Building Our Lives on the Unshakeable Foundation of Christ
Summary
When everything around us is shaking, there is a foundation that never fails: Jesus Christ. He is the rock on which we stand, faithful through every generation and every season. No matter what storms come—chaos, uncertainty, or pain—there is a deep, unexplainable peace and joy that comes from building our lives on Him. He will not fail us, and He will not abandon us. This is the hope and assurance that anchors our souls.
But this hope is not just for us. All around us, our neighbors, friends, and even strangers are sending out silent SOS signals from their souls, whether they realize it or not. They need something deeper, something eternal—a relationship with the God who created them. We are called to respond to this need, not in our own strength, but by beginning with prayer. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is the starting point for God’s work in us and through us. We pray for opportunities to share Jesus, for boldness to step into those moments, and for openness in the hearts of those we encounter.
Opportunities to share Christ are all around us, often in the most ordinary moments—at the checkout line, in our neighborhoods, or even in unexpected crises. Yet, even when opportunities arise, we often lack the courage to speak. That’s why we must pray for boldness, just as the early church did, asking God to make us courageous and clear in sharing the good news. We are not called to be obnoxious or forceful, but to lovingly and boldly proclaim what Jesus has done for us and for the world.
Ultimately, the results are not up to us. We cannot force anyone to believe, but we can pray for God to soften hearts and open minds. Our obedience is to step into the opportunities God gives, trusting Him with the outcome. Through prayer, we become part of someone’s rescue story, just as others have been part of ours. This week, let’s each commit to praying for one unchurched person by name, asking God to give us opportunities, boldness, and for their openness to the gospel. In doing so, we join God in His mission to save and transform lives, one heart at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Christ is the Unshakeable Foundation
In a world where everything can change in an instant, Jesus remains the one true constant. Building your life on Him means you have a source of peace and joy that circumstances cannot take away. When storms come, you are not alone or powerless—He is with you, and He will not fail. This assurance is not just a comfort, but a call to trust Him more deeply each day. [33:56]
- Begin with Prayer—It’s the First Step in Mission
Before we act, we must pray. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart and opens our eyes to the needs around us. It is through prayer that we receive both the opportunities and the wisdom to recognize them. When we pray for our neighbors, we join God in His work and prepare ourselves to be used by Him. [48:28]
- Pray for Boldness, Not Just Opportunity
Opportunities to share Jesus are everywhere, but without boldness, we often let them pass by. The early church didn’t pray for safety or comfort—they prayed for courage to speak the truth, even when it was costly. True boldness is not brashness, but a Spirit-empowered willingness to lovingly and clearly share the hope we have in Christ. [56:44]
- Trust God with the Results—Pray for Openness
We are not responsible for changing hearts; only God can do that. Our role is to be obedient in sharing and to pray that God would open the hearts and minds of those we encounter. Even when we “strike out,” God is still at work, and our prayers can soften the hardest hearts over time. [01:10:05]
- Be Part of Someone’s Rescue Story
Just as someone once reached out to us, we are called to respond to the spiritual SOS of those around us. Through prayer and obedience, we can be the answer to someone’s cry for help, even if they don’t realize they’re calling out. This week, intentionally pray for one unchurched person by name, and trust God to use you in their journey toward Him. [01:15:13]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:56] - Christ Our Firm Foundation
[36:20] - Praising God’s Faithfulness
[39:39] - Prayers for Community and Needs
[42:10] - The Canoe Story: When Life Flips
[45:24] - Recognizing Spiritual Need Around Us
[47:12] - Your Neighbors’ SOS
[48:28] - BLESS: Begin with Prayer
[51:40] - Praying for Opportunities
[54:05] - Praying for More Workers
[56:44] - Praying for Boldness
[59:49] - The Cost and Power of Boldness
[01:03:07] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[01:06:22] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:10:05] - Praying for Openness
[01:13:58] - The Power of Responding
[01:15:13] - Practical Steps: Praying for One
[01:17:45] - Staff Transition Announcement
[01:20:58] - Reflections and Gratitude from Euan
[01:22:44] - A Story of Opportunity: Bear’s Testimony
[01:24:36] - Giving and Supporting the Mission
[01:25:47] - Upcoming Events and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:24-25 (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.”
2. Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV)
> “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
3. Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
> “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 7:24-25, what is the difference between the person who builds on the rock and someone who doesn’t? What happens when the storms come?
2. According to Colossians 4:3-4, what specific things does Paul ask the church to pray for him? Why do you think he asks for these things even though he’s already a missionary? [52:14]
3. In Acts 4:29-31, what did the early church pray for after facing threats? What was God’s response to their prayer?
4. The sermon described people around us as sending out “silent SOS signals” from their souls. What does this mean, and how can we recognize it? [47:12]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it practically look like to build your life on Jesus as your “firm foundation”? How does this foundation help when life gets chaotic or painful? [38:04]
2. Why is prayer described as the “first step in mission” rather than just something we do before acting? How does prayer change our perspective or readiness? [48:28]
3. The early church didn’t pray for safety, but for boldness. Why do you think boldness is so important in sharing about Jesus? How is boldness different from being pushy or obnoxious? [59:10]
4. The sermon said, “We are not responsible for changing hearts; only God can do that.” How does this truth affect the way we approach sharing our faith? [01:11:22]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to pray for one unchurched person by name this week. Who is someone in your life you could start praying for? What would it look like to pray for them daily? [01:15:13]
2. Think about a recent “ordinary moment” (like at the store, at work, or in your neighborhood) where you might have had an opportunity to share Jesus. Did you notice it at the time? If not, what could help you be more aware next time? [54:49]
3. The early church prayed for boldness, not just opportunities. Is there a specific situation or relationship where you need more courage to speak about your faith? What would it look like to pray for boldness in that area? [56:44]
4. The sermon said, “We are not called to be obnoxious or forceful, but to lovingly and boldly proclaim what Jesus has done.” What are some practical ways to share your faith with love and respect, even if the other person isn’t interested? [01:01:07]
5. When you think about the results of sharing your faith, do you ever feel pressure to “make it work” or see immediate change? How can you remind yourself to trust God with the outcome and not get discouraged if you don’t see results right away? [01:11:22]
6. The pastor shared a story about missing an opportunity to talk about Jesus because he didn’t have the boldness in the moment. Can you relate to this? What could you do differently next time you sense an opportunity? [57:54]
7. The sermon compared ignoring someone’s spiritual SOS to ignoring someone drowning in a lake. How does this image affect the way you think about the spiritual needs of people around you? What is one step you can take this week to “respond to the call”? [01:14:39]
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Close in prayer, asking God for opportunities, boldness, and open hearts—for yourself and for the person you named.
Devotional
Day 1: Christ is Our Firm Foundation in Every Storm
When life feels steady or when it suddenly turns upside down, Jesus remains the unshakable foundation on which we can stand. No matter how chaotic or uncertain our circumstances become, He is faithful through every generation and season, never failing those who put their trust in Him. Building your life on Jesus means you are safe with Him, able to endure and overcome whatever comes your way, because He is the rock that will not be moved. [35:32]
Matthew 7:24-25 (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.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels unstable right now? How can you intentionally place that area on the foundation of Christ through prayer and trust today?
Day 2: Begin with Prayer for Opportunities
God calls us to begin every effort to reach others with prayer, asking Him to open doors for us to share the love and message of Jesus. Even the Apostle Paul, a seasoned missionary, asked others to pray that God would give him opportunities and clarity to speak about Christ. We are not meant to rely on our own strength or cleverness, but to seek God’s guidance and empowerment, trusting that He will orchestrate divine appointments in our daily lives. [52:14]
Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV)
“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can begin praying for today, asking God to give you an opportunity to share Jesus with them? Write their name down and start praying for them daily.
Day 3: Pray for Boldness to Share Jesus
Opportunities to share Jesus often come, but fear or hesitation can hold us back. The early church didn’t pray for safety or comfort when faced with opposition; instead, they asked God for boldness to proclaim His word. God responded by filling them with the Holy Spirit and empowering them to speak courageously. We, too, can ask God to give us the courage to step into the moments He provides, trusting that He will make His message clear through us. [59:10]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Reflection: Recall a recent moment when you sensed an opportunity to talk about Jesus but hesitated. What would it look like to pray for boldness and be ready to act the next time a similar opportunity arises?
Day 4: Pray for Openness in Others’ Hearts
We cannot force anyone to accept Jesus, but we can pray that God would soften hearts and open minds to His truth. Scripture assures us that God desires everyone to be saved and to understand the truth, and our prayers can play a part in preparing the soil of someone’s heart. Even when we feel like we’re failing or not seeing results, God is at work behind the scenes, and our obedience in prayer and sharing is what He asks of us. [01:12:39]
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Reflection: Who in your life seems closed off to faith? How can you commit to praying specifically for openness in their heart, trusting God to do what only He can do?
Day 5: Respond to the SOS—Be Part of Someone’s Rescue Story
Every person around us, whether they realize it or not, has a deep need for Jesus—a spiritual SOS. God invites us to be attentive to these cries, to pray, and to respond with love and action. Through prayer and willingness, we can be part of someone’s rescue story, offering hope and pointing them to the Savior who never fails. Don’t ignore the spiritual needs you see; instead, ask God to use you as a vessel of His love and grace in your community. [01:15:13]
Jude 1:22-23 (ESV)
“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”
Reflection: Is there someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or daily routine whose “SOS” you’ve been ignoring? What is one practical step you can take this week to reach out to them with Christ’s love?
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