Main Thought
Foundations are essential for physical buildings and our spiritual lives. They predict future growth. They allow us to endure difficult circumstances. We need to beware of bad foundations that can’t bear the storms of life. They’re built when we do the opposite of what Christ says (bad activity), or when we do nothing about what Christ says (inactivity). Only God can give us the opportunity to establish a foundation strong enough to last into eternity. Strong foundations are built when we’re established in the Faith; this includes faith in Christ, baptism, and repentance. We must also establish a habit of Bible reading and prayer. Strong, spiritual foundations are impossible without this. Finally, God wants us to be established in a community of believers. These things won’t make our lives storm-free, but they can help us become storm-proof.
Main Passages
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 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. 26 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. 27 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
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- Acts 2:22-24, 37-38
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
- Acts 2:42
Discussion Questions
Do you feel that you have a strong spiritual foundation? Why or why not?
When it comes to being established in the Faith, the Word (and prayer), and Community, where are you strongest? Where can you improve?
How can these three things help us develop storm-proof lives?
Family Questions
Do you believe in Jesus?
Do you read the Bible and pray?
Do you have Christian friends?