More Than a Story
“Christ The Rock”
Matthew 7:24-27
Luke 6:46-49

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
– Edward Mote, 1834

Matthew 7:24-27

Parabole = throwing together of two things 
• Para = beside or alongside
• Bole = throwing or casting (Ballistic)
• Putting things side by side to make a comparison

Truths we’ve learned through parables:
1. It is possible only to be informed, but God wants us to be transformed 
2. Forgiven people are commanded to forgive 
3. God is more loving and more generous than we deserve 
4. Becoming the people that Jesus wants us to be starts small, and over time, we are transformed into His image. 
5. God runs toward us with grace to restore what sin has broken
6. Christ-followers should anticipate Jesus’ return
7. Discouragement fades when we trust that God is in control 

Obedience to Jesus’ words is the foundation of a life that endures.

The wise man builds his house on a rock. 
When the storms come, his house stands firm.
The foolish man builds his house on sand. 
When the storms hit, his house collapsed with a great crash.

Wise Builder
Hears and obeys Jesus’ words
Builds a life on that foundation
Withstands the storms of life

Foolish Builder
Hears but ignores them
Builds a life on an unstable foundation 
Collapses in the storms of life 

Jesus says…
• Put my words into practice 
• It’s not enough to hear them - James 1:22-25
• Storms will come

“I built it for a storm I knew would come.” – Homeowner, Hurricane Ike 

• If you build your life on obedience to Jesus, you will withstand them

We are built to last forever! 

Dads…
• Your choices shape your family’s foundation – Matthew 7:24-25
• You can’t prevent storms, but you prepare your family to stand in them – Matthew 7:25, 27
• Obedience delayed is better than promised obedience that doesn’t happen –Matthew 7:26; Matthew 21:28-31
• You won’t pass on what you’re not living 

Dads, your kids don’t need a perfect dad – They need a faithful one who builds on the solid foundation of Jesus! 

“As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.” – Joshua 24:15, The Message