Sand Castles

This past Sunday, Pastor Sam introduced us to BBCN's "Back To Basics" series. We believe that the LORD wants us to make sure we're firmly grounded in Him and in His word. Let's spend this week's blogs looking at some of the scripture passages that were mentioned during the sermon.

We'll start with a parable that you may already be familiar with: the parable of the two foundations (also known as the parable of the builders). In Luke's account of this parable, Jesus begins this parable with a question that we often are challenged with at Bronx Bethany: "And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46-49)

I hope we're all listening, as God keeps hammering home this simple fact: God has a problem with duplicity. We cannot claim to know Him if we're ignoring His counsel and His mandates. Part of the sensibility behind "Back To Basics" is the idea of making sure that everyone at BBCN is building on a solid foundation. As is reflected in Hebrews 5:12, every believer must know the elementary teachings of Christ before moving on to more difficult concepts and tenets of the faith. As Pastor Sam stated so clearly, how can we embark on a discussion of sanctification if there has not been an experience of repentance from sin?

Getting back to the parable, let's remember the key word: "When". When the floods rose. When the torrent burst against the house. Not "if", but "when". We've gone through this in a previous blog but it bears repeating. The point of having a firm foundation is so that storms and torrents can be withstood. What are your storms? Economic crises? Family crises? Challenges related to employment or lack of employment? Perhaps a combination of these and other concerns?

"... the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock" (Matthew 7:25). What is Jesus saying? Your house is going to be tested with external elements- tested by things completely outside of your control- and then you, I, your neighbors, and everyone who knows you will see whether your walk with God has any substance, or whether your "church life" is just a bogus routine with no depth of relationship to Christ.

Where are the real saints? Is there anybody here who loves my Jesus? Don't bother raising your hands. I'll know who the real saints are when the tsunami hits shore.