Standalone | Homecoming
Deeper Dive
Homecoming 2025
Sermon Recap
At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a story about two builders—one wise, one foolish. Both hear his teaching, both face the same storm, but only one house stands. The difference isn’t what they heard, but what they didwith it.
Nick reminded us that Jesus isn’t offering an escape from life’s storms but a foundation that can withstand them. Following Jesus isn’t about emotional highs or occasional inspiration—it’s about consistency. What we do regularlyshapes who we become.
Faith isn’t about visiting God when things fall apart; it’s about building a life with God that endures through everything.
---Go a Little Deeper
Jesus focus on formation and not information.
New Testament scholar Dale Bruner says that Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount where he began: with the call to do what has been heard. The Greek verb for “puts into practice” (poiein) carries creative energy—it’s the word for what an artist or builder does. In other words, obedience isn’t just compliance; it’s participation. When we live Jesus’ words, we create something beautiful and enduring with him—the Kingdom of God taking shape in our ordinary lives.
What we do regularly matters more than what we do once in a while.
This simple but searching truth sits at the heart of spiritual formation. Philosopher James K.A. Smith reminds us, “You are what you love—and you love what you habitually do.” Our repeated actions shape our desires and our character. In a culture addicted to flexibility and novelty, Jesus calls us to faithfulness and rhythm. Consistency—showing up, praying, serving, forgiving again—is how foundations are built.
Storms reveal foundations
Jesus doesn’t say if the storm comes, but when. The winds and rains test what we’ve built. Hard seasons don’t destroy faith; they expose it. Strength isn’t found in avoiding pain but in having a life so rooted in God’s love that it endures whatever comes. As Eugene Peterson put it, “Discipleship is a long obedience in the same direction.”
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Discussion Questions
1. What are some “storms” that have revealed the strength (or weakness) of your foundation?
2. Where do you notice a gap between what you value and what you practice?
3. What habits or patterns—spiritual, relational, or otherwise—are forming you right now?
4. Why do you think consistency is so difficult in our culture?
5. What would it look like for you to build your life on the rock, not just admire it from afar?
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Practice to Try-A Rule of Life
The early Christians had a phrase for intentional spiritual rhythm—they called it a Rule of Life. The word rule comes from the Latin regula, meaning “trellis.” Like a structure that helps a vine grow strong and bear fruit, a Rule of Life provides stability and shape for your soul. It’s not about more to do—it’s about doing what matters most, on purpose.
Start small. Choose one rhythm in each area to practice for the next month:
· Daily: Scripture reading and prayer. Even five quiet minutes to center your heart in God’s presence. Consider checking out the app Lectio365
· Weekly: Reflect and reconnect—journal weekly naming something you are grateful for, something you are anxious about, and something you are learning. Make an effort to be in worship as often as you can and tune in when you are not able to be there.
· Regularly: Invest in intentional relationships. Perhaps use this Deeper Dive to have meaningful conversation with friends and family.
· Monthly: Serve and give. Let generosity and compassion become part of your normal rhythm.
At the end of the month, ask: Which practices helped me stay rooted? Which need adjusting? Remember, formation is slow—but what you do regularly will become who you are becoming.
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Closing Prayer
Jesus, You are the rock beneath our feet. Teach us to live Your words, not just hear them.
Shape our days with holy rhythm and quiet faithfulness, so that when the storms come, we stand steady in Your love. Amen.