IS YOUR HOUSE BUILT ON A SOLID FOUNDATION?
MATTHEW 7:24-27
INTRODUCTION… 3 Little Pigs (http://mediainformatics.biz/kidsbook/pigs.html)
Once there was a mother pig who had three little pigs. She did not have enough to keep them, so she sent them out to seek their fortunes. The first little pig had not gone far when he met a man with a bundle of straw. The little pig said to him, "Please, man, give me that straw to build me a house." This the man did, and soon the little pig had built a house with it. Just after the house was built, along came a wolf. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and called, "Little pig, little pig, let me come in!" But the little pig answered, "No, no! Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!" Then the wolf said, "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So he huffed and he puffed until he blew the house in, and ate up that little pig.
The second little pig had not gone far when he met a man carrying a bundle of sticks on his shoulders.
The little pig said to him, "Please, man, give me those sticks to build me a house." This the man did, and soon the little pig had built a house with them. Just after the house was built, along came the wolf. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and said, "Little pig, little pig, let me come in!" But the little pig answered, "No, no! Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!" Then the wolf said, "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in, and ate up that little pig.
The third little pig met a man with a load of bricks. The little pig said to him, "Please, man, give me those bricks to build me a house." This the man did, and soon the little pig had built a house with them.
Just after the house was built, along came the wolf. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and said, "Little pig, little pig, let me come in!" But the little pig answered, "No, no! Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!" Then the wolf said, "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So the wolf huffed and he puffed and he puffed and he huffed, and he huffed and he puffed, but he couldn't blow this third little pig's house down.
When the little pig heard the wolf on the roof of his house and saw what he was about, he made a blazing fire in his fireplace, filled a big pot with water, and hung it over the fire. Just as the wolf was coming down the chimney, the little pig lifted the lid off the big pot of boiling water, and in fell the wolf. And then the little pig quickly popped on the cover again, and had the wolf for supper. And that is how it came about that this little pig lived happily in his snug little brick house ever after.
We all know this nursery rhyme. It is rather famous. But as I reflected on the story, I realized that Jesus told a parable just like this one long before the story of the three little pigs came along. Let’s read.
READ MATTHEW 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Jesus tells a short and important parable in which the characters are two builders who construct similar buildings with different results. In the passage we just read, Jesus is quite clear about the foundation of each of the buildings and makes the foundations of each of the buildings important… they are the point of the parable. In the Parable of the Sower it is the soil that is the point. In the Pearl of Great price it is the cost of the pearl. In this particular parable, the foundation is the point. Remember, Jesus was a carpenter by trade. He knew about construction, wood, brick, mortar, tools, and everything needed to build a house. We need to realize that it is Jesus the Son of God that is giving us this passage, but also Jesus Who is an experienced carpenter giving us this passage. Foundations are important.
Jesus says that anyone who builds their house must first put it on some kind of foundation. Jesus tells a parable about two builders in which one chooses a solid foundation; the other a soft foundation. The parable is not about rocket science and it is not difficult to understand. The building principle is that if you build your structure on a solid foundation it will weather the storms and if the foundation is upon something soft or malleable, the storms will get the better of the structure. Again, not rocket science. What we need to realize is that Jesus is telling us this parable for a reason. The building principle applies not only when building a structure such as a house or a tower, but also our lives, our families, our careers, our businesses, our society, and our nation. The foundation matters.
Jesus says in verse 24 that the foundation needs to be Him. The foundation needs to be faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in His words. Putting into practice the way of life described in the Bible. Not just mouthing it or faking it or getting around to it… but actually “putting it into practice.” The foundation in Jesus Christ is the foundation that matters for our lives, our families, our careers, our businesses, our society, and our nation.
John preached three weeks ago about the “Recipe for a Godly Marriage.” A man and a woman cannot have a Godly marriage if God is not at the base. Two weeks ago was Father’s Day and you cannot be the most loving and effective father without God as the anchor of your life. Last week we again looked at marriage and saw again that God must be the foundation of our expectations with one another. This week we are looking at families and the message is the same. God must be the foundation. This week we also celebrate July 4th which is the celebration of our nation. A positive change and outlook for our nation begins with putting God first in our homes and in our families. As it goes for the basic unit of society, so it goes for the whole nation.
Today we are going to look at the foundation of our families and our country. I hope you realize that both foundations must be anchored in God and in faith in Jesus Christ. It is only a foundation in Christ that will allow our families and our nation to outlast the storms of life and this world. Let’s think about three season of life for our country this morning and I think we will see the seasons of our nation are also the seasons often in a family. Remember, they are tied together.
I. REMEMBER OUR FOUNDATION
From the beginning, our nation had a solid foundation. Individuals like George Washington and John Adams honored God and revered Biblical principles. Many of the founding fathers were Christians in fact of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, nearly half held seminary or Bible school degrees. They were unapologetic about their faith in God and it provided our country with a firm foundation.
ILLUSTRATION… http://christianity.about.com/od/independenceday/a/foundingfathers.htm
George Washington, 1st President of the USA said, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
John Adams, 2nd President of the USA said, “Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be."
James Monroe, 5th President of the USA said, "When we view the blessings with which our country has
been favored, those which we now enjoy, and the means which we possess of handing them down unimpaired to our latest posterity, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the source from whence they flow. Let us then, unite in offering our most grateful acknowledgments for these blessings to the Divine Author of All Good."
Patrick Henry, 1st and 6th Governor of Virginia said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."
The foundation of our country is one that we can be proud of. Our nation was established with a belief in God. We were established with a belief in freedom and in the rights of the individual. We have stumbled along the way, but the foundation created in the Constitution rests on Godly principles. We should not forget that.
II. REALIZE THE CRACKS
Though the foundation of the nation was solid, some cracks began to form as the nation grew older and time moved on. The United States of America began as a God-fearing people desiring religious freedom. Maryland was founded as a haven for Catholics in the New World. Rhode Island was founded on the principle of religious freedom to the point that its nickname in its early days was “Rogue Island.” William Penn, a Quaker, founded Pennsylvania in 1681 on the principle of religious convictions. That was how our nation started.
But now…
A person cannot talk about God for fear that somebody somewhere might be offended.
A student is told not to pray in school because it is offensive and oppressive.
The Ten Commandments are removed from justice buildings.
“Under God” has been challenged in being present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Christian backgrounds of politicians are a hindrance rather than a positive aspect.
Nativity Scenes are removed from town squares.
Christmas and Easter school breaks are called Winter and Fall Break.
Good Friday is now a teacher work day rather than a holiday.
Our moral standards, American values, Biblical principles, and elements of common sense are fading away. Our world is different and we are becoming a different nation. The word “relative” is an accurate reflection of our nation today. “Relativism” means you can do what you want and believe what you want and it must be respected and I’m not supposed to judge if you are right or wrong. Relativism means 2+2 = 4 and 2+2 =5 as well. It means a person can go in any direction and right and wrong are not absolute. Relativism says whatever you think is fine. We cannot help but wonder what toll this is going to take on our families.
Because our nation is moving away from our belief in God and in commitment to Christian principles, cracks are beginning to form in the foundation of our country. Our country is not the same as it was 10 years ago and is drastically different from what it was 20 or 30 years ago. You can see the cracks in our nation on TV, hear it on the radio, see it in our schools, hear it in how foreign governments speak about us, and how we treat one another on a daily basis.
III. RESTORE OUR NATION
We are at a point now in the United States that we see the cracks showing in our foundation. We know we are not who we once were. Our nation is suffering morally. Our nation is suffering ethically. Our nation is suffering at its core and people of faith see it.
2 Chronicles 7:14 states, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” When cracks appear in a nation or the foundation crumbles, God says that we must humble ourselves and pray and diligently look for God. In order for us to restore our nation, we must repent. The picture we get is that God is just waiting to act. He is ready to come to our aid if only we will ask Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 is quite clear about our response in restoring our nation. We must be humble, pray, and seek.
2 Chronicles 7:14 is also clear about God. In response, God will hear, forgive, and heal.
KEY QUESTION: SO WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH OUR FAMILIES?
ILLUSTRATION… http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/129/America-s-Families.html
According to the US Census and probably most sociologists, the basic societal unit is the family. The US Census occurs every 10 years and has accurate data concerning the changes and stable elements in American families. Historically, families have accounted for the majority of all households, but that picture changed significantly during the latter half of the twentieth century. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2002 only 68% of households fit the US Census bureau's definition of a traditional family.
Americans began to live longer, marry later, or not marry at all, and had fewer children.
Some married couples chose to remain childless.
Since the 1960s an increasing number of couples chose to live a lifestyle of sin and simply live together rather than formalize their union through marriage.
Other individuals shared living space with roommates or boarders.
More people who elected to remain single became parents through out-of-wedlock births, surrogate births, and adoption.
Similarly the lifestyle of sin of gay and lesbian couples established families which also changes the “family” landscape..
Divorce became more common and remarriage often created "yours-mine-and-ours" blended families with innumerable combinations.
Adult offspring with personal or financial difficulties returned home to live with their parents.
Grandparents looking forward to retirement sometimes found themselves raising grandchildren.
Also, increased longevity required some senior citizens to live with their children or other family members who could care for them.
All of these factors contributed to the changing profile of the American family.
Basically, family today is different than it was 10 years ago and is drastically different from what it was 20 or 30 years ago. According to Census statistics, family households declined from 90% of all households in 1940 to 68% in 2002. The story of the United States of America is a story that does not yet have an ending. We are still in the midst of the story of the great experiment in freedom. Psalm 127:1 states, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” A positive change and outlook for our nation begins with putting God first in our homes and in our families. As it goes for the basic unit of society, so it goes for the whole nation.
Our families are in fact the building blocks of our nation. In our families we must REMEMBER OUR FOUNDATION, REALIZE THE CRACKS, and RESTORE OUR FAMILIES. Well, how do we do that? The answer for our nation is the same for our families. The answer for our families is the same as our nation. We must be humble, pray, and seek. In response, God will hear, forgive, and heal.
Each of us bears the responsibility to establish our households on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. It is that foundation in Jesus Christ…
… that will enable your marriage to endure.
… that will enable your children to take hold of the Christian faith themselves.
… that will show you God’s path for your life.
… that will give you morals and ethics to navigate this world with no morals and no ethics.
… that will help you decide what things are right and wrong for your family.
… that will guide you when your family hits problems and decisions.
CONCLUSION 1… 3 LITTLE PIGS FOLLOW UP
Once there was a mother pig who had three little pigs. The pigs left their mother’s pen to live out their lives in the best way possible.
The first little pig had not gone far when he decided to base his life on the pursuit of happiness. The pig did whatever made him happy. He got credit cards and bought all kinds of designer mud baths, ate like a pig should, and bought everything that had bells and whistles. He did what made him happy. Any little Miss Piggy he came across he jumped into her pen. He had a few piglets here and there, but did not really feel responsible for them. He did what he wanted. It made him happy. The first pig drank, smoked, and frolicked. One night he sat in his house full of everything that he thought would make him happy. Along came a wolf. The wolf loved to tempt pigs and create havoc in their lives. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and called, "Little pig, little pig, I have a question!" But the little pig answered, "Well what is it?” The wolf questioned, “Are you really happy?” The question made the little pig think for he had based his life on what would make him happy. He had no lasting relationships. The material things were not a lasting happiness. He ended up addicted and sick rather than happy. He felt empty inside. Nothing he had done had made a firm foundation. Then the wolf said, " Ha! I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So he huffed and he puffed until he blew the house in and it fell with a great crash, and ate up that little pig.
The second little pig had not gone far when he decided to base his life on success. He married a Miss Piggy who came from a good family and had some money. They had a few piglets to make her happy and to make the father-in-law happy. Plus, kids often showed others that you were successful at home. He excelled at his job. When his job required him to be away from home, he did it without a second thought. At times, success meant cheating a little and he did it because it was what would make him successful. A few other Miss Piggies along the way had caught his eye and they helped him get the successes he wanted. He got raises. He got promotions. He climbed the barnyard ladder and did whatever was required. He bought the biggest pig pen on the block to show off his success. Along came a wolf. The wolf loved to tempt pigs and create havoc in their lives. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and called, "Little pig, little pig, I have a question!" But the little pig answered, "Well what is it?” The wolf questioned, “Are you really successful?” The question made the little pig think for he had based his life on what would make him successful. He did not really know his kids. He had a trophy piglet wife but there was nothing there. He had no self-respect or integrity. The material things were not a lasting happiness and somebody always had a bigger pen. He had ended up successful in business but a failure at life. He felt empty inside. Nothing he had done had made a firm foundation. Then the wolf said, " Ha! I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So he huffed and he puffed until he blew the house in and it fell with a great crash, and ate up that little pig.
The third little pig traveled in his life and wondered what the point of life really was. Was it fame? Was it fortune? Was it success? Was it happiness? Was it people? What should a little pig build their life on? What should be the foundation? The little pig said to himself, "I think I shall base my life on God and the things He desires.” The pig met a Miss Piggy who shared his faith. The pig remained faithful to his wife and had children that he tried to raise with Biblical values. He tried to balance family, church, giving, serving, business, politics, and all aspects of his life with Biblical principles. He went to church, but more than that, he read the Bible and tried to actually live out what it taught. Along came the wolf. He knocked at the door of the little pig's house and said, "Little pig, little pig, I have a question!" But the little pig answered, "Well what is it?” The wolf questioned, “Are you really going to base your life on God?” The question made the little pig think for he had based his life on God. He had a wife who loved him. It was hard, but they were in it for the long haul. He had kids who he raised as best as he could. His finances were a struggle, but God always provided. He ran his business with integrity and respect. He was active in his community which brought him joy. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life.
Then the wolf said, "Ha! I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in!" So he huffed and he puffed until he blew on the house and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on God. The wolf came by often to tempt the pig but never could knock down the whole house because the pig had found that a foundation on God was best.
CONCLUSION WITH PRAYER
