Jesus concluded His famous Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7.24). What a marvelous illustration indicating the need to not only hear the teachings of Jesus, but to do them! Here we see the significance of proper spiritual foundations.

Architects certainly understand the importance of building on proper foundations. Perhaps one of the greatest examples is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One side of the tower was built on ground that could not support its weight. It was started in 1173 A.D., and in 1178 A.D., it began its lean. It took 344 years to complete; however, engineers in the 21st century at last think that they have finally stabilized it. For years it leaned at an angle of about 5.5 degrees, but currently, it leans approximately 3.99 degrees off vertical because of the work done by a team of structural engineers between the years 1990-2001. It has been an amazing project. [For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa]

Jesus used this concept of building on the proper foundation in Luke 6.47-49 (also Matt. 7.24-27). We either build our lives on the words of Jesus, or we build on worldly concepts that constantly change and will not last. Peter warns us that the world will not last, but will be burned up (2 Pet. 3.10). Peter uses the fact of the earth’s destruction to write the following: “Since all things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Pet. 3.6).

Paul echoes the words of Jesus from Matthew 7.24, when he wrote, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3.11). The implications of this statement have much more to do with than just an application of Christ’s church (though that is included), as shall be discussed in this morning’s sermon.

I am amazed at the number of disciples of Jesus who haven’t read the New Testament. Some prefer to read self-help books. These books may contain some good thoughts, but they also contain some thoughts that are leaning away from what Jesus taught. These build their Christianity upon men’s interpretation of the words of Jesus. I would encourage us all to build our faith upon the actual words of Jesus. We should examine our foundation carefully. [BTW]