24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7: 24–29)
Throughout this week we have explored the mind of Jesus as it relates to the Bible. The importance of the Bible has come through with the kind of clarity and punch that only Jesus can deliver.
Today we will consider Jesus’ closing words from the Sermon on the Mount. He concludes by addressing the importance of applying the Bible.
Today’s passage is from Matthew 7 verses 24 – 29 (please see above). Please prayerfully read and reflect on the passage and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- When or how has the Bible served as a firm foundation against the storms of life for you?
- From Jesus’ words the audience recognized His authority (verse 29). How would you rate the authority of the Bible in your life?
February 19, 2016 at 3:09 am
When or how has the Bible served as a firm foundation against the storms of life for you?
Insecurities can come from all corners while maturing. The Bible has served as a firm foundation for me by constantly providing reassurances of my worth in the eyes of God. It is written in His word that I am deeply cherished, and there were no mistakes in making me. One of my favorite verses shows this, and says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
February 19, 2016 at 4:53 am
I am very grateful I renewed my faith with the Lord and became born again Christian when I was a young mother living in Japan. Everything went into its proper accordance when I learned to apply what I’ve read from the bible, as well as the experiences I gained from interacting with fellow believers in my journey to Christianity. I used to not read or take the bible seriously when I was growing up although I attend mass and do all the daily devotions my mother was doing when I was little girl. I also graduated from an exclusive Catholic school for girls. After getting married, I moved to Japan and life changed for me. My youngest brother who is now a Pastor in the Philippines and my born again mother (now deceased) came to Japan in 1989 when my youngest child was born. That was the time I read the bible seriously through the Daily Bread booklet, my mother gave me. It was my brother who found the Yokohama international Baptist church in Japan. While my mother and brother were visiting, they took me to this church, YIBC, now my home church. I was baptized thru water immersion in YIBC as well as my children when they were teenagers. This was the first church were I learned how to serve God and fellow believers. I never knew about serving the Lord when I was young. I thought going to church, attending mass, saying the rosary and doing devotions to Mary and other Catholic saints were enough for me. It was through YIBC that I started attending bible study classes, and later on became one of the Sunday school teachers for small kids. This led me to be able to teach my growing kids (they were 3 and 4 years old then) about Christ and His gift of salvation. I’ve experienced this verse in my life all the time; Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.” I’m married for 29 years now and I know that all along since March 18, 1991 the time I was baptized in YIBC, I have walked my journey on earth with the Lord and always committing in his hands all my plans and wishes in life. I’ve been through a lot of hurdles and challenges but I always feel victory at t he end…sometimes God also answers me in a way that is not what I am expecting but I only have to obey, wait and see what He has planned for me in the future. That’s how I live my life. The gift of life with its pillars and foundations based on the word of God and my relationship with the Lord. If not for that, I don’t think I will be as happy and content as I am now with out the Lord and his word that serves as my daily bread. At present, my only wish is for my husband to come to the Lord and accept Christ as his savior. I”m not losing hope and I believe God has perfect plan and timing for my Hiro…that’s my husband’s name. I am appreciative and thankful for every time my husband prays with me or attend the service with me in whatever country we are assigned. Also the Lord is so gracious for leading me always to a good church with good fellowship and bible study group wherever we live. As for my children, they are young adults now but I never stop reminding them to always talk to the Lord in prayer and attend service and bible study groups in their church. I know the Lord will always cover and protect them with his Love and Grace.
Sorry this comment became very long. Having the Lord is the best companion to face the storms in our life!
February 20, 2016 at 8:52 am
Good morning Aurora,
As I read your comment I am thankful for the compassion that God gives us for others. I join you today in praying for Hiro. Dear Lord it is Your desire for all of us to know You as Savior. I join my sister in Christ Aurora in praying for Your perfect timing when Hiro will know you for himself. We anticipate with joy the day when we will rejoice with the angelic host the joy of Hiro’s salvation.
February 19, 2016 at 5:47 am
The renewal of our mind with the word of God breeds authority in our life.
Personally, doing my devotional daily of recent has emboldened me and re- affirmed my faith in God and that has encouraged me to approach God with greater confidence.
The bible certainly serves as a firm foundation against the storms of life.and building our houses on the rock rather than in the sand affirms that we ought to dwell in the word of God daily and live it out in our daily lives.
In Rom. 8v11: If the spirit of the Lord that raised Jesus Christ from the dead dwells in us, it will restore life back to our mortal body(paraphrase )
Daniel
February 19, 2016 at 7:20 am
God’s manual was and is the best resource I can always find during hard times. One of the biggest storms in my life was discovering my identity and purpose in life, and the combination of studying the Bible and seeking a deeper relationship with God was the only way to overcome that season. Since that time, God’s word has been my daily firm foundation in all circumstances and it’s the best way I’ve found to keep myself focused on my vision.
February 19, 2016 at 11:17 am
The Bible taught me how to live.
Before I came to know Christ I had a shattered sense of self. I tried to find assurance in my looks, attributes, career, power, the pursuit of pleasure, boyfriends, friends and desperate for answers – astrology (sand). My past haunted me like a ghost. Despite vigorous attempts at being happy, my distresses and anxieties overtook me, taking my very breath. Peace I could not find and time seemed interminable, never ending. Then at my wits end I found God and the Bible, just like that. Then there was peace, calm and serenity – things I had never knew before.
Now I live on the love of God and Biblical principles like a dying person on oxygen – every breath I take. That’s what the Bible means to me (rock).
February 19, 2016 at 9:35 pm
It is such a joy to see the testimony of Bible lovers. Thanks to all of you!
February 20, 2016 at 12:28 am
In various challenging situations spiritually, emotionally, physically, academically, financially & socially when I have to depend on God’s Word for direction, assurance, comfort, strength, healing, protection & courage.
The Bible is very authoritative in my life as in just about every area, it either determines or guides my decisions. If I go contrary to what God wants, it corrects me. If I am on the right track, it affirms me & if I feel like there’s going to be a shipwreck in the storm, it tells me to abide in the ship, even if I have to throw my cargo overboard! Joy, peace & happiness emanate from God’s Word & even the negative situations & people in the Bible can teach me which paths not to take or whose examples not to follow.