Building on the Rock: Embracing Growth and Community

In this season of growth and change, it’s easy to feel both excitement and exhaustion. As we look around and see new faces, children’s laughter, and the messiness of life together, we’re reminded that the church is alive—a nursery, not a graveyard. The invitation is to embrace the noise, the unpredictability, and the opportunity to build something lasting, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come. The question before us is: what kind of life are we building, and on what foundation?

Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, the call is to build on the rock, not on sand. Sand is easy, customizable, and looks impressive for a moment, but it cannot withstand the storms of life. Rock, on the other hand, is costly, sometimes hidden, and takes time to lay, but it is secure and enduring. Much of the foundational work God does in us is unseen, slow, and sometimes messy, but when the time is right, growth and fruitfulness can come quickly. We are reminded that fruitfulness is not about perfection or productivity, but about living a meaningful, purposeful life rooted in Christ.

Each of us has a unique part to play. God has already placed gifts in our hands—time, resources, compassion, creativity, or even the ability to gather others. Sometimes, these gifts lie dormant, hidden by fear, comparison, or past disappointments. But God calls us to awaken, to fan into flame what He has given, and to offer it back to Him for the sake of others. Fruitfulness is not a personality type; it’s a kingdom calling. It’s about showing up, encouraging others, speaking truth, and building together in community.

We are not meant to do this alone. The journey of building and awakening our gifts is one we walk together, supporting and calling out the best in each other. The world is hungry for purpose, belonging, and hope. As we open our lives and our church to others, we become like a lighthouse—shining the light of Christ, guiding others through storms, and helping them find their footing on the rock. The challenge is to move from knowing to doing, from blueprints to building, from information to transformation. As we look to the future, let’s be ready to build, to risk, and to shine, trusting that God will use even our cracks and weaknesses to let His light through.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Foundations Matter More Than Appearances True growth and fruitfulness require deep, secure foundations, even when that work is hidden and slow. It’s tempting to focus on what’s visible or impressive, but only what is built on the rock—on Christ and His words—will endure the storms of life. Take time to examine what you’re building on, and don’t neglect the unseen work God is doing beneath the surface. [08:33]
• 2. Fruitfulness Is a Calling, Not a Personality Bearing lasting fruit isn’t about being a certain type of person or having a particular set of skills. It’s about responding to Jesus’ call to abide in Him and to let His life flow through you in your daily rhythms, whether at work, at home, or in your community. Don’t disqualify yourself—your ordinary gifts, when surrendered to God, can become extraordinary in His hands. [12:05]
• 3. Awaken and Offer What’s in Your Hand Many of us have gifts or passions that have been hidden away, perhaps out of fear, comparison, or past wounds. God invites us to awaken these gifts, to bring them out from under the bed, and to offer them back to Him. Even what seems insignificant can become a miracle when surrendered—start with what you have, and trust God to multiply it. [16:49]
• 4. We Build Best in Community Isolation breeds fear and stagnation, but community calls out courage and purpose. We need each other to fan our gifts into flame, to encourage, challenge, and walk alongside one another. The world is longing for authentic connection, and as we open our lives and church to others, we become a place of belonging and transformation. [21:29]
• 5. Move from Knowing to Doing It’s not enough to have the blueprints or to know the right answers; transformation comes when we put Jesus’ words into practice. Risk-taking, obedience, and availability are the marks of a fruitful life. Ask God to show you where you can start building today, and step out in faith, trusting that He will use your obedience for lasting impact. [26:01]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:19] - Celebrating Growth and New Life
• [04:26] - The Importance of Foundations
• [08:33] - Hidden Work and Lasting Growth
• [09:00] - Created for Fruitfulness
• [09:51] - Purpose in the Present
• [12:05] - What Are You Building On?
• [13:09] - Sand vs. Rock: The Danger of Shallow Foundations
• [15:22] - Awakening Dormant Gifts
• [16:12] - Surrendering What’s in Your Hand
• [16:49] - Ordinary Gifts, Extraordinary Impact
• [18:52] - Overcoming Comparison and Fear
• [19:54] - The Power of Community
• [23:41] - Creating a Culture of Belonging
• [24:10] - The Church as a Building Site
• [26:01] - From Blueprints to Building
• [29:12] - Becoming a Lighthouse
• [31:04] - Prayer for Awakening and Obedience
• [32:11] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

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.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27, what is the difference between the wise and foolish builders?
2. In the sermon, what did James say about the difference between building on sand and building on rock? ([13:09])
3. What are some examples from the sermon of “foundational work” that is hidden or slow, but necessary? ([08:33])
4. What does the sermon say about the kinds of gifts God has already placed in our hands? ([16:49])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of storms to describe what tests our foundations? What might the “storms” look like in our lives today? ([12:05])
2. The sermon says, “Fruitfulness isn’t a personality type. It’s a kingdom calling.” What does that mean for how we view our own gifts and roles in the church? ([09:51])
3. Why is it tempting to focus on what’s visible or impressive, rather than on the unseen foundational work God is doing? ([08:33])
4. The sermon talks about gifts lying dormant because of fear, comparison, or past disappointments. How do these things keep us from using what God has given us? ([18:52])

Application Questions

1. Take a moment to reflect: What are you currently building your life on? Are there areas where you’ve settled for “sand” instead of “rock”? What would it look like to shift your foundation? ([13:09])
2. The sermon challenges us to “awaken and offer what’s in your hand.” What is one gift, resource, or passion you have that you’ve been hesitant to use? What’s one small step you could take this week to offer it back to God? ([16:49])
3. Have you ever hidden a gift or passion because of fear, comparison, or a past disappointment? What would it take for you to “dust it off” and use it again? ([18:52])
4. The sermon says, “We build best in community.” Who in your life encourages you to use your gifts? Who could you encourage or partner with this week to build something together? ([21:29])
5. Think about your daily rhythms—at work, at home, or in your neighborhood. How could you be more intentional about letting Jesus’ life flow through you in those places? ([09:51])
6. The challenge is to “move from knowing to doing.” Is there a specific area where you know what Jesus is asking, but haven’t yet put it into practice? What’s holding you back, and what’s one step you could take this week? ([26:01])
7. The sermon uses the image of the church as a lighthouse. In what ways could you help your church or small group be a place of belonging and hope for others? ([29:12])