Building Your Life On The Rock

Jesus on life, part 12 of 12
Today will be the four year anniversary of 9/11. We’ll talk about how the day has changed America. We are no longer the safe, protected country surrounded by water boundaries. We are now the target of many people who long to destabilize our nation, our liberties and our security. Where do we turn to find stability in our unstable times? The only foundation to build our lives on is the word of God. Jesus equated the word of God to a rock. A rock can withstand any storm, but people are also given an option of building their lives on sand. Sand is nice: soft and beautiful until storms come. Then it can’t hold up. As we wrap this series on the Sermon on the Mount, we will talk about how to build your life on the rock of God’s word. Pastor Vince DiPaola

Jesus Timeless Advice For Times Like Ours
(4–year anniversary of “9-11”)

I. The “9–11” tragedy… in perspective

1. The tragedy revised the way we think and live.

2. The tragedy revealed our compassionate side

3. The tragedy raised an important question

The important question: In whom or what do we ultimately trust?

II. The two options: “rock” or “sand”?

Jesus: “ Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24–27, NLT)

The meaning behind “rain storms”, “sand” and “rock”:

1. The “rain storms” represent the inevitable trials and challenges that test what our life is built on.

2. The “sand” represents a primary reliance on our own limited wisdom and ability to navigate through life.

3. The “rock” represents a trust and reliance on God’s Word, and His unlimited wisdom and ability to navigate our lives.

III. The one choice: one nation under God

How to make sure God Is Captain of the ship

1. Nationally, we must pray for our leaders to be godly

“I urge you, first of all, *to pray for all people… for kings and all others who are in authority*… This is good and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
(Matt.5:14, NIV)

2. Church–wide, we must pull together to impact our community.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, *but let us encourage one another*— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV)

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

3. Individually, we must decide who we’re building our life on.

“All men are like grass… The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:6 & 8, NIV)

“After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one who had real authority —- quite unlike the teachers of the religious law.” (Matthew 7:28–29, NLT)