Life's Foundations

 N.T. #83 "Life's Foundations"

June 2, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

There is a rock provided for us to build our house/life upon, and that rock is Christ. He is: for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. (Isaiah 28:16)

For other foundation can no many lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11)

If your life is built upon the things of this world, money, then when the storms come, it will crumble. On the other hand, if your life is built upon the Rock Jesus Christ, then it will stand by faith in Him. Storms will come, but our survival is based upon our foundation of faith. Jesus is faithful.

The Sermon on the Mount was a message given for Christians to grow their faith and obedience in Christ. We are to have life-changing qualities He gives to us. Looking back over those, we are to:

• be merciful and meek,
• seeking the righteousness of Jesus,
• pure in heart and peacemakers,
• blessed when we are persecuted for His sake,
• salt and light in a sinful world,
• not angry and lustful,
• speak the truth, forgive and love our enemy,
• faithful in marriage and oaths made,
• give alms, pray, fast, give,
• not worry or be anxious,
• remain on the straight and narrow way to heaven,
• bear fruit,
• do the will of our Father, 
• be wise and keep our life's foundation on Rock Jesus and His Word. 

We practice those because of their moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings by the Preacher Jesus Himself. I know that is a lot of do's and do not's, but as situations and temptations arise, we are to react in those ways. 

Jesus is our Good News of salvation and hope for eternal life in heaven. He is the only Way there. He can change sinners into saints.

LET IT GROW

How did the people react to Jesus' sermon? First, they were astonished. 

Astonished means amaze; exceedingly (abundantly above).

Secondly, they noticed He preached with authority.

Authority means force; control; freedom; power; strength.

Scribes quoted others to establish authority of their teachings. Jesus didn't need to quote anyone, like scribes did, because He was the original Word. (John 1:1). 

Are we astonished and amazed at the love of Jesus and His teachings? He is our authority for life. Thank you for following along with me in the first book of the New Testament.

LET IT GO

And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. Oh, the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

Help us let go and let God.