Where Are You Building?

The Neighborhood Church

It's not a matter of "If" the storms will come but "When." Only then will the foundation of your life reveal whether or not its capable of weathering the struggle and suffering life throws at us. In the conclusion of Jesus' most famous sermon we find a stark choice -- build your life on living Jesus' teaching or lay another foundation. Which way is strong enough to weather the world? What keeps you anchored in the hills and valleys of faith and doubt? In other words, where are you building? NOTES -- // SCRIPTURE FOCUS -- Matthew 7.22-29 // In the Sermon on the Mount we see that... 1. Jesus fulfilled and focused God's way 2. Jesus challenges religious, cultural, and practical foundations 3. God's Kingdom is oriented around Jesus // "Building on the Rock" = Hearing AND Living Jesus' way with Jesus // It's not a matter of "IF" the storm comes but "WHEN." This life is the only one capable of weathering the world. So Jesus says, "Come to me" (Matt. 11.29) and "Come, follow me" (4.19) // Jesus does not call heroes to conquer the storm, Jesus calls disciples who have learned to depend on God's grace, the Spirit's strength, and the community's support. This life as a dependent disciple is the only life built on a foundation capable of weathering the world. // REFLECT -- What are some "Bricks" in your foundation with Jesus you cling to? - Scripture? Prayers? Reminders? - Are they anchored in Jesus? - Do they work in green hills and dark valleys? // REFLECT -- On what sandy beaches are you routinely tempted to build your life, identity, and worth upon? - Awareness can lead to action - "Repent" = Change of mind leading to change of action (Reorienting face & feet)