" Built On Rock Or Sand "

Blessings on you and those in whom you care so much about. This week's message is real and one that we must take very serious. Question for you: Are You The Real Deal?

 " NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS TO ME, 'LORD, LORD,' WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN WILL ENTER."

Think about this for a moment, some self-professed athletes can "talk" a great game, but that tells you nothing about their athletic prowess. And not everyone who talks about heaven belongs to God's Kingdom. Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. Your house (which represents your life) will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. What you do cannot be separated from what you believe.

Now, to build " On The Rock " means to be a hearing responding disciple, not a phony, superficial one. Practicing obedience becomes the solid foundation to weather the storms of life demolish you or not. Listen, to keep ourselves unstained by this world, we need to commit ourselves to Christ's ethical and moral system, not the world's. We are not to adapt to the world's value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure.

True Faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values. We all must guard our tongues. No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we all could control our speech more effectively. The Word of God tells us that Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had No Personal Relationship with Him. On " That Day " (The Day Of Judgment), only our relationship with Christ -our acceptance of Him as Savior and our obedience to Him, will matter. Many people think that if they are "good" people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. In reality, Faith In Christ is what will count at the judgment.

 LAST POINT: Jesus has told us how to live until He comes: We must watch for Him, work diligently, and obey His commands. Such attitudes are especially necessary for leaders. Watchful and faithful leaders will be given increased opportunities and responsibilities. Now, the more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are responsible to use them effectively. God will not hold us responsible for gifts He has not given us, but all of us have enough gifts and duties to keep us busy until Jesus comes.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim