Keith Battle - Rock Solid - Part 1

I’m starting a new series today, as you can see by some of the props that are set up here. It is called «Rock Solid.» My hope is that this series will be powerfully instrumental in bringing healing, restoration, and miracles to our homes and families. Please take a look at that screen; I don’t know if it’s visible while I’m preaching because I don’t really pay attention to what’s behind me. What’s interesting about this screen is that it represents reconstruction or remodeling, and it’s messy. All the items up here indicate work that needs to be done—they’re equipment, supplies. Right now, we’re actually renovating my entire house, and it’s a mess. I mean, you can see progress, but for the most part, it’s just chaotic. I was telling my wife that I just want to fast-forward to the finish and come back when it’s done. I prefer things when they are complete and look nice. I don’t like living in a mess with dust and clutter everywhere. Some of you may feel that way about your homes, your marriages, or your children. You might be thinking, «I just want to step away and come back to a perfectly arranged life, where the marriage is strong, the kids are grown with degrees, and everything is financially secure.» But you can’t be absent and expect blessings; you’re going to have to embrace the messiness, do the work, and put in the time. That’s what this series is all about.

I’ve chosen Matthew chapter 7 to start this series, so if you have access to a Bible and want to follow along in your own copy, please turn to Matthew chapter 7. Before I read from verses 24 to 27 in the New Living Translation, I’m going to ask you, if you’re physically able, to stand without harm to yourself, as we honor and reverence God’s Word. I don’t know of a more important document that we use to govern our lives than God’s Word, so we stand in reverence to it. Let me begin reading in verse 24.

From Matthew chapter 7, it says, «Anyone who listens to my teaching,"—this is Jesus speaking—"and follows it is wise. It’s like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 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.» Let me tell you something worth praising God for right now: if you can testify that your home could have been destroyed in countless ways, that your life could have been shattered, and that your family has faced attacks, yet you’re still standing, it’s because it didn’t collapse. The rains came and the winds blew, but my house was built on a solid foundation. I want to encourage you to tell someone right now, if that’s your testimony, to give them a high five and say, «God did it!» I wish I could claim credit, but God did it! I survived it because God did it. The house didn’t collapse because it was built on bedrock.

Now, verse 26 says, «But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on the sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.» We’re talking about two different houses here. Before you take your seat, let me remind you that it matters what kind of house you live in.

You may be seated; thank you, everyone. It truly matters what kind of house you live in. Now, let me be clear: when I talk about the kind of house you live in, I’m not referring to the style of the house, whether it’s in a gated community, the suburbs, or the inner city. I’m not talking about whether it’s a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, or a townhouse. I’m discussing the environment of the house. Is it a place where the teachings of God are valued and followed? Because that is the only house that will stand under a storm. What’s fascinating about this passage is the common thread: you have two people building their houses, and we can all relate to that because even if you’re not building a physical house, you’re building your life. The same principle applies to your life, family, or home; when you’re building a house, you will experience attacks, and storms are coming. What these two builders have in common is significant and will be further explored in verses 24 and 25, as well as the second house that emerges in the narrative.