WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.019 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.140 Alright, well, good morning everyone. 00:00:32.759 --> 00:00:40.679 We are continuing and getting close to the end of our sermon series, going through the parables of Christ. 00:00:40.840 --> 00:00:46.159 These simple truths, simple stories that help us grow in our faith. 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:54.079 You know, it's amazing how the Word of God will speak to us in so many different capacities. 00:00:54.079 --> 00:01:05.420 Whether you are a child or you're an adult, whether you're a new believer or a lifelong follower of Christ, the Word of God continues to speak to us every single day. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:05.700 Amen? 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:12.299 It's remarkable the power of the Word, but also the power of our God. 00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:19.299 Knowing that the Lord is consistent, He is a sure foundation for our lives. 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:24.120 And today, we're going to go over the parable of the wise and the foolish builders. 00:01:24.620 --> 00:01:27.019 Many of you may know this particular parable. 00:01:27.959 --> 00:01:34.560 And it's so interesting when we think of this, there are some things that are glaringly obvious. 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:39.700 For some of us, we may have built a sandcastle before. 00:01:40.280 --> 00:01:48.480 And how easy it is, that sandcastle, to be completely decimated and destroyed by, well, water, a river, right? 00:01:48.500 --> 00:01:49.939 Or an ocean, if you will. 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:55.780 I know many times when I was a kid, I wanted to build a sandcastle as much as possible. 00:01:55.920 --> 00:01:58.659 And then when the water came through, it was completely destroyed. 00:01:59.020 --> 00:02:01.000 It's a very similar parallel to what we found. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:05.400 When we think of the construction world, right? 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:06.459 We think of architecture. 00:02:06.599 --> 00:02:10.599 We think of all of these buildings that have happened, that have been built throughout history. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:16.719 How important it is for us to consider the location and how the building is built. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:25.039 For those of you who may have worked in real estate before, it is the three rules of real estate is location, location, location, right? 00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:34.579 And so there's a lot of truth that we find not only in real estate, but also when we are considering this parable. 00:02:35.419 --> 00:02:39.439 Now, how many of you, I don't have a picture of it, but you can think of it for a second here. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:42.639 How many of you have seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa? 00:02:44.639 --> 00:02:45.939 Even if it's a picture, right? 00:02:46.019 --> 00:02:47.500 You get the idea, right? 00:02:47.819 --> 00:02:49.560 This tower is leaning, right? 00:02:49.560 --> 00:02:54.599 And, you know, it's a 185-foot tilt. 00:02:55.219 --> 00:02:56.840 And it's not... 00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:59.560 What's fascinating is it's still tilting over time. 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:07.599 And eventually, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is going to be the Fallen Down Tower, or I don't know what you call that, on-the-floor Tower of Pisa. 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:18.759 And it's a very good example of when we think of architecture, when we think of this idea of foundations in the physical or in our everyday world. 00:03:19.400 --> 00:03:23.120 Eventually, that foundation is just, well, it's not really good. 00:03:23.680 --> 00:03:25.340 Eventually, that tower is going to fall. 00:03:25.500 --> 00:03:30.259 And as much as I like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I kind of want it to stay put. 00:03:30.379 --> 00:03:32.120 I don't want it to eventually fall. 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:34.439 Can we at least somewhat agree with that, right? 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:38.819 It would be unfortunate for any sort of tower to fall over and to be destroyed. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:48.840 Well, when it comes to towers, we can think of the parallel that comes with our foundation that exists in Christ. 00:03:49.960 --> 00:03:54.079 For Christ is our rock, our salvation. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:03:55.900 He is our safety. 00:03:56.099 --> 00:03:57.199 He is our security. 00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:04.280 And we are to come to Christ as the solid rock, the cornerstone of our lives for our salvation. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:09.379 It's important for us to build upon that foundation in Him. 00:04:09.959 --> 00:04:11.019 I want us to turn. 00:04:11.359 --> 00:04:14.299 You see on here the screen on the title slide. 00:04:14.679 --> 00:04:17.860 There's the Matthew and the Luke passage. 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:19.740 I want us to turn to the Gospel of Luke. 00:04:19.819 --> 00:04:24.719 It's going to be on page 1024 in your ESV Pew Bibles. 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:28.200 And I just want to show you one of the accounts here that's happening. 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:35.860 It's important to know that both of these parables are at the end of Jesus preaching a sermon. 00:04:36.780 --> 00:04:38.200 And so we go over here. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:42.720 It's going to be 1,000... 00:04:42.720 --> 00:04:46.640 Excuse me, 1,025 in your ESV Pew Bible. 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:52.420 Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 46 through 49 here. 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:56.439 Where Jesus is asking this question. 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:00.640 Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you? 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:03.180 Well, that's a good question, isn't it? 00:05:03.520 --> 00:05:08.500 It's a good question that we can not only think about back then, but we can think about now. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:14.800 It's important for us to obviously believe in Jesus Christ. 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:23.520 But it's also as important for us to follow within the footsteps of Christ and God's call for our lives. 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:26.020 In other words, to trust in Him. 00:05:26.079 --> 00:05:29.199 How many of you heard that song, to trust and obey? 00:05:29.960 --> 00:05:32.439 To follow within the footsteps of Christ. 00:05:32.600 --> 00:05:36.600 To consider, to think about where does God want you to be? 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:41.920 Now, obviously, for all of us, He wants all of us to be in that salvation, right? 00:05:41.960 --> 00:05:43.720 To believe in Him and to be saved. 00:05:44.660 --> 00:05:49.800 But beginning from that, that new life in Christ, we are to be on a journey in Him. 00:05:51.260 --> 00:05:52.840 And so, verse 47, 00:05:52.839 --> 00:06:10.219 And what's very important about this idea that you find in Luke compared to the Gospel of Matthew 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:16.500 is this intentionality where you are digging and you are preparing the way for the foundation. 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:23.399 Much like how it is important for us as, before we believe in Christ, to seek out truth. 00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:25.180 To seek out the way. 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:26.779 To seek out the newness of life. 00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:29.459 To seek out the light of Christ. 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:34.300 It's much like how Scripture says to seek first the kingdom of God. 00:06:34.899 --> 00:06:37.040 We are to seek after the Lord. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:39.639 Much like how we found in other parables. 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:41.379 The pearl of great value. 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:43.079 Or the treasure. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:44.319 To value it. 00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:46.139 To cherish it with all that we have. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:52.019 And so this imagery then is one who is digging deep and laying the foundation on the rock. 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:56.040 And again, this foundation is what we find in Christ. 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:56.519 And it says, 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:01.800 When a flood arose, the stream broke against the house and it could not shake it. 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:09.180 You find that in both cases, in both Matthew and in Luke, there is a storm that happens. 00:07:09.860 --> 00:07:13.540 And it is the question of where is your foundation? 00:07:13.540 --> 00:07:20.860 Now, for a lot of us, we may think for a second, who in the world would build their house on sand? 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:30.699 That just doesn't make any sense to us because not only the culture that we live in, but also, okay, it's nice to have a house. 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:38.319 But if it gets destroyed within a storm because it's not indicating, well, you have the storm that's happening. 00:07:38.319 --> 00:07:42.779 And the one that's on the sand is the one that's going to ruin here. 00:07:43.099 --> 00:07:45.199 Just like we're finding within the scripture, right? 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:50.540 When a flood came, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it because it had been well built, right? 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:51.740 Well built on the foundation. 00:07:52.159 --> 00:07:57.680 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. 00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:02.800 When the stream broke against it, it immediately fell and the ruin of that house was great. 00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:18.360 I think of, and maybe you might, I think of this, where you have a house and it's in the wrong place where a, literally a river or an avalanche comes in and it destroys the house. 00:08:18.360 --> 00:08:21.000 Or if you build a house by a volcano. 00:08:21.480 --> 00:08:30.060 I remember when I was living in Hawaii, I remember that there's some places where it's saying, hey, you're right by a volcano. 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:36.240 And there's some disclaimers on here that you have to be careful that the volcano might erupt, you know. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:40.120 But at least there's some sort of disclaimer with that. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:48.899 It's just so important for us to be mindful, not only when we're building literal houses, but where we place our faith and trust in. 00:08:49.720 --> 00:08:59.740 And so in this, before the parable, both in Matthew and Luke, you have the warnings of false prophets. 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:03.840 You have also the importance of bearing good fruit. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:07.220 I want us to turn back for a second here, right? 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:13.399 You have where Jesus pronounces to love our enemies, right? 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:18.080 Where it says in Luke chapter 6, verse 27, love your enemies. 00:09:18.560 --> 00:09:20.040 Do good to those who hate you. 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:21.460 Bless those who curse you. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:23.180 Pray for those who abuse you. 00:09:23.220 --> 00:09:24.920 That's very difficult. 00:09:25.040 --> 00:09:26.000 Easier said than done. 00:09:26.500 --> 00:09:30.000 But what Christ calls for us to do is something that is significant. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:32.700 It goes on into judging others, right? 00:09:32.820 --> 00:09:33.860 Judge not, right? 00:09:33.860 --> 00:09:37.600 And it goes on further about the tree and its fruit. 00:09:37.680 --> 00:09:46.659 When we're talking about this idea of prophets, pastors, you shall know them by their fruit. 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:52.440 And it's so important for us when we're thinking about the context that is leading up to the foundation. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:10:00.879 Well, one way to consider someone's fruit is to consider the congregation, the hearers, where is their foundation at? 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:11.879 That is one way that you can assess a pastor and who they are as a person, if they are true or false, at least when we're talking about this context here. 00:10:12.439 --> 00:10:19.120 And so we find that there is this kind of this two-ticket system that exists. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:24.620 That we are to believe in Christ and we are to be saved and we're called to be transformed. 00:10:24.620 --> 00:10:33.480 We're called to be molded by him to follow in those footsteps to do what the Lord wants for us. 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:46.139 Now, when we think of this idea of obedience and following in the Lord, it's understanding that what Christ has for us is something that is much better than what the world has to offer. 00:10:46.139 --> 00:10:53.019 For some of us, we may think of, well, how there's emptiness within the world, right? 00:10:53.059 --> 00:11:02.279 How we think of there's a lot of famous people and they have emptiness in their riches, despite their fame, despite their notoriety. 00:11:03.439 --> 00:11:04.080 Well, wait a minute. 00:11:04.819 --> 00:11:08.639 I thought if everyone, I thought if you were going to be famous, you would have it all. 00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:14.039 But yet there's so many people who are famous and yet there's this emptiness inside of them. 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:14.960 There's this void. 00:11:15.100 --> 00:11:19.299 There's this sense of, I've got it all, but yet I feel so empty. 00:11:20.139 --> 00:11:22.139 I hope that none of you have felt this way. 00:11:22.199 --> 00:11:24.500 But if you have, seek the Lord. 00:11:25.439 --> 00:11:29.439 It's much like how some people, they have all the money in the world, right? 00:11:30.240 --> 00:11:32.000 You can buy planes and houses. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:36.360 I mean, I know that sounds nice for a lot of us to have a new house or a new car. 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:45.580 But when you place your trust in that which is failing, very often you find people, they have that void, that sense of emptiness. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:51.240 It's because they are seeking the things, well, in the wrong places. 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:53.820 They're not finding the solid rock. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:56.580 They're not finding the foundation. 00:11:57.200 --> 00:12:06.340 So we are to hear, we are to trust in the Lord, and we are to follow in those footsteps because God has a much better way for us. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:15.720 A much better way for us to be transformed, to live and love like him, to put on the new self, to exhibit love, peace, kindness, and joy. 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:21.120 A type of love that is unlike any sort of love that we may experience. 00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:28.200 To know that, I mean, I think about it, when someone does me wrong, I remember it. 00:12:28.660 --> 00:12:30.200 And how many of us, we want to get even? 00:12:30.280 --> 00:12:31.280 Don't raise your hand, please. 00:12:31.360 --> 00:12:32.980 But you get the idea here, right? 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:39.100 When someone does you wrong, you either want to run away, or you want to hide, or you want to fight back, whatever, right? 00:12:39.180 --> 00:12:40.460 Fight, flight, freeze, whatever. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:42.800 All these different words for the same concept. 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:49.040 But when we think of God and his love and his forgiveness, that's entirely different than, 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:51.679 I want to love like the Lord. 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:57.319 But it's still going to show that his love is far much greater than how we can be. 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:58.099 And that's okay. 00:12:58.339 --> 00:13:00.139 That's why we place our trust in him. 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:05.099 His love, his forgiveness, that's something that is far greater. 00:13:06.059 --> 00:13:08.899 And so to hear and to do is the house on the rock. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:11.419 The storm hits and the foundation remains. 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:16.360 To hear and to not do then, that's a little more difficult. 00:13:17.259 --> 00:13:23.740 It's saying that having, following in the footsteps of Christ, bearing fruit, as it were, 00:13:23.979 --> 00:13:28.699 is evidence that we have our full faith and trust in the Lord. 00:13:29.179 --> 00:13:33.240 That's why you have a lot of people say, you might have someone say, 00:13:33.459 --> 00:13:34.839 well, where is your fruit? 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:37.059 Are you growing in Christ? 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:38.819 You believe in Christ. 00:13:38.820 --> 00:13:41.740 Now be on that path of transformation. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:43.960 To live in love like Christ. 00:13:44.060 --> 00:13:44.960 To grow in the faith. 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:46.720 To learn more about scripture. 00:13:47.800 --> 00:13:51.920 Okay, what do you mean that when we talk about baptism, 00:13:52.520 --> 00:13:56.120 that it's a representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ? 00:13:56.220 --> 00:14:01.620 What do you mean about, you know, Noah as a representation 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:06.160 that you need to get on the boat before the flood comes? 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:13.039 Or what do you mean that when you think of the story of the people of God in Egypt, 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:20.240 how it's a representation of being in bondage and being set free from those captives, 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:25.659 those, the oppressors, as it were. 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:28.679 There's a lot of connections that we find. 00:14:29.100 --> 00:14:34.000 There's a lot of things that we learn when it comes to the word of God and being in prayer. 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:37.419 And you have to think of how are you changing? 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:40.719 Because if you really think about it, 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:48.519 for you to receive the greatest gift that will affect your life here today and for eternity, 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:50.620 you would want to change. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:53.060 You would absolutely want to change. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:57.120 If I write you a check and pay off your entire student loan balance, 00:14:57.460 --> 00:14:59.320 or I pay off your car, 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.879 or I pay off your house, 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:02.100 you wouldn't want to celebrate? 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:04.759 You wouldn't want to live your life differently? 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:10.840 If you don't, then that's a different discussion. 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:12.080 But the greatest gift, 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:14.759 you would want to share it. 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:17.399 You would want to change and be molded by him. 00:15:17.399 --> 00:15:23.159 Because you just received the greatest gift by believing in Christ and being saved by him. 00:15:23.319 --> 00:15:26.319 Now be on a path of growth and action. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:31.899 And so we have the parabolic symbols, right? 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:35.059 The rock is Christ as our what, church? 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:38.379 As our foundation, right? 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:40.779 Then we have the house, 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.319 which is our life, 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:43.299 our discipleship, 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:44.679 and our what? 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.000 Our works. 00:15:46.359 --> 00:15:50.019 And then the storms and the flood represents trials, right? 00:15:50.359 --> 00:15:54.039 Some may think of it as the refiner's fire, right? 00:15:54.079 --> 00:15:54.639 How we get, 00:15:54.979 --> 00:15:57.759 there's the sense of testing that happens within our life. 00:15:57.919 --> 00:16:00.859 And then even later on with the final judgment, 00:16:01.079 --> 00:16:04.179 we can think of that later on within scripture. 00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:08.299 And to hear and do is faith and works. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:11.620 Now, it's very important for us to think for a moment. 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:18.740 You notice in this parable that both people build houses, right? 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:22.079 And when we look at it from here, 00:16:22.219 --> 00:16:27.240 we can see that the works that you do is the house. 00:16:27.539 --> 00:16:29.179 It's a representation of that. 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:36.039 And it's important for us to see that works do not save you. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:40.000 It is the foundation that is in Christ. 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:44.139 It is believing in Christ and having that relationship with him. 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:46.179 That is what's going to matter. 00:16:47.359 --> 00:16:49.039 And when we see it like this, 00:16:49.079 --> 00:16:52.979 it helps us with our understanding for what God is going for. 00:16:52.980 --> 00:17:01.779 Now, when Christ is saying that not doing them is like someone who doesn't build their house upon the rock, 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:06.160 he is saying that you believing in Christ is just, 00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:11.640 it is important just like you are to do the work that Christ has for you. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:16.360 And it's important for me to point out that we are not saved by what we do. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:21.120 We are saved by Christ as the solid rock and what he has done for us. 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.599 Okay? 00:17:22.959 --> 00:17:25.279 That is important for us. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:28.639 And there's many, many verses. 00:17:29.239 --> 00:17:33.179 You'll find these in your notes if you want to check those out at home. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:40.419 A lot of very beautiful verses that just help us understand and piece together these different parts of the parable. 00:17:40.919 --> 00:17:43.219 Much like how we found with other parables. 00:17:43.399 --> 00:17:47.739 How they are so simple, but yet they are so connected within Scripture. 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:53.559 And so this takes us then to the next, let's go to that next slide, right? 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:57.900 I've mentioned that it's found in Matthew and Luke at the end of Christ's sermon, right? 00:17:57.940 --> 00:18:02.400 I've mentioned that before the parable, there's the warning of false prophets and bearing good fruit. 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:05.700 Again, you shall know them by their fruit. 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:10.440 And the parable shows the importance of grace than works. 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.440 Let's go to that next slide. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:14.440 So what do we then, what can we learn from this? 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:20.180 Well, the first thing is that our house, our life is built on the rock. 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:22.460 On the foundation that is in Christ. 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:24.759 Belief in Christ is the foundation. 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:28.380 And works then are the construction of the house. 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:30.820 We think of all sorts of different houses. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:34.160 We even think of how we are to store up treasures in heaven. 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:41.220 How it's very similar to this idea that we are going to have some sort of understanding. 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:45.860 We are building up upon that foundation in Christ. 00:18:46.340 --> 00:18:48.759 Because God calls us to be saved. 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:51.120 And he calls us to grow. 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:53.900 And he calls us to do in his name. 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:58.620 To share the love of Christ with others. 00:18:58.820 --> 00:19:01.880 To proclaim the good news of the gospel. 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:05.120 To share within your testimony. 00:19:05.640 --> 00:19:08.180 And how God is changing your life. 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:15.000 I mean, you can talk to anyone about the blessings that God has given to you. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:16.420 Even for today. 00:19:18.040 --> 00:19:20.540 Sometimes we don't have a lot of sleep. 00:19:21.300 --> 00:19:23.120 And sometimes we have bad days. 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:26.000 But every day is an opportunity for us. 00:19:26.479 --> 00:19:28.239 To at least be grateful. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.559 And thankful. 00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:31.279 And offer it to God. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:34.619 The good, the bad, and even those ugly days. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:37.679 Let us be encouraged to offer that to the Lord. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:40.279 And Christ's salvation. 00:19:41.239 --> 00:19:44.199 It withstands every season and storm. 00:19:44.199 --> 00:19:47.899 You know, it's so important when we think of Psalms. 00:19:48.239 --> 00:19:49.959 When we think of throughout Scripture. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:54.819 That there's many times that we face adversity. 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:57.440 We face opposition. 00:19:58.120 --> 00:20:00.180 We face people who slander us. 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:02.400 People who try to bring us down. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:07.079 We think of how there are situations in life that just happen. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.579 When someone gets sick. 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:13.720 Or when just your car doesn't start working. 00:20:13.840 --> 00:20:13.960 Right? 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:16.019 All these things that happen. 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:19.700 It is knowing that God is there for you. 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:22.460 In every season of life. 00:20:22.460 --> 00:20:23.680 When you believe in Him. 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:25.079 And church. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.640 I don't know about you. 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:28.000 But that gives me great comfort. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:31.799 To know that even in the greatest of successes. 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:34.940 But also in the lowest points of my life. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.400 And in your life as well. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:38.360 God is going to be there with you. 00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:40.900 It's just like how Scripture says. 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:43.900 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:45.640 I will fear no what? 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.300 I'll fear no evil. 00:20:47.540 --> 00:20:47.660 Right? 00:20:47.860 --> 00:20:49.940 For you, God, are with me. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:50.960 Right? 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:53.360 When it talks about the rod and the staff. 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.480 That it is protecting. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:54.920 Right? 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.480 That God is with us. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:58.620 That foundation that we are talking about. 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:00.400 So again. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:04.140 Christ's salvation withstands every season and storm. 00:21:04.300 --> 00:21:06.560 There is nothing to fear. 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:12.619 Do you realize how many times in Scripture it says that we're not to be afraid? 00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:14.859 But do we still get afraid? 00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:16.799 You can be honest here. 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:17.079 Right? 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:19.319 There's times that we still get anxious. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:21.220 Scripture says not to worry. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:21.899 What are you talking about? 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:22.839 I'm worrying about that. 00:21:22.899 --> 00:21:23.079 Right? 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:26.720 Scripture tells us to be patient and to love our enemies. 00:21:26.879 --> 00:21:27.519 Wait a minute. 00:21:28.419 --> 00:21:29.879 I'm still struggling with that. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:31.619 But we're a work in progress. 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:34.779 That God continues to work in and through us. 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:38.319 There is nothing for us to fear in knowing the Lord. 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:44.519 And we can have that confidence that we can build our lives in full trust in Him. 00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:48.940 The second thing then is that a firm foundation brings what? 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:49.819 And what, church? 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.559 Wisdom and security. 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.059 Right? 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:58.119 So this idea I mentioned of this idea of digging deep. 00:21:58.299 --> 00:21:58.420 Right? 00:21:58.759 --> 00:22:01.180 Preparing the way for the Lord. 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:02.519 Right? 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:09.700 You think about how when you're going to lay down concrete, you got to make sure that everything's set and ready to go before you lay that foundation. 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:12.859 It is the same kind of language that we're finding here. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.279 Seeking Christ in the word. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:17.519 In the word. 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:18.139 In prayer. 00:22:19.879 --> 00:22:23.299 And we have to also think of someone who seeks God. 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:25.519 We've found this in two other parables. 00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:31.559 The pearl of great price or of great value, depending on what your translation says. 00:22:32.059 --> 00:22:35.200 But also the parable of the hidden treasure. 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:39.940 The foundation then brings forth security. 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:46.079 Much like how God continues to give us wisdom and insight for our lives. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.500 Isn't it amazing? 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:53.940 There's scripture that talks about how there are things that are hidden from unbelievers. 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:57.839 I always thought that was so strange that scripture talks about that. 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.539 But when we seek. 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:00.819 Do you know? 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:02.940 On my glasses here. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:04.019 A little fun fact. 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:06.200 It's one of my favorite verses on here. 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:07.700 It's Proverbs 25.2. 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:10.680 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:13.200 It is the glory of kings to discover a matter. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:14.840 What that means. 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:16.620 God likes to hide things. 00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:20.039 And that we are called to discover those things. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:23.019 That can be things that are in his word for sure. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:28.059 It could also be the great discoveries that man has found over the century. 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.340 Right? 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:30.600 When you think of all the scientific discoveries. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:31.100 You know. 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:32.279 The galaxies and whatnot. 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:34.660 But when we think of God's word. 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:34.980 It's. 00:23:35.580 --> 00:23:37.720 Sometimes we read it and we get brand new insight. 00:23:37.840 --> 00:23:38.960 Sometimes we hear a sermon. 00:23:39.080 --> 00:23:40.840 Or we hear someone on the radio. 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.799 Or whatever it is. 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:43.779 And it gives us brand new insight. 00:23:43.879 --> 00:23:44.059 And you're like. 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:44.259 You know. 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.720 I never looked at it that way before. 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:47.859 And it's consistent with God's word. 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:51.539 And it's going to help me grow in my walk with the Lord. 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:54.899 Or maybe I needed that psalm. 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:56.680 You know. 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:58.240 Just like how. 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.879 There are moments in our life. 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:05.519 Where God wants us to be ready to receive his word. 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:06.980 And to be ready to. 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:09.579 Receive it at a certain time. 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.379 For comfort. 00:24:10.619 --> 00:24:11.619 For correction. 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.460 For inspiration. 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.379 Whatever it is. 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:15.819 That's the beauty. 00:24:16.919 --> 00:24:17.799 Of our word. 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:18.960 Of our Lord. 00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.740 Through the word. 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:23.059 And so I want you to ask yourself. 00:24:23.139 --> 00:24:25.019 As we're going through these interpretations. 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.460 Right? 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.639 The first one. 00:24:26.699 --> 00:24:26.839 Right? 00:24:26.899 --> 00:24:27.480 Our life. 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:29.279 Is built upon the rock. 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.659 How is your foundation? 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:32.899 That's a question you have to think. 00:24:33.699 --> 00:24:35.439 Is your foundation in Christ? 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.019 Or is it not? 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:39.200 That's only a question that only you can answer. 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.519 If you. 00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:43.900 Are confident in knowing the Lord. 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:45.359 You can say definitely. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:47.759 My foundation is in Christ. 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:48.879 And if you're not sure. 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:51.400 Well I'd love to talk to you. 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:51.740 Or. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.819 Your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:55.279 Would love to talk to you as well. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:58.440 When we're thinking of the firm foundation. 00:24:58.619 --> 00:25:00.700 Bringing forth wisdom and security. 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:03.640 Think about the intentionality. 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:05.039 Of seeking God. 00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:07.779 Continue to seek the Lord. 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.799 Continue to seek his word. 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.860 And continue to have that desire. 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:13.440 To be molded by him. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:15.880 And to be continually transformed by him. 00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:18.220 Do you still seek the Lord. 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:20.000 Even after knowing him. 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.380 Because I want to. 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.480 I don't know about you. 00:25:22.580 --> 00:25:23.380 I want to be close. 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.400 With the Lord. 00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:26.620 I want to be in his presence. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:28.019 I want to be in his word. 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:29.960 I want to be connected with him. 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.480 We think of this idea. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:33.740 Of having a relationship with Christ. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:36.120 Well like any relationship. 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:38.220 You've got to put into it. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:38.600 Right. 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:41.600 I don't just tell my wife once. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.819 I love her. 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:44.799 And then leave it at that. 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:45.799 It is. 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:48.120 No. 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:50.600 I constantly tell my wife. 00:25:50.600 --> 00:25:51.259 That I love her. 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:53.180 I constantly tell my children. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.660 That I love them. 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:55.880 Right. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.360 It's that intentionality. 00:25:57.360 --> 00:25:58.519 Words and actions. 00:25:58.519 --> 00:26:00.139 Showing love. 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:01.900 Showing them. 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:03.480 And also speaking that. 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:07.359 It's the same thing with a relationship with the Lord. 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.819 When's the last time you've prayed? 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:10.240 When's the last time you've thanked him? 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:14.400 When's the last time you've asked God to reveal his will for your life? 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:20.860 Maybe you might be at a point where you're wrestling with what to do with your life. 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:23.740 From anything as a career change. 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:26.420 From should I marry this person or not? 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:28.820 Should I associate with these people? 00:26:29.780 --> 00:26:33.519 Asking God for guidance is so important for us. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:40.019 And what's difficult is when he answers and we don't like what he has to say. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.299 Right? 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:43.099 We want him to answer in our own favor. 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:46.359 But God has a much better plan than what we have. 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:53.900 And so we finally see in this third one that storms test and foreshadow the final judgment. 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:55.840 That trials then. 00:26:56.160 --> 00:26:58.160 When we go through tribulation. 00:26:58.680 --> 00:26:59.960 We go through adversity. 00:27:00.140 --> 00:27:02.960 Or we go through any sort of storm in our life. 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:06.120 It reveals the foundation that you have. 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:08.819 Does it remain? 00:27:09.679 --> 00:27:13.339 Is it, is your foundation on sand? 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:15.079 Or is it on stone? 00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:19.159 And on the rock, we stand firm. 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:24.439 It's just like how we find in this parable, not being shaken. 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:27.099 That's some powerful language. 00:27:27.919 --> 00:27:28.199 Right? 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:30.039 I don't want to be shaken. 00:27:30.139 --> 00:27:32.579 And I hope for any of us, we don't want to be shaken. 00:27:32.579 --> 00:27:41.039 We want to stand firm on the truth of God's word, but also the grace and love that comes from him. 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:48.759 And so, think for a moment, when storms of life hit, will you be shaken? 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.899 Only you can answer that. 00:27:52.379 --> 00:27:56.299 And so with all of this, this then takes us to our application. 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:57.559 How should we live? 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:59.639 What do we do about this? 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:02.980 Well, the first thing is check the what? 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:05.620 Check your foundation. 00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:07.840 Is it in Christ? 00:28:08.820 --> 00:28:10.740 Believe in the Lord first. 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:18.380 Growing in him and doing good in his name is evidence of having faith in him. 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:22.160 And having that foundation in Christ is critical. 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:27.660 We are also called to grow in him and to do good in his holy name. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:29.840 Let us think for a moment. 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:33.620 How can we continue to grow in Christ? 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:38.060 And what is God calling us to do with our lives? 00:28:38.900 --> 00:28:41.160 Certainly, we're all called to be saved. 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:46.860 But then it comes to specific things, what God wants for you. 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:50.920 How God wants you to be transformed and molded. 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:53.300 These kind of things. 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:58.619 And so the foundation first, then build your house. 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:04.799 The second thing then is from foundations come buildings, right? 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.940 Well, that no duh. 00:29:08.220 --> 00:29:11.119 But yet there are still people that build houses on sand. 00:29:11.119 --> 00:29:18.439 And when we scoff and when we think that's so ridiculous that someone would build a house on sand. 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:25.819 Well, imagine how the Lord feels when you build your house on the sand and not on the solid rock. 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:29.199 Think how he's like, what are you doing, man? 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:34.099 You're putting all this work and intentionality on building something great, but it's not going to last. 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:44.279 Think of the same way we feel if someone was to be so foolish as to, remember, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:46.579 That's a living example right there. 00:29:46.879 --> 00:29:51.639 It's eventually going to fall and it's going to be sad when that does happen, but eventually it will. 00:29:53.419 --> 00:29:56.099 A life without Christ cannot stand. 00:29:57.859 --> 00:30:00.980 Works may look good, but they do not save you. 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:11.579 And what's important for that is we may know people who they're all about doing good, but they might not have that relationship. 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:13.819 That's why it's so important. 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:19.019 Even for people when they look the part or they act the part. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.880 What about here? 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.700 What about the heart? 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:25.120 Has it been softened? 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:27.160 Has it been transformed? 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.460 Are you saved? 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:30.259 That's the question. 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:38.299 And so knowing Christ, having a relationship with him, transforms us and moves us to build. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:47.880 To not only build your own individual house, but when we think of the body of Christ, when we think of us coming together and building up the church. 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:55.759 Imagine the impact that we as Christians can do when we work together and we change the culture. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:31:07.079 Just as Christ transforms us, we are in the name of Christ to transform our own community, our own culture. 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:09.919 That's so important for us. 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:14.119 There's a lot of people out there that are so afraid of culture. 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:16.980 It's this us versus them mentality. 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:19.439 And certainly there is good and there is evil. 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:27.220 But instead of thinking of it of how we can fight it, think of it of how we can transform it. 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:39.700 Much like how Christ changed the course of history by his life, his miracles, his parables, all of these things. 00:31:39.860 --> 00:31:42.360 The death, the burial, the resurrection of him. 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:49.420 Because so many people wanted there, wanted Christ to be that revolutionary that would overthrow the government. 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:53.880 But no, Christ had a very different way. 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:59.880 Let us keep that in mind, that we are called to be ambassadors for Christ. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:08.600 We are to build the church, but we're also to influence our neighbors, our friends, our families, and to influence our culture. 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:11.360 That actually leads to the next one, right? 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:14.600 Spread the foundational truth to others. 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:20.099 The foundational truth is that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:32:20.219 --> 00:32:20.319 Amen? 00:32:20.839 --> 00:32:24.559 It is that the good news of the gospel. 00:32:25.439 --> 00:32:27.000 That Jesus came. 00:32:28.219 --> 00:32:29.799 That he was born in that manger. 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.059 Humble beginnings. 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:32.799 That he lived. 00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:34.539 Performed miracles. 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:36.839 He taught so many different things. 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.419 Healing the sick. 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:39.439 Walking on water. 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:41.419 Turning water to wine. 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:45.279 All of the, and even the difficult things that Christ talked about. 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:48.460 How he fulfilled prophecy. 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:52.400 Just like when I mentioned 1 Corinthians 15, verses 1 through 4. 00:32:53.220 --> 00:32:57.380 The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ according to the scriptures. 00:32:58.519 --> 00:33:00.920 That it was all fulfillment of prophecy. 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:06.820 Showing the significance and the importance of who Christ is. 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:10.360 Not just for us, but for everyone. 00:33:10.359 --> 00:33:15.339 And so, share your faith through the words that you speak. 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:18.139 And the actions that you perform. 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:20.159 How you live your life. 00:33:21.439 --> 00:33:25.379 Let the love of Christ shine for others to see. 00:33:25.959 --> 00:33:28.479 Let the light of Christ radiate through you. 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:30.299 Now here's the thing. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.759 You're not going to be perfect. 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:35.640 But it's matters of the heart. 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:37.960 That you are changed. 00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:39.700 And you are a work in progress. 00:33:39.879 --> 00:33:41.420 And God, you are saved. 00:33:41.619 --> 00:33:45.559 But God is molding you to be more like him every single day. 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:50.000 Just as we are called to live and love like Christ. 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:51.400 We are called to minister. 00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:55.819 We are called to love one another just as Christ has loved us. 00:33:55.819 --> 00:33:59.099 We are to be that salt and light. 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:03.799 And so, think of your... 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:05.220 When we think of that first one. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:08.480 Am I ready to have Christ as my foundation? 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:10.019 Is a question you could think about. 00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:11.559 For the second one. 00:34:12.059 --> 00:34:13.500 Am I bearing fruit? 00:34:14.199 --> 00:34:16.239 And am I building my house? 00:34:16.599 --> 00:34:17.759 Am I working on that? 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:19.739 Upon that foundation? 00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:21.139 Upon that salvation? 00:34:21.139 --> 00:34:24.819 And then spreading the foundational truth. 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:28.139 Whose house can I help build? 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:30.799 That's a question to think about. 00:34:31.420 --> 00:34:32.859 Who can I help encourage? 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:35.639 Who can I help share in the foundation? 00:34:36.859 --> 00:34:38.420 Hey man, you got to have a foundation. 00:34:38.579 --> 00:34:39.719 You got a beautiful house here. 00:34:40.739 --> 00:34:42.279 You need a good foundation now. 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:44.259 Those kind of things. 00:34:45.440 --> 00:34:49.139 And it's important for us to know that in all of this. 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:54.219 Let this be an encouragement for you that we were once in darkness. 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:59.299 That we are sinners who are in need of a savior. 00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:02.440 That we are like vessels. 00:35:03.179 --> 00:35:05.179 That we are like lost sheep. 00:35:05.679 --> 00:35:09.639 And we were all in sinking sand as it were. 00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:16.119 How many of you remember the story of when Peter was sinking beneath the waves? 00:35:16.119 --> 00:35:22.219 And Christ extends the hand to pull him out of the sinking waters. 00:35:22.339 --> 00:35:30.139 It's very similar in this idea that we are like in that sinking sand or that sinking water as it were. 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:34.980 And that Christ is extending that hand to pull you out of the sand. 00:35:35.380 --> 00:35:38.420 And to put your feet on solid ground. 00:35:38.420 --> 00:35:41.700 And so, consider the sand. 00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:48.400 Consider that without knowing the Lord, you are in that sinking sand. 00:35:49.200 --> 00:35:51.460 And let us also see the hand. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:55.400 Or as I've mentioned so many times, the invitation that Christ has. 00:35:55.860 --> 00:35:57.119 Will you respond? 00:35:57.539 --> 00:36:03.200 Will you reach your hand out and be ready to be pulled out of it? 00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:11.599 And when your feet are placed on solid ground, stand firm on the rock and build that house. 00:36:13.399 --> 00:36:14.679 No more sinking. 00:36:15.279 --> 00:36:16.519 No more darkness. 00:36:18.059 --> 00:36:19.500 Just think for a moment. 00:36:19.859 --> 00:36:22.980 When you are saved, you are with the Lord. 00:36:23.719 --> 00:36:25.119 That's a beautiful thing. 00:36:25.119 --> 00:36:29.559 It's just like it says in 1 Peter. 00:36:30.440 --> 00:36:31.920 To walk in the light. 00:36:32.019 --> 00:36:38.639 That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 00:36:39.679 --> 00:36:42.139 I want you to turn real quick in closing. 00:36:43.559 --> 00:36:45.920 Let's turn to Revelation 22 here. 00:36:45.920 --> 00:37:03.740 Because what's beautiful about parables is how connected it is with Revelation. 00:37:04.360 --> 00:37:07.900 Of course, it's connected with all of Scripture, right? 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:09.659 They're all interconnected with each other. 00:37:09.840 --> 00:37:15.260 But I always find it so fascinating how parables are connected with Revelation. 00:37:15.260 --> 00:37:17.740 Are we there, Revelation 22? 00:37:20.120 --> 00:37:24.740 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as a crystal, 00:37:25.340 --> 00:37:30.220 flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. 00:37:30.760 --> 00:37:34.940 And also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its 12 kinds of fruit, 00:37:35.080 --> 00:37:37.040 yielding its fruit each month. 00:37:37.380 --> 00:37:39.820 The leaves of the trees were healing the nations. 00:37:39.880 --> 00:37:43.740 There's such very similar symbolic language here. 00:37:43.739 --> 00:37:46.219 But verse 3 here. 00:37:47.500 --> 00:37:55.019 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, 00:37:55.259 --> 00:37:58.259 and his servants will worship him. 00:37:59.219 --> 00:38:03.939 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads, 00:38:04.319 --> 00:38:06.979 and night will be no more. 00:38:08.059 --> 00:38:10.500 Church, what does it say? 00:38:10.500 --> 00:38:15.199 They will need no light of lamp or sun, 00:38:15.780 --> 00:38:21.300 for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:26.120 Talk about the consistency within Scripture, having that firm foundation, 00:38:26.120 --> 00:38:30.180 and knowing that we are out of the darkness into that marvelous light, 00:38:30.220 --> 00:38:33.120 out of the sinking sand and put onto solid ground, 00:38:33.120 --> 00:38:37.240 and knowing that as we believe in the Lord, 00:38:37.300 --> 00:38:40.860 we are called to grow and to become more like him through word and through deed. 00:38:41.519 --> 00:38:46.000 Church, let us build our life on Christ, 00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:53.039 the solid rock, the cornerstone, and let us shine his light into the world. 00:38:53.360 --> 00:38:54.300 Let's pray together. 00:38:54.960 --> 00:38:59.119 And Father, we thank you for this remarkable parable. 00:38:59.119 --> 00:39:07.759 This is a very easy, but still very deep part of Scripture. 00:39:08.559 --> 00:39:13.659 We pray that we may know you first and foremost, 00:39:14.159 --> 00:39:20.940 that we may believe in you and be saved believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. 00:39:20.940 --> 00:39:23.920 We pray that we may grow in you, 00:39:24.280 --> 00:39:28.039 that we learn what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ, 00:39:28.139 --> 00:39:30.460 and we learn more about your word. 00:39:31.260 --> 00:39:33.200 We pray that we will be baptized, 00:39:33.559 --> 00:39:35.559 and we will partake in the local church, 00:39:35.639 --> 00:39:39.220 that we will partake in communion and understand these things 00:39:39.220 --> 00:39:42.840 and have a hunger for you and your word. 00:39:43.599 --> 00:39:44.780 May we draw near to you. 00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:47.179 May we continue to grow in you. 00:39:47.179 --> 00:39:50.440 And we pray that with all of this growth, 00:39:50.919 --> 00:39:55.679 we may be moved to be an ambassador for your Son, Jesus Christ, 00:39:55.819 --> 00:39:57.679 that we may be the salt and light, 00:39:57.759 --> 00:40:01.179 that we may share in the gospel, 00:40:01.779 --> 00:40:03.159 in our testimony, 00:40:03.639 --> 00:40:06.779 but even just being present with other people. 00:40:08.759 --> 00:40:11.599 May we live and love like you. 00:40:12.579 --> 00:40:15.699 May we be examples for others to see, 00:40:15.699 --> 00:40:19.819 and may we be empowered through the guiding of the Holy Spirit 00:40:19.819 --> 00:40:23.239 to be an influence for our friends, 00:40:23.399 --> 00:40:24.079 for our families, 00:40:24.239 --> 00:40:24.839 for our neighbors, 00:40:25.019 --> 00:40:25.899 for our co-workers, 00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:27.379 our teachers, 00:40:27.719 --> 00:40:28.159 students, 00:40:28.339 --> 00:40:29.460 those that we interact with, 00:40:29.480 --> 00:40:31.299 even if it's someone at the grocery store. 00:40:32.299 --> 00:40:33.699 May we change 00:40:33.699 --> 00:40:36.019 our community 00:40:36.019 --> 00:40:37.379 and our culture. 00:40:38.079 --> 00:40:39.480 May you lead and guide us. 00:40:39.839 --> 00:40:41.259 And may we not be afraid. 00:40:41.599 --> 00:40:43.779 May we stand firm on Jesus Christ, 00:40:43.780 --> 00:40:45.160 the solid rock, 00:40:45.260 --> 00:40:47.220 the anchor for our lives. 00:40:49.160 --> 00:40:50.700 We say all of this 00:40:50.700 --> 00:40:52.820 in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:40:53.200 --> 00:40:54.920 the cornerstone of our faith. 00:40:55.480 --> 00:40:56.640 And we all say together, 00:40:56.780 --> 00:40:57.120 Church, 00:40:57.760 --> 00:40:58.019 Amen. 00:40:58.019 --> 00:41:03.019 Thank you for listening for this week's message 00:41:03.019 --> 00:41:04.480 from Ontario Community Church. 00:41:04.840 --> 00:41:06.980 I pray that you are encouraged 00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:09.259 and strengthened in your walk with Christ. 00:41:09.820 --> 00:41:11.320 For more sermons and resources, 00:41:11.940 --> 00:41:14.599 visit OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:16.239 May God bless you 00:41:16.239 --> 00:41:18.420 as you live out His grace and truth 00:41:18.420 --> 00:41:19.619 every single day. 00:41:28.019 --> 00:41:31.219 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:31.219 --> 00:41:33.199 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:33.199 --> 00:41:33.820 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:33.820 --> 00:41:35.000 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:35.000 --> 00:41:36.159 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:36.159 --> 00:41:36.719 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:37.820 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:37.820 --> 00:41:38.659 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:38.659 --> 00:41:39.559 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:40.759 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:40.759 --> 00:41:41.960 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:41.960 --> 00:41:41.960 00:41:41.960 --> 00:41:43.420 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:43.420 --> 00:41:44.460 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:44.460 --> 00:41:45.900 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:45.900 --> 00:41:46.420 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:46.420 --> 00:41:47.980 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:47.980 --> 00:41:49.420 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:49.420 --> 00:41:50.960 I pray that you have a great leader. 00:41:50.960 --> 00:41:52.380 I pray that you have a great leader.