FOUNDATION Matthew 7:24-27

Children Sing Song about this What Does it Mean? Have you dug deeper and asked the applications of this?

God Provides Help to Build a Foundation that is Stable 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NKJV 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” This a process of growth that we must choose.

God is in the Foundation Building Business Built the earth to last as long as the universe- Psalms 102:25 NKJV 25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Hebrews 1:10 NKJV 10 And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” When He lays a foundation it stays in place

God is Stable With Absolute Consistency Hebrews 13:8 NKJV 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 1:10 NKJV 10 And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Romans 15:4 NKJV 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

How Does God Build a Foundation in us? He gives us a logical, defendable faith in Him – 1 Peter 3:15 He gives us a clear path to forgiveness – Acts 2:38 He gives us a clear path to follow – Acts 2:42 He gives us an identifiable people to associate with – 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17,18 He give us a certain expectation of eternal salvation – Romans 8:24,25

God Exhorts us to Carefully Build Such a Foundation Luke 6:48 “laid the foundation on the rock” Wanted to ask questions and challenge all the religions of the world World hates the certainty of this foundations & seeks to discredit it Real security & happiness is found when you have such a foundation

Time for Instability While Foundation is Being Built Ephesians 4:13-15 “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” Until the foundation is built, the Christian is in danger. Most false movements within the church have three prongs of attack: Bitterness toward brethren Pride towards brethren A learned dishonesty

Characteristics of The Unstable You cannot depend on them – John 2:23-25; Mark 4:17 They cannot maintain long-term relationships They are easily upset and influenced by others They are quick to complain

Reality Changes Easily Did those who rejoiced at the Lord’s entrance stand for Him? Matthew 21:9-11 Easily swayed by hurts and gossip Often uncertain in things they can know, but certain in things they cannot know – Colossians 2:18,19

They are Ego-centered It IS all about them! Can use faults of others to build self up – Luke 18:9, 11 “some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:” 11 "The Pharisee… 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.” Driven by relationships – John 5:44 They cannot handle rebuke

They Have No Doctrinal Core 2 Timothy 3:7-10 “always learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth” Many have never learned to reason from the Scriptures – John 5:45-47 Emotions drive what they perceive to be true. They are fearful of solid truth & if those that hold them – 2 Timothy 1:8 They are often excited by things that they cannot explain!

How To Become Stable Be established in the revealed love of God – Ephesians 3:16,17; Matthew 7:25 “Figuratively, as providing a firm basis for belief or practice establish, strengthen, settle, cause to be firm and unwavering” 1 Peter 5:10 The love of God is principled and revealed – We must learn it. Major in thanksgiving & praise to God – 2 Thessalonians 3:5

How To Become Stable Learn how to Stand and Suffer – Colossians 1:23; 1 Peter 5:10 Get away from the scoffers & peddlers of uncertainty Stand with those who are the focus of the scoffers! Hebrews 10:32-34 Those who stand on principle will be your real friends! 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13; Hebrews 13:7

How To Become Stable Insist upon the sound doctrine of the apostles! – 2 Thessalonians 3:3,4; 2:15 Taking all that was delivered to the apostles & standing in that alone is not “legalism” The whole council of God produces stability – “positive” preaching of the world lets you be swayed by the doctrines of the day Blessed are those who God’s word has taken root in them –Proverbs 12:3,12

Do You Want God to Use You as a Tool for His Purposes? Let’s build a solid foundation! 2 Kings 19:30 “And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward.”