Welcome to the blog of Pastor Alton Stone, from Simpsonville, SC. Pastor Stone is a retired Ordained Bishop of The Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee with over 45 years of pastoral ministry.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Rock Solid

Jesus stressed the need for building on a good spiritual foundation. He illustrated this truth by a parable of two men who built houses. The Bible has two records of this parable. One is in Matthew 7:24-29 and the other is in Luke 6:47-49:
  
In Matthew 7:24-29 He said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

The first principle is that building a proper spiritual foundation is part of the doctrine of Jesus. Matthew records that the people were "astonished at His doctrine.” Part of that doctrine was the story He told was about building on a good foundation.

The writer of Hebrews also refers to building a strong foundation as part of the doctrine of Christ in
Hebrews 6:1:

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ...not laying again  the  foundation..."

He then continues to list the content of the doctrine of Jesus. 


The steps for building a good spiritual foundation are given by Luke in Luke 6:47-49:

"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

All three steps are required. It is not enough just to come to Jesus, but you must hear and do what He commands. These are the 3 steps:

1.  Whosoever cometh to me.

2.  Heareth my sayings.
3.  And doeth them.

Coming and listening to Christ is not enough. You must also take personal action.  A person can come to Jesus, hear what He has to say, but not respond:

Luke 6:46 "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

You can know the Word and still not act upon it. Jesus is not truly Lord of your life until you respond to His teachings. A good foundation is based on the Word of God. The men who came to Jesus, heard His Word, and then acted on are called "wise". This men made sure their spiritual foundation in life was firm. They "digged deep" removing everything between him and the Rock, Jesus Christ.   

God's Word is the plan which shows how to build your spiritual life. The Bible must be accepted as the absolute authority and the plan for your spiritual foundation.


2 Peter 1:21 "..the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 

The purpose of God's revelation is given in 2 Timothy 3:16:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

The Bible contains instruction in the basic doctrines of Jesus. It also provides reproof and correction for failing to follow these teachings. Build your spiritual foundation on His Word and when the storm comes you will stand.

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