Building Unshakable Foundations in Life and Marriage
Summary
In these challenging times, as the world continues to shake with uncertainties, it is crucial to build our lives and marriages on unshakable foundations. Reflecting on Hebrews 12, we are reminded that while the world is being shaken, God's kingdom remains steadfast. This shaking serves as a warning for non-believers and a call for believers to examine their lives and remove anything not aligned with God's kingdom. By anchoring our lives in God's unshakable kingdom, we can withstand any storm.
The first unshakable foundation is the Word of God. The Bible is the most powerful force in the universe, and when we build our lives and marriages on its teachings, we create a foundation that cannot be shaken. God's blessings are contained within His Word, and by adhering to it, we invite His blessings into our lives. The enemy seeks to disarm us by attacking our belief in the Word, but by holding fast to it, we can defeat any lie he throws our way.
The second foundation is God's love. Understanding and experiencing God's love transforms our relationship with material possessions and money. When we trust God as our Father, we realize that He knows us personally and cares for us deeply. This relationship with God as our Father frees us from the love of the world and the anxieties that come with it. By prioritizing God's love, we align ourselves with His will and experience His provision and care.
The third foundation is the Church. The Church is a community of believers that provides support, accountability, and encouragement. In times of shaking, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and stability. Engaging in Christian fellowship strengthens our faith and helps us grow spiritually. The Church is a vital part of God's unshakable kingdom, and by committing to it, we build a resilient life and marriage.
By building our lives on these three unshakable foundations—the Word of God, God's love, and the Church—we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and peace. These foundations provide the stability we need to thrive in a world that is constantly changing.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of God's Word: The Word of God is the most powerful force in the universe, and building our lives on it creates an unshakable foundation. God's blessings are contained within His Word, and by adhering to it, we invite His blessings into our lives. The enemy seeks to disarm us by attacking our belief in the Word, but by holding fast to it, we can defeat any lie he throws our way. [06:49]
2. Experiencing God's Love: Understanding and experiencing God's love transforms our relationship with material possessions and money. When we trust God as our Father, we realize that He knows us personally and cares for us deeply. This relationship with God as our Father frees us from the love of the world and the anxieties that come with it. [22:42]
3. The Role of the Church: The Church is a community of believers that provides support, accountability, and encouragement. In times of shaking, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and stability. Engaging in Christian fellowship strengthens our faith and helps us grow spiritually. [28:54]
4. Building an Unshakable Marriage: By building our marriages on the Word of God, God's love, and the Church, we create a resilient foundation that can withstand any storm. These unshakable foundations provide the stability we need to thrive in a world that is constantly changing. [27:22]
5. Trusting in God's Provision: Trusting in God's provision and care allows us to experience His blessings and peace. By prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His will, we invite His provision into our lives and experience His care in every aspect of our lives. [26:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Introduction to Podcasts
[02:13] - The Unshakable Marriage
[03:15] - Hebrews 12: A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
[04:38] - Living an Unshakable Life
[05:42] - The Word of God: An Unshakable Foundation
[06:49] - God's Blessings Through His Word
[07:30] - The Devil's Attack on Marriage
[08:33] - The Bible Under Assault
[09:12] - Defeating the Devil with Scripture
[10:05] - Personal Testimony: Marriage Transformation
[11:19] - The Four Laws of Marriage
[12:27] - The Simplicity of the Bible
[13:27] - Building Marriage on God's Laws
[14:23] - The Impact of COVID on Relationships
[15:21] - Building on the Word of God
[16:35] - The Foundation of God's Love
[17:22] - Trusting God as Our Father
[18:53] - Personal Testimony: Learning to Give
[21:02] - Experiencing God's Provision
[22:42] - Realizing God's Personal Care
[23:49] - The Shaking of Financial Systems
[24:48] - Trusting God Over Money
[26:40] - God's Love and Provision
[27:22] - The Church: An Unshakable Foundation
[28:54] - The Importance of Christian Fellowship
[31:49] - Building on the Unshakable Kingdom of God
[33:01] - Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:25-29 - This passage emphasizes the unshakable nature of God's kingdom and serves as the central text for the sermon.
2. 1 John 2:15-17 - This passage discusses the love of the Father and the transient nature of the world.
3. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus' declaration about the Church and its resilience against the gates of hell.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:25-29 say about the things that can and cannot be shaken? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about building on unshakable foundations? [03:15]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three unshakable foundations for our lives and marriages? [05:42]
3. How does the pastor describe the attack of the enemy on marriage, and what role does the Word of God play in defending against it? [07:30]
4. What personal testimony does the pastor share about experiencing God's provision and care? [22:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's unshakable kingdom in Hebrews 12 encourage believers to examine their lives? What might believers need to remove to align with this kingdom? [04:38]
2. In what ways does understanding and experiencing God's love transform our relationship with material possessions, according to 1 John 2:15-17? [17:22]
3. How does the pastor illustrate the importance of the Church as a community of believers in providing support and accountability? [28:54]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the Word of God is the most powerful force in the universe, and how does this belief impact a believer's life? [06:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas that feel "shaken"? How can you begin to build on the unshakable foundation of God's Word in those areas? [05:42]
2. Consider your relationship with material possessions. How might a deeper understanding of God's love change your perspective on wealth and financial security? [18:53]
3. How can you actively engage with your church community to strengthen your faith and provide support to others? What steps can you take this week to deepen your involvement? [28:54]
4. The pastor shared a personal story about trusting in God's provision. Can you recall a time when you experienced God's care in a tangible way? How did it affect your faith? [22:42]
5. In what ways can you prioritize your marriage or relationships by applying the principles of God's Word, love, and the Church? What specific actions can you take this week? [27:22]
6. How can you ensure that your life is aligned with God's unshakable kingdom, especially in times of uncertainty and change? [04:38]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel challenged to trust God more. What practical steps can you take to surrender that area to Him and experience His peace? [26:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unyielding Power of God's Word
The Word of God is described as the most powerful force in the universe, providing an unshakable foundation for our lives and marriages. By building our lives on the teachings of the Bible, we create a foundation that cannot be shaken by the uncertainties of the world. God's blessings are contained within His Word, and by adhering to it, we invite His blessings into our lives. The enemy seeks to disarm us by attacking our belief in the Word, but by holding fast to it, we can defeat any lie he throws our way. This steadfastness in the Word equips us to withstand life's storms and remain anchored in God's truth. [06:49]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to rely more on the truth of God's Word today, and how can you actively incorporate it into your daily routine?
Day 2: Transformative Power of Experiencing God's Love
Understanding and experiencing God's love transforms our relationship with material possessions and money. When we trust God as our Father, we realize that He knows us personally and cares for us deeply. This relationship with God as our Father frees us from the love of the world and the anxieties that come with it. By prioritizing God's love, we align ourselves with His will and experience His provision and care. This transformation allows us to view our resources as tools for His kingdom rather than sources of personal security. [22:42]
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective on material possessions to reflect a deeper trust in God's love and provision today?
Day 3: The Church as a Pillar of Support and Stability
The Church is a community of believers that provides support, accountability, and encouragement. In times of shaking, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and stability. Engaging in Christian fellowship strengthens our faith and helps us grow spiritually. The Church is a vital part of God's unshakable kingdom, and by committing to it, we build a resilient life and marriage. This community offers a space for believers to share burdens, celebrate victories, and grow together in faith. [28:54]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your involvement in your church community and strengthen your spiritual support network?
Day 4: Building an Unshakable Marriage on Divine Foundations
By building our marriages on the Word of God, God's love, and the Church, we create a resilient foundation that can withstand any storm. These unshakable foundations provide the stability we need to thrive in a world that is constantly changing. A marriage rooted in these principles is equipped to face challenges with grace and unity, drawing strength from God's eternal truths and the support of the faith community. [27:22]
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you and your spouse intentionally incorporate the principles of God's Word, His love, and the support of the Church into your marriage this week?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision and Care
Trusting in God's provision and care allows us to experience His blessings and peace. By prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His will, we invite His provision into our lives and experience His care in every aspect of our lives. This trust liberates us from the anxieties of the world, allowing us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that God is our provider and sustainer. [26:40]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision, and how can you take a step of faith to surrender it to Him today?
Quotes
1) "Now, here's what I'm saying. Do you know that it's possible in this life to live a life that's unshakable if you're living it in the kingdom? And I remember when Karen and I first got married. For years in our marriage, we would go through shakings in our finances and shakings in our marriage. And shakings here and shakings here. But the more mature we got and the we began to make different decisions. Our lives didn't shake, didn't mean we didn't go see stuff, but our marriage didn't shake. Our finances didn't shake. Our family didn't shake. The kingdom of God is where we should be investing our lives, and the kingdom of God is an unshakable kingdom." [04:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "One is the word of God is God will never shake his word. And so when you put the foundation of the word of God in your marriage and in your life, it cannot be shaken. This is what Hebrews eleven three says. By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Did you know that everything that you can see right now was created by the word of God in Genesis one? Everything, everything that it took to make this lectern right here was created by the word of God in Genesis one? By faith, we believe that the worlds, the universe was created by the word of God. Let me say it a different way. This is the most powerful force in the universe. This is a nuclear force. It cannot be shaken. When this is in your life, your life absolutely cannot be shaken. Anything in your life that you build on the foundation of the word of God absolutely cannot be shaken. Let me tell you this. All of God's blessing resides within his word." [06:49] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "And the devil came in and said, has God surely said, now I want you to listen to me for just a minute. We don't live in a non biblical society. We live in an anti biblical society. The Bible is under absolute full scale assault. In Genesis chapter one alone, it says God made them male and female. Is that under attack? God made marriage between one man and one woman. Is that under attack? Creationism, is that under attack? I'm just, I'm in Genesis one. I haven't even gone to the second chapter yet. This is under full scale assault. Let me just tell you something. When you give this up, you give up the blessing of God. All of God's blessing resides within his word." [09:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And so Karen and I got married. My income was dollar 600 a month. That was my total income. We lived in government housing that you had to be broke to qualify for, and we qualified in, like, 30 minutes, and our house payment was $109 a month. It was based on your income. So I made $600 a month. So we go to church, and the preacher's preaching on giving, and it made me sick. I mean, I just. I just wanted to throw up. I mean, it was just. I didn't have a concept of where churches came from. I didn't know that crazy people gave to them. And he kept saying, he's talking about tithing, giving 10% of your income, and it's like, dude, you think you're gonna get $60 out of me? I mean, every time I got paid, we were overdrawing the bank. I mean, the only way we made it was float. That's the only way we survived, is just checks floating around before we got paid again. And he's saying, you. I mean, I'm just. It was just, like, surreal." [20:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "And so it's like Sunday afternoon, I'm watching football or something. Karen walks into the living room, and she said, I really liked that pastor's message today, the one on giving. And she said, yeah, I liked it. And I feel like the Lord's telling me to give $40 to the church. I mean, I just wanted to throw up. I wanted, you know, my head starts spinning around or something. I mean, I just said, karen, we don't have $40. And she said, in a real sweet little way, you know, kind of an evil little way. She said, well, I just feel like the Lord told me that, is it okay? And I thought I had two choices. If I say no, I get struck dead. If I say yes, we go broke. So I'm gonna live and go broke. I said, well, that's fine if you want to go ahead. Fine. And she gave it. I just couldn't believe it. I just absolutely couldn't believe she gave $40 to church. So she gives $40 to the church. We didn't get a check in the mail. I didn't get a raise or anything like that. Nothing. I mean, I was looking for something, folks, and so. But the next time we got paid, we had money in the bank. And now, that had never happened before." [21:35] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And money is shaking. The financial systems of this world are shaking, violently shaking. Because of the love of money and materialism. This will never be shaken. And God the father says, I will take care of you through thick and thin, I will take care of you. And famine and drought, I will take care of you. You don't need money. You need a father. And this guy that didn't believe in giving about. Fast forward about 20 years. I remember the day the Lord told us to give everything we had to an offering at the church. And Karen, we were praying about this offering. And Karen came into my office one morning. She said, have you been praying about this offering? And I said, yeah." [24:48] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And so for us and our children, for us and our children, we just need to make a simple commitment that says, we are going to build our lives on the unshakable kingdom of God, and we're not going to build our lives in this world. It is destined to destruction. And what we know is a part of God's kingdom is the word of God, God the Father and his love, and the church that he created. These are three supernatural things that cannot be shaken, that you can build your life in your marriage on. Somebody say amen." [32:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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