What are You Building Your Life On?

The teachings of Jesus upon which he is building the church that is in the Father’s heart, or upon mans’ teaching.

At the end of Matthew chapter 7 we find the story of "The Wise and Foolish Builders." This follows the very serious admonition from Jesus in verses 21 to 23. Jesus tells the following parable in verses 24 to 27.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Listen to the response of the crowds as recorded in verses 28 and 29. "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

What are you building on? Theology or the teaching of your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Did he not write the Book through the Holy Spirit as he moved on men? Are you being challenged to live what you hear or was it just another good message to be forgotten by the time you arrived home? Jesus said we must put his words into practice.

Jesus had just finished delivering what is commonly known as "The Sermon on the Mount." I believe these should be called rules for Kingdom living. From Matthew chapter 5 through to the end of chapter 7, Jesus took a lot of the Old Testament teachings and then gave the New Testament practice. These were always opposite, and were solidly based on the foundation of love; a true Christian is not to react to negative things in the same way. But rather follow the way of love.

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37 to 40. Jesus was quoting from Leviticus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 6:5. The Israelites never got it right. Why not? Because they did not seek a personal relationship with God. They always wanted a mediator; first Moses and then the kings.

Today many Christians are the same. They must have a mediator; their church leader, whatever his title; never to have a personal relationship with God. How sad! They learn about Him in the Word but never get to know Him.

Jesus prayed in John 17: 1 – 3, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Note that Jesus never said, "know about you." No, he said, "know you." This "knowing is experiential and not mind knowledge. All of the teachings of the New Testament writers confirm and explain in real terms what Jesus taught in "The Sermon on the Mount." Now we can try to apply the letter of the law in our own strength, but it will only produce bondage and self-condemnation.

It is only as we seek God in the power of the Holy Spirit that these teachings become a part of us; to be lived out in our daily lives. Paul prays in Ephesians 1:17 – 23, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Please read the rest this is only verse 17 – the key to victorious living.

Spend time getting to know your heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Then, applying his Word to your life becomes second nature and you will be building on the rock, and you will not be tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14.

What are you building your life on?

Jesus is building his church. The church that has been in the Father’s heart since before creation.

With much love,

The Church in the Father's Heart.
jack@tcitfh.co.za
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