Building Life on the Firm Foundation of Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound importance of building our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and His teachings. We began by reflecting on the biblical call to worship and praise God, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments. This led us to the worship song "Firm Foundation," which echoes the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. Jesus' invitation to "come as you are" was revolutionary in a religious system burdened by legalism and exclusivity. He offered a message of hope and inclusivity, emphasizing that church is for everyone, regardless of their past or present struggles.
We delved into the concept of belonging, believing, and becoming. Jesus didn't demand perfection before acceptance; He welcomed people as they were, which led them to believe and eventually transform their lives. This pattern is evident in both the Old and New Testaments. For instance, God first demonstrated His love and care for the Israelites before giving them the Ten Commandments. Similarly, Jesus' teachings on the Sermon on the Mount introduced a radical way of living that was countercultural and transformative.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders underscores the necessity of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Building our lives on His teachings ensures that we can withstand life's inevitable storms. Ignoring His teachings, on the other hand, leads to destruction and chaos. This message serves as a comfort, warning, and explanation depending on where we are in our spiritual journey. For those who have built their lives on Christ, it is a reassurance of His faithfulness. For those who haven't, it is a call to re-evaluate and make necessary changes before the storms of life hit.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Invitation to Come as You Are: Jesus' invitation to "come as you are" redefined the religious landscape of His time. He broke down barriers of legalism and exclusivity, offering hope and acceptance to everyone. This message is crucial for us today as we strive to make our churches welcoming to all, regardless of their past or present struggles. [09:11]
2. Belong, Believe, Become: The progression from belonging to believing and then becoming is a natural spiritual journey. Jesus didn't demand immediate change; He welcomed people, which led them to believe and eventually transform their lives. This pattern is evident in both the Old and New Testaments and is essential for genuine spiritual growth. [12:00]
3. The Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God's Word is not about manipulation but about living a blessed and fulfilling life. God, as a good Father, sets boundaries for our protection and well-being. Ignoring His teachings invites chaos and destruction, while obedience brings peace and stability. [17:28]
4. Building on the Rock: The parable of the wise and foolish builders emphasizes the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Building our lives on His teachings ensures that we can withstand life's inevitable storms. Ignoring His teachings leads to destruction and chaos. [25:17]
5. The Role of the Church: The church is not just for "church people" but for everyone, including those with problems, baggage, and sin. We must do everything in our power to help the world understand this. Church is a place where we bring our struggles and lay them at the foot of the cross, experiencing the transformative grace of Jesus. [10:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:02] - Biblical Call to Worship
[07:43] - Introduction to "Firm Foundation"
[08:29] - Context of Jesus' Parable
[09:11] - Jesus' Revolutionary Invitation
[09:55] - Church is for Everyone
[10:27] - Bringing Our Baggage to the Cross
[11:26] - Belong, Believe, Become
[12:00] - The Natural Progression of Faith
[13:04] - True Change in Our Lives
[14:06] - Legalism vs. Jesus' Approach
[15:00] - Jesus' Love and Acceptance
[16:02] - Old Testament Example: Israelites
[17:28] - The Importance of Obedience
[19:31] - Building on the Rock
[25:17] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[32:47] - Jesus' Authority in Teaching
[33:51] - Comfort, Warning, and Explanation
[36:32] - Assurance in Building on the Rock
[37:02] - The Warning of Ignoring God's Word
[39:17] - The Consequences of Ignoring God's Word
[40:30] - God's Love and Warning
[41:25] - Daily Choices and Trusting God
[42:04] - Building on Solid Rock vs. Shifting Sand
[43:19] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:24-29 (Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders)
2. Psalm 33:1-3 (Call to Worship)
3. Ephesians 5:19-20 (Sing Songs from Your Heart to Christ)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus compare to building a house on a rock in Matthew 7:24-25?
2. According to Psalm 33:1-3, how are we instructed to worship the Lord?
3. In Ephesians 5:19-20, what does Paul encourage believers to do in their worship?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of putting His words into practice in Matthew 7:24-29? How does this relate to the concept of building a firm foundation? [25:17]
2. How does the call to worship in Psalm 33:1-3 reflect the attitude we should have towards God in our daily lives?
3. What does Paul mean by singing "songs from your heart to Christ" in Ephesians 5:19-20, and how can this be applied in our personal and communal worship?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Jesus' invitation to "come as you are." How can you personally embrace this invitation in your own life and extend it to others in your church community? [09:11]
2. The sermon mentioned the progression of "belong, believe, become." Where do you see yourself in this journey, and what steps can you take to move forward? [12:00]
3. Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of obedience. What specific areas of your life do you find challenging to align with God's Word, and how can you work on these areas? [17:28]
4. The parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the necessity of building on a solid foundation. What practical steps can you take to ensure your life is built on the teachings of Jesus? [25:17]
5. The role of the church is to be a place for everyone, including those with struggles and baggage. How can you contribute to making your church a more welcoming and inclusive place? [10:27]
6. Think about a recent storm or challenge in your life. How did your foundation in Christ help you withstand it, or how could a stronger foundation have made a difference? [32:01]
7. Daily choices reflect our trust in God. Identify one area where you struggle to trust God fully. What steps can you take this week to build your trust in Him? [42:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Invitation to Come as You Are
Jesus' invitation to "come as you are" was revolutionary in a religious system burdened by legalism and exclusivity. He broke down barriers and offered hope and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their past or present struggles. This message is crucial for us today as we strive to make our churches welcoming to all. Jesus' approach redefined the religious landscape of His time, emphasizing that church is a place for everyone, including those with problems, baggage, and sin. We must do everything in our power to help the world understand this. Church is a place where we bring our struggles and lay them at the foot of the cross, experiencing the transformative grace of Jesus. [09:11]
Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who feels excluded or unworthy of God's love. How can you extend Jesus' invitation to "come as you are" to them today?
Day 2: Belong, Believe, Become
The progression from belonging to believing and then becoming is a natural spiritual journey. Jesus didn't demand immediate change; He welcomed people, which led them to believe and eventually transform their lives. This pattern is evident in both the Old and New Testaments and is essential for genuine spiritual growth. For instance, God first demonstrated His love and care for the Israelites before giving them the Ten Commandments. Similarly, Jesus' teachings on the Sermon on the Mount introduced a radical way of living that was countercultural and transformative. [12:00]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 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."
Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How did the sense of belonging in a faith community lead you to believe and eventually transform your life? How can you help others experience this progression?
Day 3: The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's Word is not about manipulation but about living a blessed and fulfilling life. God, as a good Father, sets boundaries for our protection and well-being. Ignoring His teachings invites chaos and destruction, while obedience brings peace and stability. The parable of the wise and foolish builders underscores the necessity of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Building our lives on His teachings ensures that we can withstand life's inevitable storms. [17:28]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God's Word. What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with His teachings?
Day 4: Building on the Rock
The parable of the wise and foolish builders emphasizes the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Building our lives on His teachings ensures that we can withstand life's inevitable storms. Ignoring His teachings leads to destruction and chaos. This message serves as a comfort, warning, and explanation depending on where we are in our spiritual journey. For those who have built their lives on Christ, it is a reassurance of His faithfulness. For those who haven't, it is a call to re-evaluate and make necessary changes before the storms of life hit. [25:17]
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. 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. 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."
Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual foundation. Are there areas where you have built on shifting sand instead of solid rock? What changes can you make to ensure your life is firmly grounded in Jesus' teachings?
Day 5: The Role of the Church
The church is not just for "church people" but for everyone, including those with problems, baggage, and sin. We must do everything in our power to help the world understand this. Church is a place where we bring our struggles and lay them at the foot of the cross, experiencing the transformative grace of Jesus. This inclusive approach is essential for creating a welcoming and supportive faith community. By embracing this mindset, we can help others experience the love and acceptance that Jesus offers, leading to genuine spiritual growth and transformation. [10:27]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Think about your role in your church community. How can you contribute to making your church a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone, regardless of their background or struggles?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus' invitation to the people was come as you are. You don't have to come as the religious say you should be. Come as you are. You don't have to come as the religious say you should be. This single invitation redefines everything and offers hope not only to everyone, but for everyone." [09:11] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Church is for all people, and that means people with problems, people with baggage, people with sin, people with issues, people with pain. We must do everything. We must do everything in our power to help the world know that church isn't the place we all come together once we have settled our issues and have somehow gotten all of our stuff together." [10:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He loves us and accepts us and wants to be a part of our lives, and if we would just come to him as we are, he longs to heal us and help us and bring us hope." [10:56] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You don't have to try to clean yourself up. Get it fixed on your own. You come, and he loves us just as we are, but then something happened. They actually began to believe as they spent time with Jesus." [12:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is a good, good father. And like any good father, they love their children and want what's best for their children. God doesn't want anything from us as much as he wants something for us." [18:33] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There should be, according to the word of God, a progression in our faith. Our faith should begin to mature. Our faith should begin to grow. Our faith should begin to expand to the point that we actually become. If you keep reading, you'll find that as their faith in him grew, that it actually began to alter the way that the people lived, their lives. It should bring change. There has to be change." [12:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The only way that we know that we have been with the Lord is that there has to be some significant and tangible change in our lives. The way we see the world changes. The way we see ourselves begins to change. The way we see God and the way we make decisions begin to be altered. True change. Change happens in our lives and we know we are becoming disciples." [13:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To ignore the teachings of the creator of marriage in your marriage will lead to destruction and disaster. To ignore the teachings of the creator, of money with your finances will lead to difficulty. To ignore the teachings of the creator of life in your life will eventually lead to destruction. Because ladies and gentlemen, you know this. It's not if the rains are coming, it's when they come." [31:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The question is not, are the storms coming? Listen, they are. They're coming to your marriage. But I love Jesus. Yep, you're still going to have a lot of trouble. They're coming to your family. Yeah, but we bring our kids to church every week. Yeah, they're going to get teenagers like a fool. I've raised two. And I was the fool. I know about it." [31:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every day that I wake up and my feet hit the floor, the world gives me an assignment and an instruction. The world does. The world is telling me, do this. The world is telling me, value this. The world is telling me, act like this. The world is telling me, you ought to celebrate this. The world is telling me, no, no, you ought to build your life on this. But at the same time, every day I wake up, there is a God who loves me, who cares for me, who wants what's best for me that says, no, no, no, no, no, Mark. Do this. Live this. Care about this. Value this. Celebrate this. Build your life on this, not that." [42:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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