Building Your Life on the Rock: A Call to Stand Firm in Faith
Praise the Lord, everyone! What a wonderful opportunity we have today to come together and reflect on God's word. It’s a beautiful day here in Salinas, California—sunny, though a little chilly—but the glory of God warms our hearts! I want to greet everyone joining us today, whether you’re here live or watching later. May this message uplift and encourage you.
Today, we’re going to dive right into the lesson, and I pray it will be a blessing to all of you. The topic for today is "A House Upon the Rock." This message is drawn from Matthew 7:24, where Jesus says: "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."
The Importance of Building on a Firm Foundation
Jesus is that rock! He is the foundation upon which we must build our lives. We see this echoed throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 28:16-17, God speaks of a precious cornerstone, a tested stone laid in Zion—a foundation we can trust. That cornerstone is Jesus Christ, and when we put our trust in Him, we will never be dismayed.
Just like a cornerstone straightens the entire structure, Jesus aligns and straightens our lives. As long as we follow Him, we will stand firm, even in the face of trials. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Ephesians 2:19-21, saying that we are members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.
Putting Our Lives in Check
To be part of this faith means putting our entire lives on Christ. He is the only name by which we are saved. If we don’t allow Christ to be at the center of our lives, we risk going astray. The Bible tells us we cannot serve two masters—we must choose to follow Jesus on this path.
Now, I understand that life brings difficulties. None of us are perfect, and the Bible acknowledges this. But we serve a merciful and just God, full of grace. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stumble, because God is always ready to forgive a contrite heart. He is not only a forgiving God, but a loving one, always ready to receive us back when we come to Him in humility.
The Cornerstone of Our Faith
Jesus is the cornerstone, the essential element of our faith. Without Him, our lives crumble, but with Him, we stand strong. Psalm 118:22 reminds us that "the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Jesus is the foundation that strengthens our faith and fortifies the Church to continue its mission, no matter the circumstances. He brings healing, comfort, freedom, and hope to all who trust in Him.
There will be storms in life. Jesus tells us this clearly in Matthew 7:25, where He speaks of the rain falling, the floods rising, and the winds blowing against the house. But the house built on the rock—on Christ—will not fall.
Holding On to Faith in the Storm
When life's storms come, when troubles weigh us down, let us remember to reach out to God. As the beautiful hymn says, "Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home."
We can face anything when we are standing on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Let this message be an encouragement to you today. Build your life on the rock, and no matter what trials come your way, you will stand firm.
God bless you, and may His peace be with you always. Stay strong in faith, and remember—Christ is our cornerstone.
In Jesus' name, Pastor Johnny Sandoval Jr.
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