We live in a culture that is unsettled, reactive, angry, defensive and afraid. Those of us who are Christ followers don’t have much difficulty identifying the cause. When people don’t have their lives established on the solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ, they are on shifting sand. When the rains and winds come, they are shaken and easily destroyed. Many of the things we, as a country, used to feel secure about are now insecure. Certainly our economy has had its ups and downs and the government as well. However, the state of the nation is far shakier than it has been in many years. We used to feel secure in our jobs, but corporate takeovers, new technology, and changes in demands have made job security a thing of the past for many people. Terrorism, global warming, cultural and racial conflicts plague our thoughts and our security. And, you don’t have to live long to know that things can change in a moment; a bad report from the doctor or a family tragedy can change your life forever. Having a solid foundation in Christ is the only sure footing when life’s trials and troubles come.

Scriptures – Mt 7:24-27; Ro 10:13; Ps 103:12

Verses
“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock. Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. And it fell with a loud crash.” (Mt 7:24-27)

Thought
What do you get when you make a decision to accept Christ and his forgiveness? You get solid rock love. God has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He will love without fail and will never abandon you. You get rock solid pardon. The forgiveness that comes through Christ is complete. Your sins are removed from you as far as the east is from the west. (Ps 103:12) They are gone—never to be held against you again. You get rock solid power. In Christ you gain the power to overcome temptation, to forgive, to control your impulses, and you gain power that carries you through difficult times. God’s power goes far beyond what you can muster on your own. You get rock solid guidance/purpose. In Christ, life has purpose and focus. Chasing materialism, power, etc. may bring satisfaction for a time, but true purpose is found in Christ. You get a rock solid eternity. You know where you’re headed when you die. Assurance of your eternal home in heaven is a source of peace and comfort in all times. With all this available for FREE, why aren’t people lined up to sign up? Most people want the rock solid promises of God and want to have faith to believe God can provide, they just don’t know how to access it personally. Or worse yet, at some point in time a few have tried to make a run at faith, but it didn’t seem to work. Moving from shifting sand to solid rock requires a “lift” from a 3rd person! God moves us when we, through humble and sincere prayer, ask for and accept his grace. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Questions
Why do you think some people feel Christianity doesn’t work for them? What might they be doing wrong? Did you feel you were on solid rock when you first accepted Christ, or was it a process? Explain. Have you ever felt you were on solid rock, when it suddenly turned to sand? Explain. How do you keep your foundation strong? How do you know when your footing is not secure?

Response
Write down the things that make you fearful and anxious. Talk with a Christian friend about ways to firm up your faith in these areas. Remember daily prayer, Bible reading, worship and Christian fellowship are necessary to maintain solid spiritual health.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the hope I have in you. Your love, forgiveness, strength, assurance and power sustain me as I strive to live for you each day. Keep my feet firmly planted on the solid rock of your salvation. Help me to reach others for your kingdom. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.