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  THERE IS A HOUSE THAT CANNOT FALL
  by John Wesley
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Summary: Christians can find hope and rest in Jesus, even in the midst
of suffering, because their salvation is secure in Him.

Topics: "Assurance of Salvation", "Faith in Trials"
Scripture References: Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 43:2, Matthew 7:25, John 16:33, Romans 8:31-39, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7

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DESCRIPTION
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John Wesley emphasizes the assurance of salvation and security in Christ
amidst life's storms, referencing Jesus' parable about the house built
on the rock. He warns that Christians are not exempt from trials and
temptations, and suffering is a shared experience among both believers
and non-believers. The key difference lies in the unshakeable foundation
of faith that ensures believers cannot be destroyed, even in the face of
adversity. Wesley encourages those enduring hardships to remember their
Lord and to support others in their suffering by reminding them of God's
presence and protection.

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CONTENT
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"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." Matthew 7:25 These words are spoken by Jesus at the very
end of the Sermon on the Mount and are part of a parable, the first time
he uses a parable as a means of teaching. If the folk remembered nothing
else from the large amount of teaching they have heard (and how much do
we remember from each sermon we hear?), they will remember this: there
is a house that cannot be destroyed.

Wesley warns "do not think that you shall not see war anymore or that
you are out of reach of temptation. It still remains for God to prove
the grace He has given: you shall be tried as gold in the fire. You
shall be tempted not less than they who know not God; perhaps abundantly
more. For Satan will not fail to try to the uttermost those whom he is
not able to destroy." Somewhere along the line people get the idea that
Christians should not suffer as much as non-Christians do and can cause
great pain by implying that there is something wrong with our faith when
we are going through "undeserved" suffering.

Perhaps you have been hurt in this way, or know someone who has. Jesus
teaches here that exactly the same suffering comes to the wise and the
foolish. The difference is, and this becomes a sure hope we can cling
to, in Christ we will not be, we cannot be destroyed, in this life or
the next. Our salvation even from death itself is secure. If you are in
the midst of a raging lifestorm, try and remember who your Lord is. If
you know someone who is suffering at the moment, consider gentle ways of
reminding them who their God is. How happy are the little flock Who safe
beneath their guardian rock In all commotion rest! When wars and
tumult's waves run high, Unmoved above the storm they lie, They lodge in
Jesu's breast. (61)

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-wesley/there-is-a-house-that-cannot-fall/
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