1. The Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide OFFICE OF PRESIDING BISHOP AOC Bible Study Program – Parable of Two Builders

3. This Parable is a two-edged sword for it reveals a wise man or woman in this life as compared to the foolish person. Everyone viewing this power point lesson belongs to one or the other of these two groups. The wise person sees the Bright and Morning Star (Jesus Christ) and follows that Star across the dunes of the desert and the wilderness despond to a heavenly destination. Their earthly house (body & soul) is built upon the Rock of their Salvation in Christ. The foolish man pursues temporary desires and attraction of a dying world. The more he struggles for happiness (like sinking in quicksand) the deeper from the light of day (and of the Morning Star) does he sink.

4. The parable under study occurs in two places of the Gospels – Matthew and Luke: 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matt 7:24-27)

5. 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:47-49 (KJV)

6. There is a common misconception today that once one publicly accepts Christ, no further evidence of conversion is necessary. That is a grave misconception for it places the soul is danger of Hell. Being saved by Grace, we are called forth to show evidence of that salvation in good works. As one of our most ardent clergyman in the AOC says – Faith begets ACTION! All who belong to Christ are, like Christ, carpenters building our lives upon His Gospel precepts. He is the Master Builder, Architect, and Engineer. He has given us a perfect blue print for our lives, and the tolls with which to labor. He, as well, has provided the solid foundation without cost to us.

7. Christ is the solid Rock upon which the Wise man builds. The World is a slippery slope that ALWAYS leads to destruction

8. If we are going to construct a building, what is the first thing we need to build it?

9. If we are going to construct a building, what is the first thing we need to build it? ANSWER: A plan. Even if our skill is perfect in carpentry and masonry, if there is no fixed plan, all of our labors will result in chaos. The same with our lives – we need a plan that will promise the greatest joy and satisfaction. The Bible gives a perfect plan upon which to build our lives. Before God created the world, and you and me, He first conceived the whole of Creation in His Mind.

10. What is the blueprint for a strong and happy life?

11. ANSWER: Is it not God’s Book of Instruction to us – His Bible?

12. What is the second great consideration in building our house?

13. What is the second great consideration in building our house? ANSWER: How about a plot of ground upon which to build? It must be in a good neighborhood, reasonable in cost, and the foundation must be solid. LOCATION is of paramount importance! The same with building our lives. We cannot have a worthwhile life if we build our lives in the gutters of the world’s society. The gutters of the world come at great expense to us in personal health, joy, and bondage; but the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ comes at no charge to us. It came at the greatest cost to Him in making the purchase for us.

14. This?

15. Furthermore, our house will not be safe if we build among drunks, thieves and robbers. Our lives, too, must be built among those who share our love and commitment to Christ. “Where thieves cannot break in” FOUNDATION is the most important consideration in construction. If the foundation is not sure, all of our labors will come falling down. A rock is the strongest foundation Life is the same. If our foundation is not solidly anchored on that Rock which is Christ, it cannot stand.

16. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV)

17. As the old hymn goes…… My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. Refrain On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.

18. WHAT we build UPON is even more important than HOW we build. Even in logic, if the premise is wrong, it matters not the clever words used in framing our argument. In the construction of any great building (which our lives must be), the foundation must be laid by wisdom and careful examination of the ground upon which that foundation will rest. If a marsh lies many feet below a solid crust, the building will be undermined after its completion. So the builder must not only lay a strong foundation, but understand the depth of rock upon which it is built.

19. Bondage of Sin and Devil equals Destruction

20. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Eph 4:6-10 (KJV)

22. Still eating from the Serpent’s Tree? Or the Tree of Life and Sure Foundation?

24. WARNING: It is possible to have the Blue Print and ruin the building by not following it. It is possible to KNOW the Architect but fail to hear or follow His instructions! It is possible to have the best of blue prints, but build on the wrong ground. Study God’s Blue Print for your Life! Hear His answers to your prayers. Choose HIS foundation upon which to build and which He has already purchased for you. Build wisely with the materials of grace, faith, love, and service which He provides.

26. GOD BLESS YOU!