How Firm a Foundation

Michael writes that life is a series of choices, many of which are contrary to the truth. God will give us signs along the way of life that he’s foreordained that we should walk. What distinguishes us from one another is the choices that we make along the road of life.

Jesus made three distinct points in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 7:

1.    Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The major religions of the world say that there are many roads leading to the same destination. However, Jesus said that there are only two roads: one leading to life and the other to destruction. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life … no man comes to the Father but by me.” Only those who come through Jesus Christ are the ones who enter into the road of life. The world will say that Jesus’ illustration of the narrow gate to the road to Heaven teaches intolerance. The world’s definition of tolerance means to be tolerant of every doctrine, except the doctrine of Jesus Christ which is the truth of the Word of God unto salvation and eternal life. The word “civilization” means to be civil toward those who are different from you. Christians are called to be civil to those in the world. However, Jesus did not call His disciples to be dishonoring to the truth by tolerating doctrines that are contrary to the truth of God. For instance, Hinduism teaches the doctrine of reincarnation but the truth of the Word of God says that there is no such thing as reincarnation. The Bible says clearly that it is appointed for all men once to die and then comes the judgement.

1. 2. Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Preparation is important: We are all building a house in preparation against the storms of life. A wise man, preparing for the future, builds his house on a rock. The foolish man, not preparing for the storms ahead, builds his house on the sand. The storm rages against both houses. The Storms of life will ravage both those who are prepared and those who are not. Which house stands and which one fails depends on the foundation preparation. Jesus said, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. However, some troubles are not fixable in the day of trouble. We must be prepared in advance. We must have already put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil in this the evil day. Then when this life is over, and having done all, to stand righteous before him in the day of judgement.

1. 3. Foundations are important: the ultimate foundation will reveal whether the house will stand against the storm of the final judgement. What is the foundation of your life? God does not judge by the world’s standards: strength, riches, and intelligence. Jeremiah 9:23-24 says: Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Though unseen in this life, In the day of judgement everyone’s foundation will be exposed. The ultimate question is: am I building my house upon the rock or upon the sand? The rock is Jesus Christ while the sand is the wisdom of this world. The man who builds his house on the sand is foolish according to the Word. When you ask a foolish man a “why” question about a wrong choice, the answer is always, “I don’t know.” No one plans to lead a life of mediocrity and failure. Sin is both wrong and foolish. Jesus approached foolish builders to teach them how to build a house upon the foundation of the rock. 

Jesus’ simple teachings relating to life, taught his followers to know the joy of building upon a firm foundation. Living life founded upon the rock of truth results in love, joy, grace, mercy, wisdom, and peace. These qualities are obtained only through entering the narrow gate, Jesus Christ - the foundation of our life. The firm foundation of life is the rock, Jesus Christ himself. A life of choices bound by wisdom to follow in Jesus’ footsteps allows God to work with us and within us to will and to do of His good pleasure. For we are His workmanship, his poem, his magnum opus, his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Our father has prepared the straight path through the narrow gate, His Son Jesus Christ. This is the path of righteousness the Lord foreordained for our walk with Him as His disciplined followers through this journey of life.

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ, Michael