Building a Strong Foundation in Christ

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared three keys to successfully serve our Savior, emphasizing the profound impact these keys can have on our personal lives, families, communities, and even continents. The foundation of my message was drawn from Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus compares those who hear and act on His words to a wise man who builds his house on a rock, able to withstand life's storms. In contrast, those who hear but do not act are likened to a foolish man whose house, built on sand, collapses under the same pressures.

I began by debunking the myth that becoming a Christian means an end to problems and pain. Instead, I stressed that while storms are inevitable, having Jesus as our cornerstone ensures we are not shaken. I shared a personal anecdote about a multi-million dollar house with a faulty foundation, drawing a parallel to the importance of a solid spiritual foundation. I reminded us that external appearances can be deceiving and that true wealth is not found in material possessions but in our relationship with Jesus.

I then discussed the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus, using the analogy of roller coasters to illustrate the ups and downs of life. I encouraged patience and trust in God's timing, highlighting that growth often occurs in the valleys of our experiences. I recounted the biblical story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus after a revival, drawing a parallel to how easy it is to lose sight of Christ even within the church.

I shared my personal journey, including my aspirations in politics, protection, and preaching the gospel, and how I've been blessed to pursue all three. I emphasized the importance of the church's involvement in public service, noting that the Apostle Paul's early converts were political figures. I shared my experiences leading Bible studies for lawmakers, advocating for a supportive rather than confrontational approach.

I also touched on the urgency of evangelism, citing statistics about churches failing to lead people to Christ and the importance of personal witness. I encouraged the congregation to share their faith through personal relationships and everyday encounters.

Finally, I drew from my family's history of public service, including my ancestor's connection to Abraham Lincoln, to illustrate the importance of serving others with humility and integrity. I concluded by reminding us that while we may carry the legacy of great leaders, as Christians, we carry the living Lord, who ultimately carries us.

Key Takeaways:

- Building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ is essential. Just as a house with a faulty foundation can crumble, so can a life built on anything other than Jesus. Our spiritual foundation must be rooted in Him to withstand the storms of life. This is not just a metaphor but a call to action to ground ourselves in the Word and in our faith. [09:34]

- The storms of life are not respecters of persons; they come to all, believer and atheist alike. However, the difference lies in our response and preparation. As Christians, we have the assurance that Jesus is with us, and this knowledge should embolden us to face challenges with courage and serve the Lord with conviction, regardless of our circumstances. [07:43]

- Losing sight of Jesus can happen to anyone, even in the midst of religious activities. It's crucial to maintain a personal, intimate relationship with Christ beyond church attendance. This takeaway is a reminder to continually seek Jesus and ensure that our spiritual life is not just a routine but a genuine connection with our Savior. [20:19]

- Evangelism is not optional; it's a command. The sobering statistic that many Christians will never lead another person to Christ is a wake-up call to be proactive in sharing our faith. We must be intentional in our relationships, looking for opportunities to discuss what Jesus means to us, and inviting others to experience His transformative love. [31:40]

- Our lives are a testament to the grace and power of God. Like the trained dogs that kept their eyes on their master, we must keep our focus on Jesus. This focus will guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we live lives that honor God and draw others to Him. It's not about the distractions of the world but about the mission we've been given to share the Gospel and live out our faith authentically. [30:26]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 7:24-27
- Luke 2:41-48

#### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 7:24-27, what are the two types of builders Jesus describes, and what do their houses represent?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having Jesus as our cornerstone during life's storms? [07:43]
3. What happened to Mary and Joseph in Luke 2:41-48, and how does this story illustrate the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus? [19:10]
4. What personal anecdote did the pastor share about a multi-million dollar house, and how does it relate to the importance of a solid spiritual foundation? [09:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 apply to our daily lives and decisions?
2. Why is it important to maintain a personal, intimate relationship with Christ beyond just attending church services? [20:19]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that "the storms of life are not respecters of persons"? How should this understanding affect our approach to challenges? [07:43]
4. How can the story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus after a revival serve as a warning to us in our spiritual lives? [19:10]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Is your spiritual foundation built on the solid rock of Christ, or are there areas where you feel it might be shaky? What steps can you take to strengthen it this week? [09:01]
2. Think about a recent storm or challenge you faced. How did your faith in Jesus help you navigate through it? If it didn't, what could you do differently next time? [07:43]
3. Have you ever found yourself losing sight of Jesus even while being active in church or religious activities? What practical steps can you take to ensure you keep your focus on Him? [19:10]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of evangelism and personal witness. Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Christ. How can you share your faith with them this week? [31:40]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of serving others with humility and integrity. Think of a way you can serve someone in your community this week. What specific action will you take? [36:51]
6. The pastor shared his experiences in public service and leading Bible studies for lawmakers. How can you get involved in your community to make a positive impact for Christ? [01:42]
7. Reflect on the pastor's story about the trained dogs keeping their eyes on their master. What distractions in your life are preventing you from keeping your focus on Jesus, and how can you minimize them this week? [30:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ, Our Unshakable Foundation
In a world where uncertainties abound, it is crucial to have a foundation that remains steadfast amidst the chaos. The analogy of a house built on a rock serves as a powerful reminder that when life's storms rage, a solid foundation in Christ ensures stability and resilience. Just as a house with a faulty foundation is prone to collapse, a life built on anything other than Jesus is vulnerable to the same fate. It is imperative to delve into the Word, to let it permeate every aspect of life, and to let faith in Jesus be the cornerstone that holds everything together. This is not merely a comforting thought but a directive to actively ground oneself in the teachings and presence of Christ. [09:34]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." (1 Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV)

Reflection: What does building your life on the foundation of Christ look like in practical terms, and how can you strengthen that foundation this week?

Day 2: Courage in the Midst of Storms
The inevitability of life's storms is a reality that spares no one, believer or non-believer alike. The key distinction lies in the response to these challenges. As followers of Christ, the knowledge that Jesus is present with us during trials should instill a boldness to confront difficulties head-on. This assurance is not a mere comfort; it is a call to action, to serve with conviction and to face adversity with the courage that comes from an unshakeable faith in God's sovereignty. The presence of Jesus in the midst of turmoil is a transformative truth that empowers believers to live out their calling with unwavering determination. [07:43]

"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth." (2 Timothy 4:17 ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate courage in a current situation you're facing, knowing that Jesus stands with you?

Day 3: Maintaining Focus on Christ
It is alarmingly easy to lose sight of Jesus, even when engaged in religious activities or church life. The call to maintain a personal, intimate relationship with Christ is a reminder that faith must transcend routine and become a genuine, daily pursuit of the Savior. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a conscious effort to recognize Jesus' presence in every aspect of life. The challenge is to keep the focus on Christ, ensuring that the spiritual journey is marked by a continuous seeking of His face and a deepening of the connection with Him. [20:19]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3 ESV)

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can maintain your focus on Jesus throughout your daily activities?

Day 4: The Imperative of Evangelism
Evangelism is not a mere suggestion; it is a clear command given to every believer. The startling reality that many Christians never lead another person to Christ should stir a sense of urgency to share the Gospel. This is not about grand gestures but about seizing everyday opportunities to discuss the transformative love of Jesus and to invite others into a relationship with Him. Personal witness is most effective when it flows from genuine relationships and authentic encounters, where the love of Christ is both seen and shared. [31:40]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15 ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life with whom you can share your personal experience of Jesus this week?

Day 5: Living a Life That Honors God
The life of a believer is a testament to God's grace and power. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, much like a trained dog watches its master, provides the guidance necessary for making decisions that honor God. This focus is not about being distracted by the world but about fulfilling the mission to share the Gospel and to live out faith authentically. It is a call to serve others with humility and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in every action and interaction. [30:26]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," (Philippians 1:27 ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can serve someone in your community this week to demonstrate the love and humility of Christ?

Quotes

1) "I'm telling you if you do these three things you'll not only change your life and change your family, you'll change your community, but it will change the county, it will change the country, mark my words, it will change continents. Three keys, it will shake the world." [05:56] ( | | )

2) "Jesus says man looks on the outside appearance but the Lord looks at the heart, amen. And there's some folks today, it looks like they have it all together, got million dollar hands, mansions, and it looks like they got Life by the tail, but I'm telling you on the outside they're winning but on the inside they're failing, amen." [09:34] ( | | )

3) "The storms of life will come, but I'd rather be in Pakistan serving the Lord knowing He's in my corner, than be drunk as a skunk at the beach and not even looking for God, Amen. And I want to tell you, Jesus said the storms will come, but if God before you, who can be against you." [07:43] ( | | )

4) "Mary was the first person to use the Lord's name in vain. Jesus, are you with me? A day and a half one way, a day and a half back, 3 days, 72 hours without the Messiah, and where did they lose Him? Hooters? No, they lost Him in the house of God, amen, amen. They lost Christ in church." [19:43] ( | | )

5) "Christianity is like golf, once you think you got it, you'll hit the next six in the woods, amen. You need to stay close and clean, you need to be humble. Die daily, 'Oh God, I need you, oh I need you.' Someone asked Billy Graham, when you meet Him, what do you finally going to say, and he said it's not what I hope to say to Him, it's what I hope He'll say to me, 'Well done, thy good and faithful servant.'" [20:56] ( | | )

6) "I've done 153 funerals since 1998. I've had four friends die in the last six weeks... I've ridden in the hearse many, many times, and in all my years, I've never seen a U-Haul follow the casket or the hearse. And you can't take your stuff, you can take some souls; you can't take your possessions, but you can take some people." [34:22] ( | | )

7) "In basketball terms, if you take a jumper and the wrist snaps, it's called the follow-through. It's like an infrared beam with the 9mm, where the beam goes the bullet goes. But in basketball, where the fingers go, the follow-through is pointing to the rim, and that's where the ball is going. In basketball, the follow-through is putting the ball to the rim, but as Christians, we need to be pointing them to Him." [35:04] ( | | )

8) "The Bible says therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock... And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand." [06:36] ( | | )

9) "The lighthouse shines and saves, the odd house stinks, amen. You see a first-time visitor, I see them come in, they look nervous, and they finally sit down, and all of a sudden you got one person come up and say 'you're sitting in my pew.' Do you know why it's called pew? Because that theology stinks, can I get an amen." [15:16] ( | | )

10) "I'm telling you they don't sell snow cones and Slurpees in Hell, amen, and you can't get water down there 'cause the water and the word is nowhere down there, amen, amen. Not being disrespectful, but hell is too long for you to be wrong." [14:09] ( | | )

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Transcript
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