Building Lives on the Solid Foundation of Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new sermon series titled "Life on the Rock," focusing on building our lives and our church on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the joy and strength that God has bestowed upon us, we are called to be a church that not only proclaims the gospel but also actively engages with our community to meet both physical and spiritual needs. We are inspired by the story of Corrie ten Boom, a radical Christian who risked her life to save over 800 Jews during World War II. Her unwavering faith and courage serve as a powerful example of what it means to live a life fully committed to Christ.
In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus asks His disciples two pivotal questions: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" and "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is a declaration that Jesus is Lord. This confession is the rock upon which Jesus builds His church, a church that even the gates of Hades cannot prevail against. This passage marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry, as He begins to prepare His disciples for His impending death and resurrection.
We are reminded that truth is often hard to discern in our modern world, filled with conflicting information and deceptive influences. However, the truth of Jesus Christ remains unchanging. We must be vigilant in grounding our beliefs and actions in Scripture, ensuring that we are not swayed by societal trends or false teachings.
The church, as Jesus envisioned it, is not just a building but a living, active body of believers united in their mission to spread the gospel. Despite the decline in church attendance and the challenges facing modern Christianity, we are called to stand firm on the Word of God. Our church, Grace Bible, is committed to preaching the gospel and living out our faith in radical ways, just as Corrie ten Boom did.
As we go forth, let us be radical Christians, fully devoted to Jesus and eager to share the keys to the kingdom of heaven with those around us. Let us be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and salvation to our community and beyond.
### Key Takeaways
1. Radical Faith in Action: Corrie ten Boom's life exemplifies radical faith. Despite the dangers, she and her family saved over 800 Jews during World War II. Her story challenges us to live out our faith courageously, even in the face of adversity, and to be willing to take radical steps for the gospel of Jesus Christ. [05:09]
2. The Foundation of the Church: Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" is crucial. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the rock upon which the church is built. This foundation is unshakeable, and it is upon this truth that we must build our lives and our church. [08:46]
3. Truth in a Confusing World: In a world filled with conflicting information and deceptive influences, discerning the truth can be challenging. However, the truth of Jesus Christ remains constant. We must ground our beliefs and actions in Scripture, ensuring that we are not swayed by societal trends or false teachings. [17:03]
4. The Unstoppable Church: Jesus declared that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church. This means that the church, when it is doing God's will, is unstoppable. We are called to be a church on the offensive, spreading the gospel and living out our faith boldly in our community and beyond. [38:05]
5. Sharing the Keys to the Kingdom: Jesus has given us the keys to the kingdom of heaven, which is the message of salvation through faith in Him. We are called to share this message freely with others, offering them the same hope and salvation that we have received. This is our mission as radical Christians. [41:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Introduction to "Life on the Rock"
[02:39] - Corrie ten Boom's Story
[05:09] - Radical Faith in Action
[08:02] - Are You Willing to Be a Radical Christian?
[08:46] - Peter's Confession: Jesus is Lord
[11:06] - Context of Caesarea Philippi
[13:28] - Jesus' Teaching Through Questions
[17:03] - Discerning Truth in a Confusing World
[18:40] - Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
[20:47] - The Problem with Creation and Resurrection
[22:38] - Jesus: Wisdom and Knowledge
[25:09] - Jesus is Not a Legend
[26:06] - The Most Important Question
[30:22] - The Church Built on the Rock
[32:55] - The Decline of Church Attendance
[34:40] - The Rock of Our Salvation
[38:05] - The Unstoppable Church
[41:21] - Sharing the Keys to the Kingdom
[44:06] - Closing Prayer and Call to Radical Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:13-19 (NIV): "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's confession about Jesus in Matthew 16:16, and why was it significant? [08:46]
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's confession, and what did He say about the church? [08:46]
3. What does the phrase "the gates of Hades will not overcome it" imply about the church's mission and strength? [38:05]
4. How did Corrie ten Boom's actions during World War II exemplify radical faith? [05:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to ask His disciples about His identity in the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place known for pagan worship? [11:06]
2. How does Peter's confession that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" serve as the foundation for the church? [08:46]
3. In what ways does the story of Corrie ten Boom challenge modern Christians to live out their faith courageously? [05:09]
4. How can the church today ensure it remains grounded in the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ amidst societal trends and false teachings? [17:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Peter's confession, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." How does this truth impact your daily life and decisions? [08:46]
2. Corrie ten Boom took radical steps to help others during a time of great danger. What are some radical steps you can take to live out your faith in your community? [05:09]
3. The sermon mentioned the decline in church attendance and the challenges facing modern Christianity. How can you contribute to making your church a vibrant and active body of believers? [32:55]
4. In a world filled with conflicting information, how do you personally discern the truth of Jesus Christ and ensure your beliefs are grounded in Scripture? [17:03]
5. Jesus said that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church. How can you be part of a church that is on the offensive, spreading the gospel and living out your faith boldly? [38:05]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Who in your life needs to hear the message of salvation, and how can you share it with them this week? [41:21]
7. Consider the idea of being a "radical Christian." What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your full devotion to Jesus and His mission? [08:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Faith in Action
Corrie ten Boom's life is a powerful testament to radical faith in action. During World War II, she and her family risked their lives to save over 800 Jews from the Holocaust. Despite the immense danger, Corrie’s unwavering faith and courage drove her to take radical steps for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her story challenges us to live out our faith courageously, even in the face of adversity. We are called to be willing to take bold actions for the sake of the gospel, trusting that God will provide the strength and protection we need. [05:09]
Hebrews 11:33-34 (ESV): "Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel called to take a bold step of faith. What is one practical action you can take today to move forward in that direction, trusting God for the outcome?
Day 2: The Foundation of the Church
Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" is crucial. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the rock upon which the church is built. This foundation is unshakeable, and it is upon this truth that we must build our lives and our church. Understanding and declaring Jesus as Lord is the cornerstone of our faith, and it is this confession that empowers the church to stand firm against any opposition. [08:46]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal confession of who Jesus is. How does this foundational truth influence your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take to ensure that your life is firmly built on this rock?
Day 3: Truth in a Confusing World
In a world filled with conflicting information and deceptive influences, discerning the truth can be challenging. However, the truth of Jesus Christ remains constant. We must ground our beliefs and actions in Scripture, ensuring that we are not swayed by societal trends or false teachings. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we can develop the discernment needed to navigate the complexities of modern life and remain steadfast in our faith. [17:03]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel confused or uncertain. How can you seek God's truth through Scripture and prayer to gain clarity and direction in this area today?
Day 4: The Unstoppable Church
Jesus declared that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church. This means that the church, when it is doing God's will, is unstoppable. We are called to be a church on the offensive, spreading the gospel and living out our faith boldly in our community and beyond. Despite the challenges and decline in church attendance, we must remain committed to our mission, trusting that God will empower us to overcome any obstacles. [38:05]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Consider how you can actively participate in the mission of the church. What is one specific way you can contribute to spreading the gospel and serving your community this week?
Day 5: Sharing the Keys to the Kingdom
Jesus has given us the keys to the kingdom of heaven, which is the message of salvation through faith in Him. We are called to share this message freely with others, offering them the same hope and salvation that we have received. This is our mission as radical Christians, to be a light in the darkness and bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those around us. [41:21]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not yet know Jesus. How can you share the message of salvation with them in a loving and compassionate way? What steps can you take today to initiate that conversation?
Quotes
1. "I want us to be a church built on the rock. I want us to be a church that proclaims the gospel of Jesus. I want to be, I want us to be a church that goes out into our community and not only helps the needs of the people living there, but helps their spiritual lives, their spiritual conditions. I want us to be a church that goes out and proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ every single chance that we get. That's the kind of church that I want us to be." [01:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Corrie and her family, it was estimated that they helped save over 800 Jewish people in the Netherlands. That is a testimony to God. In her life, God working in a radical way. She was a radical Christian, willing to do radical things for the gospel of Jesus Christ." [05:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My question for you today is, are you willing to be a radical Christian this morning? We're going to read about someone else in scripture who was a radical Christian. It's found in Matthew chapter 16, verse 13 through 19." [08:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Truth in this culture is hard to discern. Our modern society can be summarized by an exchange found in John chapter 18, verse 37. You are a king. Then said, pilot. Jesus answered. You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. What is truth? Pilate retorted. What is truth is the mantra of the postmodern world in which we live in." [16:21] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Check everything that you read against scripture. You don't know what to believe. You don't know whether to understand what you're seeing is truth or a lie. As a matter of fact, check everything that somebody tells you against scripture, including myself. Don't just take my word for it. Go home after every sermon and say, did what pastor Michael said, was that true? Look in scripture, make sure that I'm telling you the truth. Don't take my word for it. Take God's word for it." [17:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When Christ asked his disciples, there are only a few answers that can be given. You can call Jesus a liar. You can call him a lunatic. Or you can call him Lord. In mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis argues this case. He says, I'm trying here to prevent, anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him. I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say." [18:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you answer this question wrong, then nothing else matters. Nothing else in this universe matters. If you answer the question of who do you say I am, if you answer that wrong, you might as well pack it up right now. I don't want to overstate it. It's true. Literally everything else, it hangs on the answer to this question. The only way to answer this correctly is the same way Peter answered it. He said in verse 16, you are the Christ, the son of the living God." [26:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus plus nothing is all I need. He is Lord. Not only was this a pivotal moment in Peter's life, but this was also a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ. You see, the disciples had already confessed that Jesus was God's son after he calmed the storm in Matthew chapter 14, verse 33. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped him saying, truly, you are the son of God." [27:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The church was built on Jesus, the rock of our salvation, not on Peter, as some would claim. Yes, Peter was instrumental in getting the church started. And I don't want to downplay the importance of Peter and others in getting the church started. But Christ began the church. And Christ is what the church is built upon." [35:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "A church that is doing God's will and God's way is unstoppable in this culture. I want us to be that church. Grace Bible Church needs to be the church that goes on the attack for Jesus Christ, spreading the gospel in love to everyone that we come across. The gates of Hades shall not prevail against a church like that. Amen? Amen. Jesus is saying hell itself cannot prevail against the gospel of Jesus Christ. God's people doing God's thing and God's will. Nothing can stand in our way." [38:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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