How can I apply what Jesus was teaching the crowd in these verses? The first thing comes from James 1:22, “Don’t merely listen to the Word…do what it says.” For I know I can be in my Bible daily, but if I don’t take what I’ve learned and make it part of my life, what have I gained? Secondly, I know my journey as a Christian isn’t going to be all goodness and light…sometimes it will involve digging down deep to the depths of my soul and going into areas of my life that are painful in order to build on God’s solid foundation. Finally, when the storms of life hit, I will with God’s help stand firm and not be shaken by the outside world…all the while being reminded of Psalm 62:2, “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Tag: christ-shaped foundation
Ephesians 2:19-20 ” Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.”
What does being part of a family mean to you? To me, it means walking in the front door without having to knock first. It means having a place that I can call my own where I feel safe and secure. But most importantly, being part of a family means I have people I can trust with my very life…that will be there for me at a moments notice, and will love me unconditionally. The same goes for the Family of God…seeing that as Believers, we are now part of God’s household…and with it, all the benefits there of. For this loving family circle we are part of is made up of all those who went before us, every precious saint that confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, with the center of this family unit being Jesus Christ Himself.
Isaiah 28:16 ” So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.’ “
This Messianic prophecy of Isaiah’s pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ. It correlates with the verse in Psalm 118:22 which says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.” Jesus is the only firm foundation on which anyone can build their life. He is the chief cornerstone of our faith and trust…for only through Him do we have the forgiveness of sins and hope of eternal life.
James 2:1 ” My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.”
Last night our small group Bible study had quite a lively discussion on discrimination within the Church. We tend to be most comfortable at Church when everyone looks and acts like us. Our prejudice surfaces when someone outside that “mold” ventures into the Sanctuary seeking the Lord. Yes, they may not look like you…they may not have the same values or mores…but they are still a Child of God searching for the truth. We need to extend to them the same love that Jesus did…not judging, but supporting and encouraging as the Holy Spirit moves in their life.
I Corinthians 3:11 ” For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Anchor us O Lord. We are flailing and thrashing alone in the ocean of life…about to go down for the last time. Rescue us Lord and support us with You love and mercy. Let us be grounded by Your Word and have security in Your promises. For the only firm foundation we have is a Christ-shaped one that the Church can be built on. Anchor us O Lord.
Safetypinlove 