I find it interesting that among these two vastly different groups of people, the following is equally true:
- Both are building houses
- Both hear the words of God
- Both are subjected to the rain, flood, and wind beating against their house
The outcome of each, lies wholly upon their elemental choice
In this narrative, Jesus places the responsibility of election squarely on the shoulders of each person.
As the saying goes, we live and die by the choices we make. If our lives are firmly founded on Christ and the principles and commands of His Word, we will prevail over the storm; no matter the intensity. Even when things happen outside of our control we have the ability, and the obligation, to chose how we will respond to these things. We are not victims of circumstance.
It is possible however, to be a Christian and not actively build your house on this firm foundation. However, we are not only to hear His words, but do them. Therefore, a true Christian cannot remain in this condition. Are you building your life on the solid rock of Christ? When the storms beat upon your house, will you stand firm in Him? Or will you simply collapse into your superficial foundation of sand, utterly ravaged and destroyed?
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25 NASB
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SEALED IN CHRIST 
Very true. We are to do what He says – such as obeying His commandments and the Torah/the Law.
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An important reminder for us all. By the way, a curious thing to bear in mind is that (in most cases) sand is made of rock — but rock that has been broken down and swept away by the waves and currents until it serves little or no practical use. If we are content with such an insubstantial foundation for our lives, then — tragically — we only have ourselves to blame.
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That’s an interesting bit of info. Yes, I agree.. we are solely responsible for our decisions and have no excuse or anyone to blame but ourselves. Thank you!
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Amen. We all have to make the right choice. Building on Christ our firm foundation where we can withstand the test of times is the right choice. Thank you for these encouraging words.
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Thanks Beverley. God bless you!
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I agree that when we hear Jesus’ words it is vital to obey them, building our house on the Rock. However, I’m not sure I agree with you that people who hear but don’t obey are still Christians. I know quite a few of these people, and frankly, they seem to be fooling themselves. (James 2:17)
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Very true. Though I do still think it’s possible to be a Christian and not live your life completely in accordance with the principles of the Bible. But I’m not convinced a true Christian can remain in that state for the duration.
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True! The key word is “remain.”
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Dee, I just click your “Subscribe” following button. I’m honored we have become soul mates.
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Thank you! I think you were already subscribed. In any case, I’m so glad to have you as my soulmate and friend! Cant wait to meet you someday in glory!!
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You go girl! You nailed it!! Boy oh Boy, have you enormously helped those weary travelers that cry, “Lord, help my unbelief!” I love your response to my comment. Your words of wisdom are definitely from your private conversations with God using scripture. May God continually richly bless you and your nuggets of gold. Keep digging and take me with you.
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You are such a doll! Thank you. How about: I follow your blog, you follow mine, but we walk together side by side! 🙂 God bless you, my Sister.
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When readers come to our blogs, Dee, they are usually looking for confirmation of God’s word or advise on how to accomplish God’s word. So what would be one of your suggestions on how to help a struggling Christian ‘be of good courage’ and stand on Jesus’ Solid Rock? God’s perfect law is truly the law of liberty, (freedom from all sorts of problems) but not until a person is steeped in God’s word and has experienced a personal relationship with him does he or she recognize this. Your blog highlighting Matthew 7:24-27 causes us to examine ourselves. And God knows it’s high time for us to do our business or get off the pot. Thank you.
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You always make me smile. 🙂
So, here’s my answer:
It is not a matter of “standing” on solid rock. It is a matter of ‘building’ on solid rock. And building a foundation requires forethought. Our resolve to not only hear the words of Jesus (read our Bibles and spend time with Him), but also rely on Him to help us do what He says (obey, live it out even when it hurts), strengthens our spiritual foundation. THEN when the storms come, we are already founded on rock. The daily trials that we encounter are a perfect opportunity to build our faith and cut our spiritual teeth on the meat of His word. We can’t wait until a tempest comes, then hope to get by on nothing but storm shutters. I’ve been on both sides and I can verify that it is much better to be spiritually prepared, so that we can say with Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him”. Job 13:15
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13
God bless!
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Amen! That is the straight up truth! God bless!🤗
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Thanks Ryan. A truth I desperately needed to be reminded of. God bless you too!
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