Faith that Works…no matter what

Faith that Anchors. Pastor Michael Dascoli

July 3, 2021

“…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

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19a

How Do I Anchor My Life to the Rock of God's Word

“The LORD says: “My people, I promise to give you my Spirit and my message.

These will be my gifts to you and your families forever. I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Isaiah 59:21 CEV

1: Treat God's Word as a Precious Gift

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all He created. James 1:17-18

• God's Word is good

• God's Word is perfect

• God's Word is True

• God's word is unchanging

• God's word is life-giving

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures

give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.” Romans 15:4

2: Humbly Accept What God Says

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept The Word God

has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21

Study it & then do whatever it says

“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 someone 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 whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:22-25

• Listen to God’s Word (“Listen”)

• Study God’s Word (“Looks intently)

• Make God’s Word a habit (“Continues in it”)

• Memorize God’s Word (“Not forgetting”)

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:11

"Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

• Do what God’s Word says

“…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

"Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live in the safety of the solid rocks." Proverbs 30:26 NCV

Let’s Pray:

-What is God’s Spirit saying to you today?

-How must you respond?