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Matthew 7:13 (NIV84) “Enter through the narrow gate.”

Matthew 7:15, (NLT) ““Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”

Matthew 7:21, (NLT) ““Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

The narrow gate and the rugged way require us to be discerning people. There is one source of truth that allow us to build a future that will stand the test of time and eternity.

A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE life outside the box

Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) ““Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT)Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT)Matthew 7:24-27, (NLT) When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, NLT)

Three Key Questions This Week: What kind of a builder am I?What kind of a builder am I? What kind of a house am I building?What kind of a house am I building? What is the future of the life I am building?What is the future of the life I am building?

TWO BUILDERS a foundation for life

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Two Builders WISEWISE Hears Jesus’ teachingHears Jesus’ teaching Puts it into practicePuts it into practice Narrow gate/difficult pathNarrow gate/difficult path Authentic followersAuthentic followers FOOLISH Hears Jesus’ teaching Does NOT put it into practice Wide gate/easy path Inauthentic followers

“The only proper response to this word which Jesus brings with him from eternity is simply to do it. Jesus has spoken; his is the word, ours the obedience,” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship)

Obedience Confirms Saving Faith “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” (1 John 2:3, NLT)“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” (1 John 2:3, NLT) “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6, NLT)“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6, NLT)

Who’s Your Builder? “Unless the L ORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the L ORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” (Psalm 127:1, NLT)

TWO HOUSES a foundation for life

Two Houses House on RockHouse on Rock Reflects effort and timeReflects effort and time Has an unseen foundationHas an unseen foundation Faces inevitable stormsFaces inevitable storms House on Sand Reflects effort and time Has an unseen foundation Faces inevitable storms

Fear of the Lord: A Foundation for Life “In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the L ORD will be your treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6, NLT)

TWO FUTURES a foundation for life

Final Warnings Against false appearancesAgainst false appearances Against false claimsAgainst false claims Against false signsAgainst false signs Against false hearingAgainst false hearing

“The truth on which Jesus is insisting is that neither intellectual knowledge or a verbal profession can never be a substitute for obedience,” (John Stott)

Storm = The Final Test “I will not judge [condemn] those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (John 12:47–48, NLT)

Will We Still Be Standing? “The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.” (Proverbs 12:7, NLT)