Success Scripture February 17, 2009

Building On A Solid Foundation

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." - Matthew 7:24-27

EXPLORATION

Whenever a house is to be built, plans are made to ensure that by the time it is finished the structure is strong enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions so that the owner will be able to enjoy the benefit of owning it.

The building of any house is costly and painstaking. So, it will be foolish of anybody to start building a house without ensuring a good foundation that can hold it against any adverse weather condition.

INSPIRATION

There is a pattern of holy living which God has designed for man through which he can secure eternal salvation for his soul. Man of his own power cannot meet the standard of God. But this can be achieved through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus and obedience to his word. (I Cor. 3:16.) Faith in Jesus and obedience to his word is the Rock on which a man's life can be saved in this world and be secured in the world to come.

Jesus likened the state and character of the hearers of his word to house-builders and there are in two categories, the FOOLISH and the WISE.

1. The foolish are those who hear his word and then fail to obey and do them.
2. The wise are those who hear, obey, and do them.

Jesus said "Whoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock" - Matt. 7:24. "And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand." - Matt.7:26

For everyone to hear and learn the truth from Jesus, he would have to make some effort to be at the place where the truth is being taught or preached: could be at a worship service, bible study session, or an evangelistic meeting. Attending any of such programs could be as painstaking as building a house. (Matt. 11:28-30.)

The bible makes us understand that it is a privilege and a blessing to hear the word of God and know the truth. Many have sought, some are still seeking to know the truth and yet have not found it.

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." - Matt. 13:16-17.

But when by the grace of God we get to know the truth, what should be our stand?

This week: It is not enough to know the truth, argue in favor of the truth, fight for the truth or perhaps...die for the truth! Nevertheless, of greater importance and eternal reward is to obey and do what it says. (Luke 11:28). Just as weather conditions naturally test the strength or solidity of any building, so, tribulation, persecution, trial, sickness, poverty, wealth, social influence, political power, love affair, affliction and oppression by evil forces will test our faith in Christ.

When we humbly obey and live daily according to the teachings of Jesus, God by His grace will give us victory in temptation and secure a place for us in his kingdom. This is how to build your house (Christian life) upon the Rock - Jesus. (I Cor. 10:4). But the opposite is the case of a man who does otherwise. Apart from the test of our faith in Christ, the nature of our service in him shall also be tested by the fire of God to know of what sort it is. Read (I Cor. 3:11-15).

The foundation for man's salvation from sin and its consequences is faith in Christ and obedience to his word. It is not our knowledge of scripture, membership of a gospel church, paying of offering and tithes, friendship with the pastor, or any kind of material wealth can save a man, only Jesus. These are all sinking sand.

We are always available to help you and to love you. if you want us to pray with you, contact us at info@blissandfire.com today.

Remember the Bible says: But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" - Luke 11:28 (NKJV).

You are blessed, we love you!

Bliss & Fire Network Team

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