Faith— 03/04/2021

“BUILT ON THE ROCK”

By Pastor Donald Parker

When you read the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, we see that he often spoke using parables. A parable is a comparison of two objects for the purpose of teaching, usually in the form of a story. One of His parables is found at the end of his famous sermon known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

In this parable we see the comparison of two men – two houses – and two foundations. The comparison between these two men was the fact that they both heard the words of Jesus. They both know the way of salvation, and because they heard, they’re now accountable to obey what they heard. But what we see in the text, is one man “put into practice” what Jesus taught; the other man “did not put into practice” what Jesus taught. The first man was wise; the second man was foolish.

The two men in this passage both built themselves a house after they had heard the way of salvation. The first man (the wise man), built his house (which represents his life), on the words of Jesus. The other man (the foolish man), doesn’t act on the words of Jesus. He thinks his house (his life) is secure because he has heard the words of Jesus. He believes the life he lives is Christian enough, and pleasing to God.

Both men were certain their house would stand; the difference however was, one man’s confidence was in the Lord; the other man’s confidence was in himself. These two men, built their houses (their lives), that looked very similar to one another from the outside. However, the biggest difference was in the foundations they laid; one on the rock, one on the sand.

You need to understand the house in this text represents you (your life). The rain, the floods, the winds, all represent storms in both this life and in God’s final judgment. Only the house (the person) built on the foundation of obedience to God’s Word will withstand the storms.

So, how do you build a life with a foundation that can withstand life’s storms? First, by putting your faith in Jesus Christ, which provides a rock-solid foundation for your life. The Bible refers to God or Christ as the “rock” in several places; such as: Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” 

Your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the “rock” as your Lord and Savior is your foundation; that’s where you start. You cannot build a house without a foundation; if you do, when the storms come it will crumble.

Next, you begin to build on the solid foundation. A builder, once the foundation is built, begins to build up from that point. The same is true for Christian living. The evidence of weather a person is a true Christian; a true Believer, is whether he/she “puts into practice” the words of Jesus. In other words, begins building on the foundation.

True Believers; true followers of Jesus Christ, not only hear His words, but they act on them; they put them into practice. They allow God’s Word to penetrate their heart and make a difference in their life. Jesus explains here that a true believer; one who put into practice His words, is a like a person who builds a house (his/her life) on solid rock. The rock being God’s Word. Building on the rock is equivalent to obeying God’s Word; it’s hearing and doing.

To know more about building your life on “the Rock,” come join us Sunday mornings at 11a.m. First Baptist Church – “A Place to Belong.” 

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