6 - How to Build on the Foundation

A big Rock - Image by iStock

The Foundation Is Laid

So, we’ve laid the foundation—a personal encounter with Christ, the Rock. Now, how do we keep building on it?

How do we take that first meeting with Jesus and turn it into a strong, steady faith that weathers every storm life throws at us?

Jesus gave us the blueprint in one of His best-known parables—the story of the wise man and the foolish man.

Two Builders, One Storm

Jesus said:

“Therefore everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock… But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:24–27)

Notice: both built houses and both faced the same storm—rain, wind, floods pounding at their doors. The difference was the foundation.

We sometimes expect the Christian life to come with a “storm-free guarantee.” But no such thing exists.

Acts 14:22 warns:

“We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

If you see a sign that says, “Path to Heaven—No Troubles Ahead,” beware. Every house of faith gets tested. What matters is the foundation.

The Real Difference

The wise man built on rock; the foolish man on sand. One house was built to last; the other was for show. One house weathered the storm, soaked but solid.

The other collapsed into a heap of good intentions and quick fixes.

Sometimes we envy the sand builders—their houses go up fast, no digging, no waiting.

But wait until the storm.

The wind reveals the truth about your foundation.

Building on the Rock

Jesus said:

“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man…” (Matthew 7:24)

There it is.

We build on the rock by hearing and doing Christ’s words. Hearing alone isn’t enough.

It’s like admiring blueprints but never swinging a hammer.

We build by obedience—daily, quiet, often unseen but always essential.

Paul said to the Ephesian elders:

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up.” (Acts 20:32)

The Word of God—heard, studied, obeyed, lived—is what builds a strong life. Every verse you live becomes another brick in your spiritual house.

One Voice—Christ and the Bible

Here’s something beautiful:

The Bible calls itself “the Word of God,” and it also calls Jesus “the Word.”

John writes:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

“He was clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13)

The name isn’t coincidence—it’s revelation. The written Word and the living Word share the same nature.

Christ perfectly fulfills what Scripture reveals, and Scripture perfectly reveals who Christ is.

The Bible is the written Word; Jesus is the personal Word.

Both speak with one voice. The same Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture reveals the living Christ in our hearts.

Building With Both Hands

Think of it this way:

You hold a Bible in one hand and Christ in the other. You can’t build steady faith without both.

God’s Word shapes your thoughts; Christ’s Spirit strengthens your obedience.

Together, they make faith that stands unshaken—no matter the forecast’s storms.

Reflection Questions

• Jesus’ parable talks about storms. How have trials revealed your faith’s foundation?
  

• When you read Scripture, do you lean more toward hearing or doing? What’s one small step this week to do Christ’s words?
  

• Knowing Bible and Christ speak as one, how does that change your approach to God’s Word?
  

• If the “wind” tested your spiritual house today, would it stand firm? What could use reinforcing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are my Rock and Foundation. Thank You for giving me Your written Word and for being the living Word walking with me daily. Teach me not just to hear, but to obey. Build in me a faith that stands through rain, wind, and floods—strong because it rests on You. Keep my heart steady through every storm. Amen.

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