What is Your Foundation?

 

What is Your Foundation?

Matt 7:24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."  

It is easy to say that Jesus is your foundation, but how many can say that they are obedient to his commandments. In Matthew 7, Christ said, “whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken to a wise man who built his house upon a rock.” Christ continues to say, that when the rain fell, and floods came, and the winds beat against the house, it did not fall because it was built upon a rock. Christ also said,” that those who hear these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand.” When the rain, floods, and winds came, his house fell, because it was built, on an unsecure foundation. I have heard many sermons on how Jesus is the rock of my salvation; but Christ was saying that, those who keep his sayings, are the wise ones, whose house will survive the storm. If you love Christ, and wish to abide in His love, then you will keep His commandments.  John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. God desires obedience more than sacrifice.

 Many churches, are failing to teach their flocks, to be obedient  to Christ’s teachings. Faith in Christ alone, will save no one, a person must be born again. Christ said, that any tree that does not bear fruit, will be cut down, and thrown into the fire. To be truly born again, is to live a transformed life, by putting to death the sinful nature, and being set apart from the sinful world, by God’s Holy Spirit. The end time apostasy is the grace for everything message, that is shutting people out of the Kingdom of God. There is grace for sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Habitual sins, are known as bondages, and if they are not repented of, they will lead to spiritual death. God is removing His Spirit from many churches today, because they refuse to preach holiness anymore; instead, they give their flocks a license to sin. The gifts of God’s Holy Spirit, are being replaced by demonic manifestations in a large number of churches worldwide.

 God is still the Ancient of Days, and he does not conform to our so-called progressive society or theology. God expects us to conform to his standards, by being obedient to His Word. The Lord has commanded me, to tell His children that they must put off the sinful old nature and return to him through holiness. The Lord has also instructed me to inform his children that the glory is departing from the churches. The modern day Scribes and Pharisees are doing the work of Satan by twisting scriptures to please men. God refers to the Christian denominations of men, as Babylon, which is a biblical term for wickedness.

1 Cor 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

If Jesus Christ is truly your foundation then your works should bring glory to his name. 1 Cor 3:11-15 Paul teaches us to be careful in how we build upon our foundation, because our works will be tested by fire. The many fires or trials of life, will prove what your works are made of. Paul said, that If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. Our good, enduring works for Christ, are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones. A pastor, or teacher, of God’s Word, is held to a high level of accountability, therefore it is very important to teach sound doctrine. Teaching the strong meat of God’s Word, is building wisely upon your foundation, and it will be rewarded. Whatever you do for Christ, make sure it lines up with God’s Word, and do it to the best of your ability. If you are not sure if your works are pleasing to God, I suggest that you pray, as well as fast, for an answer. Paul compares our vain works, to wood, hay, and straw, and he said If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Bad works, consists of more than just bad doctrine, because God looks upon the motive of the heart.

 When I was a young man, I was involved in the street ministry. Our ministry team, worked with other street teams, and at times, I worked under different leaders. At least three of the leaders, were very arrogant, as well as, were on a power trip. These men cared nothing about the people they were ministering to; in fact, they looked down upon them. Their only interest was to maintain control of their groups. They loved the praise of their church leaders, and despised the poor and homeless. These men were an example of fruitless ministry. The Lord will judge each man’s works according to sound doctrine, as well as, the motive of their hearts. If your motive for ministry is love, compassion, and genuine concern for your fellow man, then you, will be rewarded. If your motive is power, position, or selfish ambition, then your works will be fuel for the fire.