Matthew 7:24-29

Building on a Solid Foundation

24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

I. Storms Come To Everyone

John 16: 33b Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

A. Storms are equal opportunity employers

B. Storms are part of life.

C. Storms are created over a period of time

II. Storms Have Different Intensities

Matthew 7:25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house;

A. Storms have the ability to get worse or lessen in severity.

B. Life is full of storms that hurt a little or hurt a lot.

C. Jesus understands the intensity of storms.

III. Storms Test Your Foundation

Matthew 7:25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

A. The Storms will reveal what your life is built on.

B. The Storm tell you and others what is beneath everything they see.

C. Jesus points out 2 Foundations.

IV. God Can Help You Through The Storm

Matthew 7:25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

A. Jesus said that the house did not fall.

B. Jesus declares to us that the Rock represents those who listen and do.

C. Faith is not the absence of storms but the strength to go through storms.

V. God Is In The Midst Of The Storm

Mark 4: 37 -38

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

A. The Storm can make you feel isolated.

B. Jesus is in the midst of the storm.

C. When God speaks is when you can have peace in the middle of your storm.

5 Quick Keys

1) Put into practice the sayings of Jesus.

2) Keep your eyes on the eternal.

3) Understand that everything you see is temporal; it will pass.

4) God may not be the author of the storm but He can get Glory out of it.

5) God's promises can help you through any situation.