Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

When you know something big is coming, it changes the way you live. You clean the house when company’s on the way. You study harder when exams are near. You work differently when the boss is visiting. In 2 Peter 3, Peter reminds believers that the next great event in world history is the return of Jesus Christ—and that truth ought to change how we live every day.

Peter writes, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). The coming of Christ isn’t meant to fill us with fear but with focus. If we truly believe He could come at any moment, it should affect how we speak, how we serve, and how we walk with God. Peter’s closing challenge is simple: Because you know what’s coming, live ready.

Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.

1. The Call of Love

Before Peter commands us to do anything, he reminds us who we are: “Wherefore, beloved.” That word beloved is rich with meaning—it speaks of those who are deeply loved by God. Before we ever labor for Christ, we must first rest in His love for us. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

God’s love is not just a doctrine to know; it’s an identity to live from. If you are saved, you are not merely another face in the crowd—you are a child of the King. You are loved when you are unlovable, accepted when you fail, and secure when the world feels uncertain. And if you have never trusted Christ, this love is offered freely to you through faith in Jesus.

Too often, Christians forget who they are. We chase other identities—our job, our failures, our successes—and neglect the truth that we are beloved of God. Peter begins here because everything else flows from this. If you want to become more like Christ, start by remembering that you are loved by Christ. His love is not just the starting point of salvation; it is the sustaining power of sanctification.

2. The Call of Labor

Peter continues, “Be diligent.” In other words, don’t live casually—live carefully. This is a call to exert spiritual effort, not in earning salvation, but in expressing it. Peter doesn’t say, “Relax and wait for heaven.” He says, “Work faithfully while you wait.”

The Christian life isn’t a spectator sport; it’s a race that demands focus, endurance, and effort. While only God can forgive sins and transform hearts, He calls us to do our part: to pray, obey, serve, and pursue holiness. There’s a partnership between divine grace and human diligence.

When Jesus returns, Peter asks us to consider: Will He find you distracted or devoted? Many Christians have been “hit by the 20-ton bus of life.” Trials, disappointments, and pain can make us want to quit. But just as a marathon runner presses through the pain to finish the race, so must we continue faithfully for Christ. God gives the grace—we must give the effort.

3. The Call of Purity

Finally, Peter says we should “be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” This is not about perfection but direction. As we live in anticipation of Christ’s return, our goal should be to walk in purity and peace with God.

To be “without spot” means living free from the stains of sin that hinder our testimony. To be “blameless” means living with a clear conscience before God and others. And to live “in peace” means resting in God’s control while striving to reflect His character.

Becoming like Christ is not just believing in His return—it’s behaving in a way that’s ready for it. When we love as He loves, labor as He labored, and live as He lived, we will be ready to meet Him unashamed.

Conclusion

The next great event on God’s calendar is not a political change or personal milestone—it’s the return of Jesus Christ. And because we know He is coming, we must live ready. The call of love reminds us who we are. The call of labor challenges us to stay diligent. The call of purity points us toward holiness.

When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?

Read Story

Pastor JD Howell

4 min read

Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.

1. The Call of Love

2. The Call of Labor

3. The Call of Purity

Conclusion

When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?

Read Story

Pastor JD Howell

4 min read

Sermon Series

4 Requests from Jesus - John 17

When Jesus prayed, heaven listened. John 17 records one of the most sacred moments in Scripture—the Son of God speaking directly to His Father just before the cross. In this prayer, often called the “High Priestly Prayer,” Jesus reveals His heart not only for His disciples but for every believer who would come after them. He didn’t pray for their comfort, their finances, or even their physical health. Instead, Jesus prayed for things far deeper—spiritual requests that shape our walk with God and our witness to the world.

In this passage, we see four specific requests from Jesus. Each one shows us what truly mattered to Him—and what should matter to us. These requests teach us how to pray more like Christ, with a heart focused not on our gain, but on God’s glory.

1. Jesus Prayed for Our Joy

“And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” — John 17:13

Before Jesus faced betrayal, suffering, and death, He prayed that His followers would experience His joy—deep, abiding gladness rooted in knowing God. This isn’t a shallow happiness that depends on circumstances. It’s a settled delight that remains when life falls apart.

Christ wanted His disciples to have joy that was fulfilled—overflowing, complete, and satisfying. Too often, Christians live with a joy that barely flickers. But Jesus desires His joy to shine through us—a testimony to the world that our hope is anchored in Him, not in our surroundings. Imagine how powerful the church’s witness would be if believers radiated that kind of joy every day.

When was the last time you prayed for someone else to have the joy of Jesus? Not comfort or success, but real, Christ-centered joy that testifies to the world of His goodness.

2. Jesus Prayed for Our Distinction

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” — John 17:15

Jesus didn’t ask the Father to remove His followers from the world but to protect them within it. Christians are called to live in the world but not of it. We are meant to stand out—not by isolation, but by holiness.

Christ prayed that His people would be distinct from the corruption and sin around them. He knew temptation would be constant, but He also knew the power of God could keep His people pure. Today, that same prayer covers us. When we live differently—when our actions, speech, and priorities reflect Christ—the world takes notice. Jesus prayed for believers to live with such distinction that others would see God’s transforming power in their lives.

3. Jesus Prayed for Our Unity

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” — John 17:21

Unity among God’s people was one of Christ’s final requests. He desired a oneness so real that it would mirror the unity between Himself and the Father. This kind of unity doesn’t mean we all look or think exactly alike, but that our hearts are bound together in truth, love, and mission.

Sadly, division often weakens the testimony of the church. But when believers walk in harmony—putting aside pride, jealousy, and personal agendas—the world sees a living picture of the gospel. Jesus said this unity would cause others to believe that the Father sent Him. Our unity is more than a preference—it’s proof of God’s presence.

4. Jesus Prayed for Our Eternity

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.” — John 17:24

The final request Jesus made was eternal in scope. He longed for His followers to one day be with Him in heaven and see His glory firsthand. The Savior who came to redeem us also desires to receive us. This is the hope that sustains every believer—one day, faith will become sight, and we will dwell with Him forever.

What a tender reminder of Christ’s love! Even as He faced the cross, His heart was on His people—our joy, our protection, our unity, and our eternity.

Conclusion
In John 17, we find not just the words of a prayer but the heartbeat of our Savior. Jesus prayed that His followers would be joyful in spirit, distinct in holiness, united in love, and secure in eternity. These are the things that mattered most to Him—and they should matter most to us.

Reflection Question:If Jesus prayed these things for you, how can you begin praying—and living—in a way that reflects His heart today?

Oct 22, 2025

4 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Sermon Series

Walking in the Light - Isaiah 50

Darkness can be a frightening place to walk through. When life feels uncertain, confusing, or painful, it’s easy to wonder where God has gone. But in Isaiah 50, God reminds His people that He has not left them in the dark—they are the ones who have wandered from Him. Even when His people are faithless, He remains faithful. Through this passage, God reveals His redemptive power, His obedient servant, and the choice every person must make: to walk in His light or in the sparks of our own making.

1. The Redemptive Nature of God

In verses 1–3, God addresses Israel’s complaint that He has abandoned them. He asks, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? … Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away” (Isaiah 50:1). In other words, the separation between God and His people was not His doing—it was theirs.

God’s power had not weakened, nor had His love faded. He declares, “Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea… I clothe the heavens with blackness” (Isaiah 50:2–3). The same God who once parted the Red Sea and spoke creation into being is still able to redeem and restore.

When life feels spiritually dry or distant, we often ask, “God, where are You?” But the truth is, He hasn’t moved—we have. His Word continues to speak, His Spirit continues to draw, and His mercy continues to reach into our darkness. If you’ve drifted from Him, He is still calling you back. The God who redeems Israel is still in the business of redeeming hearts today.

2. The Redemptive Servant of God

Beginning in verse 5, Isaiah turns our attention to the suffering servant—Jesus Christ. “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair” (Isaiah 50:5–6).

This prophecy describes the submission and suffering of the Messiah. Jesus willingly endured mockery, beating, and the cross—not because He was powerless to resist, but because He was perfectly obedient to His Father’s will. His suffering was not an accident; it was an act of redemption.

This passage also challenges us to follow the same pattern of obedience. Christ did not turn back when obedience became painful, and neither should we. Many believers struggle to trust God when obedience costs something—when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or unpopular. Yet Jesus shows that real faith walks forward even when the path leads through suffering. The servant of God was willing to be shamed so that sinners could be saved. His example calls us to a faith that obeys no matter the cost.

3. The Redemptive Choice of Man

In verses 10–11, Isaiah presents a decision that every person must face: will we walk by faith in God’s light, or will we try to create our own?

“Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God” (Isaiah 50:10).

Sometimes we find ourselves walking in darkness, unsure of what God is doing or where He’s leading. In those moments, God calls us to trust Him—to keep walking by faith even when we cannot see the next step. But the temptation is to do what verse 11 warns against: “Behold, all ye that kindle a fire… walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled.”

When we rely on our own understanding or try to manufacture our own “light,” we end up frustrated and empty. Our sparks burn out quickly. But those who “stay upon their God” find peace and direction in His perfect light. God’s way may not always be clear, but it is always right.

Conclusion

Isaiah 50 is both a rebuke and an invitation. God confronts His people for wandering into the darkness of sin, yet He extends His hand of redemption and calls them back into His light. His power to redeem has not changed, His servant has already made the way, and His light still shines for those willing to trust Him.

When life grows dark and uncertain, resist the urge to kindle your own fire. Trust in the name of the Lord. His light never fades, His grace never fails, and His hand is never shortened that it cannot save.

Reflection Question:Are you walking in the light of God’s truth—or trying to find your way by the sparks of your own making?

Oct 19, 2025

4 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Sermon Series

Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.

1. The Call of Love

2. The Call of Labor

3. The Call of Purity

Conclusion

When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?

Oct 19, 2025

4 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Sermon Series

4 Requests from Jesus - John 17

1. Jesus Prayed for Our Joy

“And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” — John 17:13

When was the last time you prayed for someone else to have the joy of Jesus? Not comfort or success, but real, Christ-centered joy that testifies to the world of His goodness.

2. Jesus Prayed for Our Distinction

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” — John 17:15

3. Jesus Prayed for Our Unity

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” — John 17:21

4. Jesus Prayed for Our Eternity

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.” — John 17:24

What a tender reminder of Christ’s love! Even as He faced the cross, His heart was on His people—our joy, our protection, our unity, and our eternity.

Reflection Question:If Jesus prayed these things for you, how can you begin praying—and living—in a way that reflects His heart today?

Sermon Series

Walking in the Light - Isaiah 50

1. The Redemptive Nature of God

2. The Redemptive Servant of God

3. The Redemptive Choice of Man

In verses 10–11, Isaiah presents a decision that every person must face: will we walk by faith in God’s light, or will we try to create our own?

Conclusion

Reflection Question:Are you walking in the light of God’s truth—or trying to find your way by the sparks of your own making?

Sermon Series

Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.

1. The Call of Love

2. The Call of Labor

3. The Call of Purity

Conclusion

When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?

Sermon Series

Finding Comfort - Isaiah 51

We all go through seasons when life feels uncertain, chaotic, or out of control. In those moments, our hearts long for something steady—something that can’t be shaken by changing circumstances. In Isaiah 51, God speaks words of comfort to His people who were standing on the edge of disaster. Though they had turned from Him and faced impending captivity in Babylon, God reminded them that His character never changes. He is still faithful. He is still powerful. And He still offers comfort to those who will stop and listen.

This chapter is a chapter of consolation. God’s people were about to experience exile, loss, and shame, but before judgment fell, He offered reassurance: “For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places” (Isaiah 51:3). In the same way, God comforts His children today—not by removing every difficulty, but by reminding us of His power, His promises, and His presence.

Isaiah 51 begins with three calls to “hearken” (verses 1, 4, and 7). Each one is a reminder that true comfort begins when we stop and pay attention to God. When we’re busy worrying, fretting, or trying to solve problems on our own, we miss the still, small voice that offers peace. Through these three “hearken” sections, God gives three ways His people—and we—can find lasting comfort.

1. Remember Where You Came From (Isaiah 51:1–3)

“Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you... For the Lord shall comfort Zion” (Isaiah 51:1–3).

When God comforts His people, He often begins by pointing them back to their foundation. Israel was reminded to look back to Abraham and Sarah—to remember how their entire nation began with one obedient man and one faithful woman. God took one couple and made a multitude. If He could do that then, He could restore His people again.

For us, the same principle applies. We too have been “hewn from a rock,” and that rock is Christ. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). When we feel forgotten or small, we must remember the God who saved us out of sin, the God who started a good work in us, and the God who can finish it. Comfort comes when we remember our beginnings—and our destination.

God told His people that one day their wilderness would be like Eden. The end of God’s plan is not chaos, but comfort. For every believer, that means eternal rest and joy in His presence. When life feels broken and barren, we can take heart: the story doesn’t end in the desert.

2. Remember the Word of God (Isaiah 51:4–6)

Next, God says, “Hearken unto me, my people... for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people” (Isaiah 51:4).

Comfort is found in remembering that God’s Word is powerful and permanent. His truth stands when everything else falls apart. Isaiah 51:6 reminds us, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens... for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment... but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”

When the people of Israel felt forgotten, God reminded them that His promises still held true. In the same way, His Word still brings light in dark times. The gospel that comforted captives in Babylon is the same gospel that comforts us today. Situations may shift, but Scripture never changes.

We live in a world that prizes new voices and shifting opinions—but only the Word of God remains unshaken. When life feels unstable, our comfort isn’t found in a steady environment, but in steadfast Scripture.

3. Remember the Strength of the Lord (Isaiah 51:7–8)

Finally, God calls His people to remember His strength: “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness... Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.”

Israel feared Babylon’s power, but God reminded them that every empire fades. “For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation” (Isaiah 51:8).

When we look around, it’s easy to be intimidated by what we see—by people, pressures, or problems. But God’s strength never fades. He is not like a battery that runs low. His power endures “from generation to generation.” The same God who parted the Red Sea, delivered Daniel, and restored Israel is the same God who strengthens and sustains us today.

Our greatest comfort comes when we remember that God is bigger than man. Every fear, every failure, every trial is small compared to His might. Even when we’ve caused our own problems, His grace is greater than our mistakes.

Conclusion

Isaiah 51 reminds us that comfort isn’t found in perfect circumstances, but in a perfect God. He calls us to stop, listen, and remember—where we came from, what He has spoken, and how strong He still is.

When life feels uncertain, pause and “hearken.” Look back at God’s faithfulness, look down into His Word, and look up to His strength.

Reflection:Where are you looking for comfort today—in your circumstances, or in your Savior?

Sermon Series

4 Requests from Jesus - John 17

1. Jesus Prayed for Our Joy

“And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” — John 17:13

When was the last time you prayed for someone else to have the joy of Jesus? Not comfort or success, but real, Christ-centered joy that testifies to the world of His goodness.

2. Jesus Prayed for Our Distinction

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” — John 17:15

3. Jesus Prayed for Our Unity

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” — John 17:21

4. Jesus Prayed for Our Eternity

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.” — John 17:24

What a tender reminder of Christ’s love! Even as He faced the cross, His heart was on His people—our joy, our protection, our unity, and our eternity.

Reflection Question:If Jesus prayed these things for you, how can you begin praying—and living—in a way that reflects His heart today?

Sermon Series

Walking in the Light - Isaiah 50

1. The Redemptive Nature of God

2. The Redemptive Servant of God

3. The Redemptive Choice of Man

In verses 10–11, Isaiah presents a decision that every person must face: will we walk by faith in God’s light, or will we try to create our own?

Conclusion

Reflection Question:Are you walking in the light of God’s truth—or trying to find your way by the sparks of your own making?

Sermon Series

Becoming Like Christ - 2 Peter 3:14

Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.

1. The Call of Love

2. The Call of Labor

3. The Call of Purity

Conclusion

When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?

Sermon Series

Finding Comfort - Isaiah 51

1. Remember Where You Came From (Isaiah 51:1–3)

2. Remember the Word of God (Isaiah 51:4–6)

Next, God says, “Hearken unto me, my people... for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people” (Isaiah 51:4).

3. Remember the Strength of the Lord (Isaiah 51:7–8)

Finally, God calls His people to remember His strength: “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness... Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.”

Conclusion

When life feels uncertain, pause and “hearken.” Look back at God’s faithfulness, look down into His Word, and look up to His strength.

Reflection:Where are you looking for comfort today—in your circumstances, or in your Savior?

Sermon Series

The Power of Prayer - Nehemiah 1

When you think about powerful moments in Scripture, some of the greatest didn’t happen on battlefields or in palaces—but in prayer closets. Nehemiah’s story begins not with a hammer in his hand, but with a burden on his heart. Before any wall was rebuilt, before any plan was formed, Nehemiah fell on his knees before God. His prayer in Nehemiah chapter one shows that the most powerful work begins when God’s people learn to pray.

Too often, we rush ahead with ideas, strategies, or enthusiasm, but Nehemiah reminds us that the true strength of God’s people is not found in their skill—it’s found in their prayer life. Nehemiah didn’t begin by calling a meeting or starting a project; he began by calling on the Lord. When we realize that prayer isn’t a last resort but our first line of defense, we begin to see what God can do through a humble and surrendered heart.

In Nehemiah’s story, we see four truths about the power of prayer: a great need, a great burden, a great humility, and a great blessing.

A Great Need

Nehemiah 1:3 says, “And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”

When Nehemiah heard the news, his heart broke. The walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the people of God were living in shame. It was a physical need, yes—but it pointed to something deeper: a spiritual need. God’s people had grown cold and careless toward Him.

The power of prayer often begins when we first see the need. Many Christians never experience God’s power because they never take time to see what’s broken. Nehemiah could have ignored the problem. He had a comfortable position serving the king, but his heart was still in tune with God’s heart. When you see the need around you—a lost loved one, a struggling teen, a divided church—that’s where the invitation to prayer begins.

A Great Burden

Nehemiah didn’t just recognize the need; he felt the burden. Verse 4 says, “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”

A great work for God always begins with a great burden from God. Nehemiah didn’t just pray casually; he prayed with tears. The Bible says he fasted and mourned for days. He allowed the burden to move him to his knees. Too many times, we see needs and feel bad for a moment—but we don’t carry them to God in prayer.

When was the last time something broke your heart enough to make you weep before God? When prayer becomes more than words—when it becomes a cry from your soul—God begins to move. Nehemiah’s tears were not a sign of weakness; they were a sign that he cared. God does great things through people who have a great burden.

A Great Humility

Nehemiah’s prayer was not proud or self-righteous. In verses 6–7, he says, “Both I and my father’s house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.”

Nehemiah didn’t point his finger at others. He didn’t say, “Lord, they have sinned.” He said, “Lord, we have sinned.” That’s humility. He included himself in the problem because he understood that prayer begins with a right heart before God.

Nehemiah knew who God was and who he was not. Like Isaiah, who cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone” (Isaiah 6:5), Nehemiah realized that the only proper response to a holy God is humility. Pride hinders prayer; humility unlocks it. When we bow before God in confession and dependence, we make room for His strength to work through our weakness.

A Great Blessing

From Nehemiah’s prayer flows the rest of the book. Every victory, every success, and every act of unity came from that moment of prayer. God blessed Nehemiah in remarkable ways:

The blessing of God’s favor — In chapter 2, the king gives Nehemiah permission, letters, and resources to rebuild. God used an ungodly nation to fund His work.
The blessing of unity — In chapter 3, God’s people work together with one mind and one purpose.
The blessing of protection — In chapter 4, God shields them from opposition and gives strength to continue.
The blessing of justice — In chapter 5, Nehemiah sets things right and defends the oppressed.
The blessing of completion — In chapter 6, the walls are finished in only 52 days. What God begins, He finishes.
The blessing of obedience — In chapter 8, the people hear God’s Word and respond with tears and joy.
The blessing of repentance — In chapter 9, they confess and turn back to God.
The blessing of commitment and faithfulness — In chapters 10–13, they renew their covenant and remain steadfast.

It all started with prayer. Before there was a rebuilt wall, there was a broken heart. Before there was public success, there was private surrender.

Reflection

Nehemiah’s story reminds us that the power of prayer is not about eloquent words—it’s about a heart that believes God can still do the impossible. One man saw a need, felt a burden, humbled himself, and prayed—and through that one man, God blessed an entire nation.

If God could do that through one praying man, what might He do through an entire praying church?

Sermon Series

Building on a Solid Foundation

In Matthew 7, Jesus closes His Sermon on the Mount with a powerful picture that every listener could easily understand: two men building two houses on two very different foundations. Both men heard the words of Christ. Both built homes that looked sturdy on the outside. But when the storms came, only one house stood firm—the one built on the rock. Jesus’ message was simple yet life-changing: hearing His words isn’t enough. We must obey them if we want our lives to stand when the storms come.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:24–25, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” The difference between the wise and foolish builder was not what they heard, but how they responded. Every person is building a life. Every person faces storms. But only those who build upon Jesus Christ will stand strong when the trials come. Let’s look at three lessons from this parable.

1. Everyone Builds on Something

Both builders in Jesus’ story invested time, effort, and resources into their homes. Outwardly, both houses may have looked equally strong. The difference lay beneath the surface—one was built on rock, the other on sand. Likewise, every one of us is building our lives on something. For some, that foundation is wealth, relationships, success, or popularity. But Jesus teaches that there is only one foundation strong enough to last: Himself.

1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The truth is, a beautiful life built on the wrong foundation will eventually crumble. The storms of temptation, loss, and pressure reveal what lies beneath the surface. You may be able to decorate and paint the walls of your life, but if Christ is not your foundation, time will expose the cracks. Every decision we make, every habit we form, every belief we hold is another brick in the structure of our lives. The question is not if you are building, but what you are building upon.

2. Everyone Has Some Problems

Both the wise and the foolish builder faced the same storm. Jesus said, “The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house.” Trouble comes to both the obedient and the disobedient. The difference is not in the absence of storms, but in the strength of the foundation. Building your life on Jesus does not mean you will never face hardship—but it means you will not fall apart when hardship comes.

Many people think storms mean God is punishing them. But trials are not always punishment—they are a part of life. Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Every Christian faces difficult seasons: health problems, financial burdens, grief, disappointment, or temptation. But those whose faith is anchored in Christ find peace and stability even in chaos. The Christian life is not storm-free, but it is storm-proof when built on the rock of Jesus Christ.

3. Everyone Chooses Their Foundation

At the end of the story, one house stood and one fell. Jesus concluded, “And great was the fall of it.” The difference came down to one choice—what foundation they built on. Every person makes that same choice today. You can build your life on the shifting sands of self and sin, or you can build on the solid rock of Christ. The wise builder represents those who hear God’s Word and do it. The foolish builder represents those who hear and walk away unchanged.

Choosing to build your life on Jesus begins with salvation—trusting Him as your Savior and turning from sin. But even after salvation, every decision continues to shape your structure. Will you obey God when it’s difficult? Will you keep trusting Him when the winds blow? Each act of obedience strengthens your foundation. Each compromise weakens it. The strength of your life is determined not by how loud you sing in church, but by how deeply your life is rooted in Christ.

Conclusion
The storms of life are not optional—they are inevitable. But collapse is not inevitable if your foundation is secure. When the rains come and the winds blow, only one foundation will hold firm: Jesus Christ. Don’t wait until the storm arrives to discover what your life is built on.

Reflection Question:What foundation are you building your life on today—shifting sand, or the solid rock of Jesus Christ?