BUILD YOUR LIFE ON A SOLID FOUNDATION
With each passing year, the instability in the world seems more and more apparent. Natural and man-made catastrophes claim lives; political balance shifts; wealth and status come and go. Currently we are in the midst of crisis caused by a virus. It all causes us to ask, Is anything unshakeable?
Instability can create feelings of insecurity and fear unless we latch onto the truths God has given us. The Bible refers to Jesus as a rock and firm foundation.
Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it 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 bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey 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 collapse with a mighty crash.” Matt. 7:24-27 (NLT)
The idea of building is a great metaphor we should understand when it comes to our Christian faith. Our faith is not built on just one moment or one decision, but on multiple moments and multiple decisions in our faith journey. As we follow Jesus and build our life, Jesus wants to make sure we build a secure and immovable foundation.
Paul reinforced this truth in describing the church that Jesus established on the day of Pentecost, “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Ephesians 2:20 (NLT)
God is building His church, which he describes as a house. The foundation of the church was built by the apostles and prophets based on the person and teachings of Jesus. In fact, Jesus is the cornerstone of this building called the church. The cornerstone, otherwise known as the foundation or setting stone, is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
Paul, described his work as one of the apostles, “Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NLT)
There is only one foundation that is solid: Jesus Christ. He is unchangeable and sovereign; nothing can undermine or move Him. His Word is truth, and it will last forever.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Matthew 7:24-27; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of April into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 90:2 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, “You are God”. Ascribe greatness to our God. (pray this seriously)
Matt 7:24 – Lord, like the psalmist help me to hold Your words to my heart at all times.
Matt 7:24 - Jehovah, as our church hears Your word all the time, help us to hold it dear to our hearts.
Matt 7:25 - Father, as I study and meditate on Your word, help me to stand during the difficult situations that come my way.
Matt 7:25 – God Almighty, during the challenging situations of life, remind me of Your promises in Your word.
Remind the church (including PPT) Your promises in Your word during these challenging times of today.
Ephesians 2:20 – Lord, I thank You that I am part of Your house of which Jesus is the cornerstone.
Father, we thank you that the church (including PPT) is part of Your house built on the foundation laid by those who have gone before us.
Ephesians 2:20 – Like those who have gone before me, help me to lay the foundation in the following areas (mention them) for my household.
Father hold the church together during these last days.
1 Cor 3:10-11 - Jehovah, help me to build my life on the foundation that Jesus has laid down.
1 Cor 3:10-11 – Lord, help the church to build on the firm foundation of Jesus.
Eph 3:20 – Jesus restore our lost livelihood because of this pandemic infinitely more than we ask or think.
Eph 3:20 – Lord, restore our lives in these areas … (mention them) infinitely more than we ask or think.
Father deliver the world from this pandemic in Jesus’ name.
Psalms 91:10 – Elohim, protect our front-line workers from the COVID-19 plague. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Teaching & Prayer Live at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#