MASTER_I_WILL_BUILD_MY_CHURCH_WEEK_1.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Building on What Lasts: Christ as Our Only Foundation

The foundation of a life or a church determines everything that follows. Many people try to build their lives on things that seem strong—talent, relationships, tradition, or even good intentions. But when the storms of life come, only a foundation built on Jesus Christ will stand firm. He is not just a part of the structure; He is the Rock beneath it all.
To build on Christ means to trust Him above all else, to let His words and ways shape every decision and desire. It is not enough to simply acknowledge Him; we must actively choose to let Him be the base upon which everything else rests. When Christ is our foundation, we are promised endurance, fruitfulness, and a life that will not be shaken by the trials that inevitably come.

“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have relied on something other than Christ as your foundation? What would it look like to intentionally rebuild that area on Him today?

Day 2: Renewal Begins with Honest Tearing Down

Before God can rebuild something strong and beautiful, He often leads us to confront and remove what is weak or broken beneath the surface. This process can be uncomfortable, as it means facing hidden issues, past wounds, or patterns that do not honor God. Yet, true renewal and strength only come after the old and faulty have been uprooted.
God’s desire is not to shame or condemn, but to heal and restore. He invites us to let Him search our hearts, to reveal what needs to be surrendered, and to trust Him as He removes what cannot support the life He wants to build in us. The pain of tearing down is temporary, but the fruit of honest surrender is lasting transformation.

“See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a hidden hurt, habit, or belief that God is asking you to let go of? What step can you take today to invite Him into that process of tearing down and rebuilding?

Day 3: Our True Identity Flows from Christ, Not Ourselves

Who we are and what we are called to do is not self-generated. Our identity and mission are rooted in the reality of who Christ is and what He has accomplished. When we try to define ourselves by our achievements, failures, or the opinions of others, we end up unstable and insecure.
But when our identity is anchored in Christ, we are empowered to live with purpose and passion. We are not striving to become something; we are living out what He has already made us to be—loved, chosen, and victorious in Him. This truth frees us from comparison and striving, and it gives us the courage to step into our calling with confidence.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your sense of identity to be shaped by things other than Christ? How can you remind yourself today that your worth and purpose flow from Him alone?

Day 4: Storms Expose the Strength of Our Foundation

Life’s storms—loss, disappointment, pain—are not just obstacles; they are opportunities to see what our lives are truly built upon. When the winds blow and the waters rise, the true nature of our foundation is revealed. If we have built on Christ, we may be shaken, but we will not be destroyed.
God does not promise a life free from hardship, but He does promise His presence and faithfulness in the midst of it. The testimony of a life anchored in Jesus is not that we never face storms, but that we endure them with hope and security. Our faithfulness in hardship points not to our own strength, but to the unshakeable foundation we have in Him.

“When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.” (Proverbs 10:25, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent storm or challenge you have faced. How did it reveal the strength (or weakness) of your foundation? What is one way you can strengthen your trust in Christ today?

Day 5: Daily Surrender: Actively Building Every Area on Christ

It is not enough to agree in theory that Jesus is our foundation; we are called to actively build every area of our lives on Him. This means daily surrender, trust, and alignment with His Word. It is a continual process of inviting Him into our decisions, relationships, and routines, knowing that only what is built on Christ will last into eternity.
This call to personal examination and commitment is not a one-time event, but a daily choice. As we surrender each part of our lives to Jesus, we experience His peace, direction, and lasting fruit. The invitation is to move from passive belief to active, intentional building—trusting that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in us.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to surrender a specific area of your life to Jesus and build it on His Word?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

In this opening message of the “I Will Build My Church” series, we explored the foundational truths necessary for Triumph City Church and for every believer. The sermon began by revisiting the prophetic “new days” God has declared over the church, emphasizing that we are now entering the Day of Rebuilding. Before any true rebuilding can happen, we must first examine and, if necessary, tear down faulty foundations—both corporately and personally. Using Scripture and personal testimony, we saw that the only foundation that will endure is Jesus Christ Himself. The mission and identity of Triumph City Church were clarified, and the congregation was challenged to examine what their lives are truly built upon. The call was clear: Christ alone must be our Rock, our Cornerstone, and our sure foundation.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Necessity of a True Foundation: Just as a physical building cannot stand without a solid foundation, neither can a church or a life. Many attempt to build on charisma, tradition, or personal ambition, but only a foundation laid on Christ will endure storms. The process of examining our foundation is not optional; it is essential for spiritual longevity and fruitfulness.
2. Rebuilding Requires Honest Tearing Down: Before God can rebuild His church or our lives, there must be a willingness to expose and remove what is rotten or unstable beneath the surface. This is often uncomfortable, as it means confronting hidden issues, past hurts, or unhealthy patterns. Yet, true renewal and strength come only after the old and faulty have been uprooted.
3. Identity Flows from Foundation: The mission and name of Triumph City Church are not just aspirational—they are rooted in the reality of who Christ is and what He has done. Our ability to prevail, conquer, and make a difference is not self-generated; it flows from being transformed, renewed, and united in Christ. When our identity is anchored in Him, we are empowered to live out our calling with purpose and passion.
4. Storms Reveal What We’re Built On: Life’s storms—loss, pain, disappointment—are inevitable, but they serve a purpose: to reveal the true nature of our foundation. When Christ is our cornerstone, we may be shaken but we will not be destroyed. The testimony of faithfulness in hardship is not about personal strength, but about the unshakeable security found in Jesus.
5. The Call to Personal Examination and Commitment: Each of us must honestly answer: What is my life built on? The invitation is not just to agree intellectually that Jesus is the foundation, but to actively build every area of life on Him. This means daily surrender, trust, and alignment with His Word—knowing that only what is built on Christ will last into eternity.

Bible Study Guide

**Triumph City Church Small Group Bible Study Guide**
*Series: I Will Build My Church – Week 1: The Foundation of Christ’s Church*

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### Bible Reading

- **Matthew 16:13–20**
- **Matthew 7:24–27**
- **Ephesians 2:19–22**

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### Observation Questions

In Matthew 16:13–20, what question does Jesus ask His disciples, and how does Peter respond?
According to Matthew 7:24–27, what is the difference between the wise and foolish builders?
In Ephesians 2:19–22, what does Paul say about the foundation and the cornerstone of the church?
From the sermon, what are some things people or churches sometimes try to build their lives on instead of Christ?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus choose to reveal the foundation of His church in a place known for idol worship (Caesarea Philippi)?
What does it mean that Jesus is the “chief cornerstone” for both the church and for individual believers?
The sermon says storms reveal what we’re built on. How might difficult times show us what our true foundation is?
Why is it necessary to “tear down” or expose faulty foundations before rebuilding, both in the church and in our personal lives?

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to examine what our lives are truly built upon. If you’re honest, what are some things you have tried to build your life on besides Jesus? How have those things held up during hard times?
Are there any “old” or “rotten” foundations in your life—like past hurts, unhealthy patterns, or hidden issues—that you sense God wants to expose and remove? What would it look like to let Him do that?
The mission and name of Triumph City Church are rooted in Christ’s victory. In what area of your life do you need to experience Christ’s power to prevail or overcome right now?
The sermon says our identity flows from our foundation. How does knowing you are “built on Christ” change the way you see yourself and your purpose?
When storms or disappointments come, what is your first reaction? Do you find yourself shaken, or do you sense the security of Christ as your foundation? Share a recent example.
The call is not just to agree that Jesus is the foundation, but to actively build every area of life on Him. What is one specific area (family, work, finances, relationships, etc.) where you need to surrender and align more closely with Jesus this week?
The process of rebuilding can be uncomfortable. What fears or hesitations do you have about letting God “tear down” and rebuild parts of your life? How can the group pray for you in this?

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Sermon Quotes

The only thing my parents had when they left this earth was the name of Jesus on their lips and Jesus in their hearts. You can’t take success, money, or relationships with you—only Jesus lasts.

Every church must be built upon a solid foundation. If not, it will fall. The foundation is not a leader, a denomination, or emotions, but Christ Himself—the Rock.

Sometimes, before rebuilding, you have to tear down and expose the hidden and dark things beneath the surface. Only then can you become the thriving, prevailing church Jesus wants you to be.

Our mission is to lead this generation and the next into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, empowering them to win, prevail, and succeed in all areas of life.

The cornerstone sets the alignment for all other stones. Jesus determines our shape, our position, our function. Without Him as our foundation, nothing else will stand.

If you try to build your life on fame, money, relationships, or success, it will not last. Only a life built on Jesus Christ will stand the test of time.

We are Triumph: Transformed into the image of Christ, Renewed in our minds, Influenced by the Holy Spirit, United in fellowship, Making a difference, Pursuing purpose, and Honoring God in all we do.

The visible church is not where it should be. People are leaving, pastors are quitting, and many have not returned. But we seek to be the church that Christ built—a thriving, dynamic, prevailing church.

The only reason I’m standing here today—after losing my mother and father, after sleepless nights and pain—is because Jesus is my foundation. Not family, not circumstances, but Christ alone.

Before you can build something strong, you have to check the foundation. If you cut corners or build on something weak, the storms of life will reveal the cracks. Build on the Rock—build on Jesus.

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