The Wise and Foolish Builders

In this evening message, Pastor Rockhill continues his study of the parables of Jesus, turning from Luke to Matthew's record of the wise and foolish builders in the closing words of the Sermon on the Mount. His central burden is that genuine saving faith is never mere profession but is demonstrated by a life of obedience to the will of the Father. Drawing on the sobering warning that precedes the parable, he reminds the congregation that even those who prophesy, cast out demons, and perform wonders may still hear Christ say, "I never knew you." Pastor Rockhill shows that both the wise and the foolish man hear the same words of Christ; the difference lies in whether they believe and obey. The wise man builds upon the rock of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only foundation that can withstand the storms of trial, suffering, and the final judgment. The foolish man, concerned only with outward appearance and his own glory, builds upon sand, and his house collapses in great ruin. The doctrine pressed home is that true faith rests wholly upon Christ and bears the fruit of love and obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Rockhill applies this searchingly, calling each hearer to examine whether they merely hear with the ears or truly receive the word in the heart. As the congregation prepares to come to the Lord's table, he urges them to build their lives upon the sure and certain rock of Christ, that their faith may remain secure when the storms inevitably come.