1. Matthew 7:21-27
The rock and the sand

2. Foundation The rock and the sand
Parable is about building on a foundation
Every building and institution has a foundation
Foundation
“the base on which something rests; the supporting part of a wall, house, etc.”
“the fundamental principle on which something is founded; basis”

3. The parable
The builders in this parable are Christ and men
The foundations are the teachings of Christ and the teachings of men
The buildings are the Lord’s church and the churches of men

4. Lord’s church is built on the rock
The rock is Christ
Matthew 16:18
No other reliable foundation
1 Corinthians 3:11
Wise builders build on Christ
1 Corinthians 3:10
Can withstand the winds and rain of life
James 1:2-8

5. Denominations are built on the sand
Outward appearances mean nothing
Pharisees rebuked because of outward appearances
“Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?”
Luke 11:39-40

6. What those on the rock and sand believe
Scriptures are inspired
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Man’s doctrine is inspired
The Pope, J. Smith, etc.

7. What those on the rock and sand believe
The Gospel is God’s power to save
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
(Romans 1:16)
Doctrine of men will save
Scripture?
The Bible does not agree
Galatians 1:8-9
Matthew 15:9
“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

8. What those on the rock and sand believe
Those who obey will be saved
“though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”
(Hebrews 5:8-9)
Faith only saves
Scripture?
The Bible does not agree
James 2:24
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only”

9. What those on the rock and sand believe
The Lord adds the saved to the church
“praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
(Acts 2:47)
Join the church of your choice
Scripture?

10. What those on the rock and sand believe
There is one church
“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.”
(1 Corinthians 12:20)
“And He is the head of the body, the church….”
(Colossians 1:18)
There are many churches
Scripture?

11. What those on the rock and sand believe
In unity in the one body
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word”
(John 17:20)
“Now I plead with you ….. that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
(1 Corinthians 1:10)
Choose the way that is liked best Scripture?

12. What those on the rock and sand believe
In Bible names
“And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
(Acts 11:26)
Also – 1 Peter 4:16
There is nothing in a name Scripture?
The Bible does not agree
Acts 4:12
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.“

13. What those on the rock and sand believe
In worship according to the New Testament
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. “
Also – Ephesians 5:19; Acts 20:7
Any kind of worship is acceptable
(Sincerity is what is important) Scripture?
The Bible does not agree
Matthew 15:9
“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

14. Build your life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ!
CONCLUSION
Only one foundation will endure the tests of time What foundation are you building your life on?
WISE
FOOLISH
The rock and the sand
Build your life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ!