Michael continues: In a parallel passage to Matthew 7, Jesus said in Luke 6, the wise man dug deep to lay the foundation of his house on the bedrock. However, the foolish man, laid his foundation on the sand. Undisciplined by wisdom, this man was a fool. He took shortcuts and did not consider that his shoddy workmanship would not withstand the test of time. He did not wisely take into account the rules of structural integrity. In contrast, the wise man is informed, knowledgeable and takes deliberate steps to prepare to build a sound structure upon a firm foundation … a foundation that will endure against the ravages of the world. A wise man increases in knowledge and understanding founded upon the fear, awe, and respect of the Lord.
Paul Nyquist wrote a book called “Prepared” - Living your faith in an increasingly hostile culture. This book was published in 2016 and describes the conditions of our times. In days gone by, prior to the 60’s, America was tied to her roots as a godly nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Our Founding Fathers esteemed religion and the truth of Holy Scripture according to God, who is all-knowing and all-wise. America is an anomaly among nations, having known freedom and liberty for most of the last 200+ years. However, in the coming decades, Christians in America will be tested as never before. What’s coming? The pagan changes in America will accelerate as the previous generations who valued traditional Christian principles pass away. Today, our Judeo-Christian heritage celebrated by previous generations has diminished as the godless, dark values of hedonistic secular humanism have eclipsed the light of Truth.
Alexis de Tocqueville said of America in the 1800’s, “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.” Her values are molded in her houses of worship on every corner of every village and township. Her citizens embrace the God-fearing values of honesty, integrity, brotherly kindness and the love of God.
Jesus prepared His followers for the coming persecution. He said in the last of the beatitudes, blessed are they when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, for great is your reward in heaven. The Apostle Paul reminded us that the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness from above. There is a spiritual root of strife, contention and confusion of the fallen world around us. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand in the evil day and having done all to stand.
The preparation for spiritual battle is fought on our knees in prayer. Jesus defeated sin and death on the Cross. Our victory against the evil of this world is won only in the power of His might. Victory in the spiritual battle begins with humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Then as we work out our own salvation, our own wholeness with awe, reverence, and respect for the Lord, then it is God who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure as we delight ourselves in the Lord.
The wise man built his house upon the rock. Jesus Christ himself is that rock ... He is the chief cornerstone. Jesus is the anchor of our souls. Jesus said, upon this rock I shall build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, so that, as God ‘s living church and His dwelling place, we shall live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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