A Foundation of Faith: Dedicating This House to God
Hebrews 11:9-10
Introduction:
Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to celebrate a special occasion—the dedication of this house to the Lord. As we stand in this new home, we should reflect on the foundation of faith upon which we build our lives and our households. Hebrews 11:9-10 tells us about Abraham, who lived by faith, looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Like Abraham, we too are called to build our homes on a foundation of faith, dedicating them to God’s glory and purpose.
Hebrews 11:9-10 (NIV)
"By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
As we gather to dedicate this house to the Lord, Hebrews 11:9-10 offers profound insights into the essence of building our homes and lives on a foundation of faith. These verses speak about Abraham, a man who left his homeland and lived as a stranger in the land God promised him, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to a future city built by God Himself.
Abraham's life was marked by faith. He left the familiar to venture into the unknown, relying solely on God's promise. This journey of faith resonates with us as we dedicate our homes to God. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God with our lives and households, believing that He is the ultimate architect and builder.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in tents, signifying their transient existence and their understanding that their true home was not in this world but in the heavenly city God had prepared for them. This reminds us that while we establish physical homes here on earth, our ultimate goal is to prepare for our eternal home with God.
Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. This city represents God's eternal kingdom, built on His unshakable foundation. When we dedicate our homes to God, we commit to building on His principles and teachings, ensuring that our household stands firm.
Our message today is divided into three parts: "A Blessed Home: Living Under God's Favor," "A God-Fearing Family: Cultivating Faith and Obedience," and "Building the House unto the Lord: Establishing a Strong Foundation." Let us explore these themes together.
1. A Blessed Home: Living Under God's Favor
2 Samuel 6:11-12
"The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. Now King David was told, 'The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.'"
The story of Obed-Edom teaches us about the blessings that come from having God's presence in our homes. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into his house, the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and everything he had. This passage reminds us that when we invite God into our homes, His presence brings peace, prosperity, and protection.
Illustration:
Faith as Big as a Small Hand
Two years ago, I found myself preaching the Sunday service at Calvary Temple AG Church in Bangalore. After the service, Reverend Arthur Napolean and his wife, Pastor Christina, extended a warm invitation to their home. Upon reaching their beautiful apartment, nestled in a prime location within the city, Pastor Christina shared a remarkable story about how they came to possess it.
It all began during a special prayer meeting at their church. As the service concluded, Reverend Arthur called forward all those yearning for a home of their own. Several members stepped forward, but Pastor Christina remained behind, her eyes closed in fervent prayer. Suddenly, a tiny hand reached for hers – it was their daughter, Elisheva. With unwavering faith, Elisheva whispered, "Mommy, we don't have a home either. Why don't we go pray with them? Surely Jesus will provide!"
Pastor Christina, deeply touched by her daughter's innocent belief, joined the prayer line. Reverend Arthur, unaware of this exchange, continued leading the gathering. Days turned into weeks and then came an unexpected turn of events. The owner of a construction company requested the Reverend and his family to bless their newly built apartments. After the prayer, the owner presented them with two keys, offering them the privilege of choosing their own home. With a single turn of a key, they unlocked their destiny – a spacious 3-bedroom apartment, the very one they still reside in today.
Their story exemplifies the immense power of faith, particularly when held in the hands of a child. Elisheva's simple act of believing in God's provision became a catalyst for a significant blessing. This tale resonates with the passage from 2 Samuel 6:11-12, where Obed-Edom's household is showered with blessings upon receiving the Ark of the Covenant. It reminds us that when we invite God's presence into our homes, just like Obed-Edom, we open ourselves to an abundance of peace, prosperity, and protection. Pastor Christina and Reverend Arthur's story is a testament to the unwavering power of faith, even in the smallest hands.
Psalm 127:1
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
When we dedicate our homes to God, we acknowledge that He is the true builder and protector of our household. His favor rests upon us when we align our lives with His will.
2. A God-Fearing Family: Cultivating Faith and Obedience
Deuteronomy 11:13-21
"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil... Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
God calls us to cultivate a family that fears Him, loves Him, and obeys His commandments. This passage emphasizes the importance of integrating God's Word into our daily lives and teaching it to our children. A God-fearing family prioritizes faith and obedience, resulting in blessings that flow from generation to generation.
Illustration:
A Flourishing Family: Lessons from a Vibrant Garden
Just last week, I had the pleasure of visiting one of our church member's stunning gardens. Nestled away from the bustle of town, it was a haven of tranquility. As the family ushered me through their haven, I was struck by the incredible variety of trees and plants. Each one, from towering oaks to delicate ferns, thrived in its own little corner of paradise.
Some plants basked in the open sun, their leaves glistening with health. Others nestled comfortably in the dappled shade, their hues a cool contrast. It was clear that each received the precise care it needed to flourish. Water kept their roots well-nourished, and careful pruning encouraged bountiful growth.
This beautiful garden scene couldn't help but remind me of a family nurtured in faith and obedience. Just as the gardener cultivates each plant according to its needs, parents cultivate a strong family by fostering faith in their children. This involves teaching them the principles of our faith, encouraging prayer, and leading by example. It's about providing them with the spiritual sunlight and nourishment they need to blossom into their full potential.
The analogy extends further. The foundation laid by teaching faith becomes a source of strength and guidance, much like the careful pruning that encourages a plant's healthy growth. This foundation helps children navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling and joyful life for the entire family.
The garden serves as a powerful reminder that nurturing faith, like tending a garden, requires ongoing effort and dedication. But the rewards are immeasurable. A family rooted in faith becomes a haven of love, support, and understanding, enriching the lives of each member and bearing fruit that extends far beyond the home.
Proverbs 22:6
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
By instilling God’s principles in our children, we set them on a path that leads to a lifelong relationship with Him.
3. Building the House unto the Lord: Establishing a Strong Foundation
Matthew 7:24
"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."
Jesus teaches us the importance of building our lives on His teachings. A house built on the solid foundation of Christ’s words will withstand the storms of life. When we dedicate our homes to God, we commit to living by His teachings and making His Word the cornerstone of our household.
Proverbs 14:1 (NIV): "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."
Theological and Spiritual Context
A. Wisdom and Building: Both verses emphasize the importance of wisdom in building a strong and stable foundation. In Proverbs 14:1, the wise woman is depicted as someone who actively builds her house, symbolizing the creation of a stable and nurturing environment through wise actions and decisions. Conversely, the foolish woman destroys her house with her own hands, indicating that lack of wisdom leads to self-destruction and instability.
Similarly, in Matthew 7:24, Jesus speaks of the wise man who builds his house on the rock, representing a life founded on the teachings of Jesus. This foundation is strong and unshakeable, able to withstand trials and tribulations. The emphasis here is on the practical application of wisdom—hearing and doing the words of Jesus.
B. Practical Application of Wisdom: Both verses highlight the practical application of wisdom. Proverbs 14:1 contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly in everyday life, showing that wisdom leads to constructive and positive outcomes, while folly leads to destruction. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that wisdom is not just theoretical but must be lived out in daily actions.
Matthew 7:24 reinforces this by stressing that merely hearing Jesus' words is not enough; one must also put them into practice. This practical application of Jesus' teachings is what makes a person wise and their life stable.
C. Spiritual Foundations: In a spiritual context, both verses underscore the importance of a solid foundation. Proverbs 14:1 implies that wisdom (often associated with the fear of the Lord in Proverbs) is the foundation for a stable and prosperous life. The house built by the wise woman can be seen as a metaphor for a life built on godly principles.
Matthew 7:24 explicitly states that the foundation should be Jesus' teachings. Building on the rock signifies a life grounded in Christ, which provides spiritual security and resilience against life's challenges.
D. Consequences of Actions: Both verses also illustrate the consequences of one's actions. The foolish woman in Proverbs 14:1 destroys her house, showing that foolish actions lead to negative outcomes. In Matthew 7:24, the implication is that those who do not practice Jesus' teachings are like the foolish man who builds his house on sand, which will collapse when faced with adversity (as elaborated in the following verses, Matthew 7:26-27).
Notable Differences Between Proverbs 14:1 and Matthew 7:24
While Proverbs 14:1 and Matthew 7:24 share thematic similarities in emphasizing wisdom and the importance of building a strong foundation, there are several notable differences in their context, audience, and specific teachings.
A. Context and Audience:
a. Proverbs 14:1: This verse is part of the Old Testament wisdom literature, attributed to King Solomon. It is directed towards a general audience, offering practical advice for daily living. The focus is on the actions of a wise woman in the context of her household and family life. The verse uses a metaphor to illustrate the impact of wisdom and folly on one's immediate environment and relationships.
b. Matthew 7:24: This verse is part of the New Testament and is spoken by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. It is directed towards His followers and those listening to His teachings. The focus is on the broader spiritual principle of living according to Jesus' words. The metaphor of building a house on the rock represents a life founded on obedience to Jesus' teachings, which provides spiritual stability and resilience.
Illustration:
The Tsunami and the Rock
The year was 2004, December 26th. We lived on the seashore of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, nestled in the Bay of Bengal. When the tsunami struck our islands, I found myself clinging to the roof of our house. Below, the terrifying scene unfolded - homes and shops built along the shore were being washed away. These buildings, constructed on the sea sand without a solid foundation, crumbled in seconds. People lost everything – their homes, their belongings – in the blink of an eye. It was devastating.
The experience left an indelible mark on me. It was a nightmare that continues to haunt me. But then, when I read Matthew 7:24, a verse that talks about the wise man who built his house on the rock, I understood Jesus' message with profound clarity.
Building your house "on the rock" signifies living by God's teachings. Just like a house built on a solid foundation can withstand a storm, a life grounded in faith can weather the inevitable challenges of life. The tsunami may have taken away the houses built on sand, but for those who had built their lives on the rock of faith, there was hope and resilience.
Joshua 24:15
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua's declaration serves as a powerful example for us today. Choosing to serve the Lord as a family ensures that our house is built on a foundation that will never fail.
Conclusion and Altar Call:
As we conclude, let us remember the key points of today's message: A blessed home is one that lives under God's favor, a God-fearing family cultivates faith and obedience, and building the house unto the Lord means establishing a strong foundation on His teachings.
Today, as we dedicate this house to God, let us commit to making it a place where His presence dwells, His commandments are followed, and His teachings are the foundation.
I invite you to bow your heads and join me in prayer:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives and in this home. We dedicate this house to You, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and protection. Help us to live in Your favor, cultivate a God-fearing family, and build our lives on the solid foundation of Your Word. May this home be a place of love, faith, and service to You? In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
If there is anyone here today who has not yet committed their life to Christ or wishes to rededicate their life to Him, I invite you to come forward. Let us build our lives and homes on the unwavering foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. May God bless this home and all who dwell in it. Amen.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
