2016.11.13 礼拝

2016.11.13 礼拝

2016.11.13 Matthew 7:24-29 「”Legacy” as seen in the Bible」

We may find God’s plan to leave a legacy wherever we open the Bible. We are called to build a church to the coming generations in accordance to God’s plan.

➀　Faith = building a legacy.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone wo hers these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

What Jesus said was to build a church on the faith of each of us. When we listen to and observe the Word, we are building the relationship of trust with Jesus. In other words, we can build a house on the rock. This relationship cannot be built overnight but takes time like building a house.

Matthew16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Despite a number of failures by Peter, Jesus declared building a church on Peter (rock) because of his faith. This declaration is not only for Peter but also applies to us.

➁　Choose “legacy” instead of “temporary”

legacy (house built on a rock)

・hard work to build —– takes time and money

・good durability —– lasts long

temporary (house built on sand)

・easy to build —– low cost

・poor durability —– breaks down easily

If we wish to leave a legacy, we should not be reluctant to put in hard work. What is built easily is crushed easily.

When we think of building a family or church, which would we wish for – “long lasting” or “easy to break down”?

Life Church does not expect to build a church easily and quickly but hope to take time to build a church of faith which will last long.

What can we do to build a family or church of lasting faith? There could be various ways, like making it enjoyable and attractive. Missionary work could also be appealing to people to build a church.

Moreover, it is important that a church be built on firm faith. Therefore, we should choose to use much time and effort rather than choosing an easy way.

Matthew 7:27　The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Crisis is inevitable. Our faith is also bound to face crisis any time. That is why our faith should also have taken root.

➂　Must have a viewpoint of 「a wise builder」

１Corinthians 3:10　By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.

Paul was the wise builder and he placed the foundation, the keystone being Jesus. However, even with the firm foundation, unless the builder works properly, the building will not remain long. Much care is needed.

At a glance, we cannot see any difference between “a house built on sand” and “a house built on a rock”. Except for the experts, we do not realize its weakness and fragility until we encounter fire and damage, and it would be too late by then. The same thing could be said of our faith.

It is necessary to make sure what we build is on secure foundation and is appropriate to the foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:13　His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

To ascertain what will remain, we need to distinguish what we can do to leave the heritage of faith and how.

Why is “legacy” important?

・to be prepared for “crisis” and “trial” of parent and child, man and wife, church and faith.

・continually put in efforts to use enough “time” and “labor” for blessings to come instead of being taken away by immediate “easiness” and “joy”.

・to make sure the faith of the disciples is passed on to the next generation.

To prevent bricks and buildings to collapse easily, we must carefully pile up the bricks. In the same manner, we listen to the Word carefully to continually preserve the relationship with Jesus. If the relationship with Jesus is firmly established, then we can leave the “legacy” to our children.