On Sunday we began a new study that led us to Matthew 7. Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount with a few words about the importance of not just hearing what He teaches, but doing what He teaches.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

These final words make a connection for us. When we hear God’s word and do it, we build on a firm foundation and gain the ability to persevere through trials. The example we gave for this on Sunday was building a local church. Jesus is building the family of God and there are local expressions of that family. Red Hills Church is one expression, and we are working hard to hear God’s word and do it. This gives us a foundation of learning, loving, worshipping, and evangelizing that we see in the church of Acts 2.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

- Acts 2:42-47

Another example of building a firm foundation is found in your family. Christian families find guidance in God’s word on how to interact with each other, with neighbors, and with Jesus. When they take that guidance and apply it, they are able to stand the many trials that all families face. My favorite scripture for building a firm foundation for your family is found in the book of Psalms.

When we hear God’s word and do it, we build on a firm foundation and gain the ability to persevere through trials

We will be studying Matthew 7 and Psalm 101 this Sunday, and we would love to have you join us. We will explore in more depth the importance of building your family on a firm foundation, and I will give detailed examples from the Bible for what a family that hears the Word and does it looks like.

- Marshall Ochs

A few things to pray for

As you spend time in prayer this week, join with us by praying for these things:

Pray for a firm foundation in your local church and in your home.
Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you a desire to love Jesus deeply and follow Him closely.
Pray that the brokeness in our city, our country, and the world is healed through the love of Jesus and your obedience to His Word.