We are reminded:  Unless the LORD builds a house its builder labors in vain (Psa 127:1)

Christians are saved by the grace of God (Eph 2:1-10; 5b, 8a)!

We are created “in Christ”, free from sin and condemnation (Rom 6:14; 8:1), so that we might do good works, the works of God’s eternal purpose which are to the praise of His glorious grace (Eph 1:3–4; 2:10).

Before the church is built, or Christianity began – Christ reminds and warns those who would be His disciples that the call of the kingdom is much more that talking the talk, it is to walk the walk!

Luke 6:46–49 (NIV)  –  “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

 

The commands of Christ give us the opportunity to focus our minds on Him and fasten our hearts to Him and His purpose. If then we think we can make the kingdom, Christianity, ONLY about us, our salvation; we are gravely mistaken!

Matt 7:21-23 –  Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

God calls us in the kingdom to build, surrender and submit, deliberately and intently upon the foundation of His Son Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11). When we submit ourselves to His commands the we will stand the storms of life, be protected from the evil one, and glorify the foundation upon which our lives are built – Jesus

God wants us to be saved from His judgment and become practical helpful disciples of His Son in a world that does not yet know Him, as He is, to the praise of His glorious grace!

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