BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

Any architect or structure engineer knows that a solid foundation is essential to any building.?Everything builds on top of the foundation. If the foundation is solid, what is built on top has a better chance of turning outright. A solid foundation is able to support the weight of the building itself, along with any additional stressors like people, furnishings, and more. It provides a solid anchor for the building, keeping it stable and secure–but without a solid foundation, the building will eventually fall.

?Everyone is building their life on some kind of foundation. There are only two choices: you either build on a solid and deep foundation or you build on a shallow and weak foundation. ?Therefore, in order to build our life, we need to go back to God’s wisdom and principles, which He has laid down in the Holy Scripture. ?These principles are eternal truth, fixed, firm and unbending, that has everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

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During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told a story about two men; one who built his house upon a rock and another who built his house upon the sand. ?Jesus brings to culmination the great Sermon on the Mount, and he does so with a poignant truth about two men. ?“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.?(Matthew 7:24-27)

These two men raise the question, what kind of foundation are we building on? The meaning of the above parable is quite obvious; a proper foundation is essential. These two men can be seen in terms of comparison, a contrast, a consequence that leads us to a clear conclusion.?The house built upon a rock weathered the storm, and the builder is called wise, but the house built on the sand collapsed during the storm, and the builder is called foolish.

To understand this further, let's examine some references to the term "rock" found in the Bible. First is in?Genesis 49:24?where Jacob describes God as "the Rock of Israel" upon whom Joseph relied on when he was persecuted. We also read these words in Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving in?1 Samuel 2:2, "There is no Rock like our God.” Additionally, David sang a hymn to God after he was delivered. From His enemies. “It is the Lord who is my rock, my deliverer, and my fortress “(Psalm 18:2.) Moses said: “Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock; his work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:3–4). The main message of Jesus' sermon was that faith in the Lord and obedience to His word is our foundation upon which we should build our lives.

A life that is not built on a solid foundation will not weather the storms of life. That is why the foundation of every person should be Jesus. He invites us to "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” in?Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus Christ s that proven, priceless, secure?foundation. Jesus is the Rock that will never move. No matter what, He stands firm. The opinions of others will not sway Him.

?A builder who is wise hears the Word of God, applies it to his life, and as a result, stands firmly through turbulent times. However, because the foolish builder doesn’t obey or apply God’s principles and instructions, he’s ruined when a raging storm hits his life. The foolish man’s life doesn't have a solid foundation in God. He doesn't trust and obeys Him. God loves and cares for Him, but he doesn't see it.

?So?many?people attempt to lay?other?foundations for their lives. Some turn to earthly riches. Others hope in human wisdom. Others put their confidence in personal power and influence. Such?vain?pursuits are like attempting to construct a building upon shifting, sinking?sand. A life built on the wrong foundation is always shaky. It will be unstable because your future will be based on assumptions, not the truth. Following God and submitting to his wisdom enables you to build a solid foundation based on God’s values.

?Hear again the clear message of the Bible.

?“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11.)???“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,”(?Acts 4:12).??“And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,”?(Acts 16:31.) ?All truth flows from His Word, and the centerpiece of this truth is Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). If you’re going to have a strong foundation,?you must believe that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and life. (See John 14:6)