Kingdom Values - 7

A Firm Foundation

By Pastor Ed Turley, April 13, 2025

Big Idea: A life built on Jesus withstands the storms of life, while a life built on anything else will crumble.

1. Choose The Narrow Road

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:4-6 (NIV)

2. Safeguard Against False Prophets That Lead People Astray

15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV)

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1 (NIV)

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Jude 1:3-4 (NIV)

21 "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!’ Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25 (NIV)

3. Build Your Life On Jesus

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. 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.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Are your choices leading You toward life or destruction?

To make Jesus my firm foundation, I will:
Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior
Sign up for Believer’s Baptism May 18th
Sign up for Foundations Class April 27, May 4, 18, 25
Signing up for Vertical Marriage May 3, 10am to 3:30pm [$35 per person]

[This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.]

Big Idea: A life built on Jesus withstands the storms of life, while a life built on anything else will crumble.

Icebreaker: What’s something in your life that you’ve had to build from the ground up? (A habit, a career, a relationship, etc.) What made the foundation strong or weak?

Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank You for giving us the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts today to examine where we have built on solid rock and where we may have relied on shifting sand. Help us commit fully to following You, trusting You, and standing firm in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Choose The Narrow Road

Read: Matthew 7:13-14

What do you think Jesus meant by the narrow and wide paths?

Why do you think most people choose the wide and easy path instead of the narrow road?

2. Safeguard Against False Prophets That Lead People Astray

Read: Matthew 7:15-23

Jesus warns about false prophets and how people can claim faith but not live it out. How can you safeguard against false teachers?

How do we recognize genuine faith?

What does “good fruit” look like in a believer’s life? What about “bad fruit”?

Why do you think true faith produces action, not just words?

Read: Jude 1:3-4

Is Jude’s warning relevant today?

Read: James 1:22-25

What is James warning?

What steps help you take the Word of God into application?

3. Build Your Life on Jesus

Read: Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus compares two builders—one wise, one foolish. What do their choices represent in real life?

Have you ever experienced a “storm” in life? How did your faith hold up during that time?

Which of these areas—choosing the narrow road, safeguarding against false teachers, bearing good fruit, or standing firm in faith—speaks to you the most?

What’s one commitment you will make this week to build your life on Jesus?

Closing Prayer: “Father, help us to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Jesus. Give us the strength to walk the narrow road, bear good fruit, and stand firm through life’s storms. Keep us rooted in Your truth, unwavering in faith, and fully committed to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Going Deeper: Take time this week to reflect: What fruit is my life producing? How can I grow in godliness?

Storms reveal the strength of our foundation. If our faith is built on circumstances or emotions, it will fall. But if it’s built on Jesus, it stands strong. Ask yourself: What am I truly building my life on? Take one practical step to strengthen your foundation in Christ this week.

This week, spend extra time in prayer and reflection, asking God to strengthen your foundation and reveal any areas where you’ve been building on sand.