Without genuine repentance—a turning away from sin and a humble acknowledgment of our need for God’s mercy—our faith is hollow. Many, like myself for years, can know all the right answers and even believe in Jesus, but without repentance, we remain unchanged and separated from Him. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual posture of the heart, a willingness to turn from sin and seek God’s help in our weakness.
We must also be vigilant not to trust our own hearts or the wisdom of the world. Our feelings and desires can be deceptive, leading us away from God’s best. Instead, we are called to listen to Christ above all else, to let His Word and Spirit guide our decisions and shape our lives. When we lose focus on Christ, even small sins can grow and entangle us, but the good news is that, like the prodigal son, we can always return to the Father. God’s grace is sufficient, and He welcomes us back with open arms every time we repent.
Ultimately, the call is to respond—not by trying to clean ourselves up before coming to God, but by coming as we are, confessing our need, and trusting in the finished work of Jesus. Our obedience and good works flow not from a desire to earn God’s favor, but as an act of love and gratitude for all He has done. Whether you are a believer who needs to return to Christ or someone seeking Him for the first time, the invitation is open: repent, believe, and receive the new life that only Jesus can give.
Matthew 7:15-27 (ESV) — 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Acts 3:11-21 (ESV) — 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
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