The hymn ‘The Church’s One Foundation’ by Samuel John Stone affirms that Jesus Christ alone is the unshakeable cornerstone of the Christian faith. Rooted in Scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 3:11, it teaches that no other foundation can be laid than that which is Jesus Christ.
Few hymns have echoed through the centuries with the enduring power and theological depth of The Church’s One Foundation. Written at a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, this beloved anthem has steadfast generations of believers, reminding us that no matter how turbulent the world may become, the Church stands upon an unshakable foundation — the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. For anyone who has ever been troubled by doctrinal confusion, shaken by division within the body of Christ, or simply curious about the truths that have anchored the Christian faith for nearly two centuries, this hymn offers a powerful answer rooted firmly in Scripture.
In this article, we will explore the remarkable story behind The Church’s One Foundation, from the pen of its author, Samuel J. Stone, to the profound biblical truths woven into every verse. We will examine what it truly means that Jesus Christ is the Church’s only foundation, as declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11, and we will walk through the full lyrics to uncover the rich, Christ-centered theology that has made this hymn a cornerstone of Christian worship. Whether you are a lifelong believer seeking to deepen your understanding or someone exploring the Gospel for the first time, this journey through one of Christianity’s most treasured hymns will point you to the One who is Himself the Rock upon which all true faith is built.
What is the Story Behind the Hymn ‘The Church’s One Foundation’?
The Author: Samuel J. Stone
“The Church’s One Foundation” was written by Samuel John Stone, a faithful Anglican pastor in the nineteenth century. Stone was born in 1839 in Whitmore, Staffordshire, England. He grew up in a devout Christian home. Later, he studied at Pembroke College, Oxford, and went on to serve as a curate in New Windsor, England. His deep love for Scripture and the body of Christ shaped everything he wrote. Stone authored a collection of hymns titled Lyra Fidelium in 1866, and it was in this collection that “The Church’s One Foundation” first appeared. [1]
Stone was not a man seeking fame or recognition. He was a humble shepherd of souls. He sought only to point others to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. His hymns reflect a pastor’s heart, full of conviction and compassion for the Church. Above all, Stone wanted believers to rest their faith entirely on the person of Jesus Christ.
A Hymn Born in Controversy
The story behind this hymn is deeply rooted in a time of great dispute within the Church. In the 1860s, the Anglican Church in South Africa was torn apart by a painful controversy. Bishop John William Colenso of Natal was accused of teaching doctrines that contradicted Scripture. Many faithful Christians were troubled. They wondered how the Church could hold together when leaders departed from biblical truth.
Samuel Stone watched these events unfold with a heavy heart. He saw believers confused and scattered. He saw unity threatened by false teaching. As a result, he was moved to write hymns that would strengthen the faith of ordinary Christians. “The Church’s One Foundation” was his response to a Church in crisis. It was a call to return to the one thing that never changes: Jesus Christ Himself.
The hymn was not written in a quiet study. It was written amid division and doubt. Stone wanted to remind every believer that the Church’s hope does not rest on human leaders. It rests on Christ alone. Every stanza of this hymn proclaims the same glorious truth: Jesus is the foundation, and no earthquake of controversy can shake Him.
Here are a few key themes that shaped the writing of this hymn:
- Division in the Church: The Colenso controversy revealed how quickly the body of Christ can be fractured by false doctrine.
- A call to unity: Stone longed for believers to find their common ground in Christ, not in human opinions.
- Confidence in Scripture: The hymn anchors the Church’s identity in the authority of God’s Word.
- Trust in Christ alone: Above all, this hymn teaches that Jesus is the only foundation that will never fail.
When we sing “The Church’s One Foundation” today, we are joining our voices with believers across centuries. We are declaring that no matter what storms may come, our faith is built on the Rock that cannot be moved — the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
What Does It Mean That Jesus Christ Is the Church’s Only Foundation?
Apostle Paul’s Declaration in 1 Corinthians 3:11
The phrase “the church’s one foundation” is not merely poetic language. It is a profound theological truth rooted directly in Scripture. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, made a declaration that has echoed through the centuries:
“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)
This single verse carries immense weight. Paul was addressing a church struggling with division. Some followers aligned themselves with Paul. Others with Apollos. Still others with Peter. The Corinthians were building their identity around human leaders rather than the Lord Himself.
Paul’s response was clear and uncompromising. He reminded them that no human being, no matter how gifted or anointed, can serve as the foundation of God’s church. Only Jesus Christ holds that place. He is the one true foundation upon which everything else is built.
Furthermore, Paul’s teaching here connects directly to the words of Jesus Himself. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, “On this rock I will build my church.” The rock is not a man. It is Christ — His identity, His finished work on the cross, and His resurrection power.
Consider what this means for every believer:
- Jesus is the starting point. Every true church begins with Him. Without Christ, there is no church at all.
- Jesus is the standard. Every teaching, every practice, every tradition must be measured against His Word.
- Jesus is the source of unity. When believers look to Him rather than to human leaders, division loses its power.
- Jesus is the guarantee. A building stands or falls based on its foundation. A church built on Christ will endure forever.
Samuel J. Stone understood this truth deeply when he penned the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.” He was not writing about buildings or denominations. He was writing about the living, unshakable reality that Jesus Christ alone holds His people together.
The Stability of Building on Christ
Why does the foundation matter so much? Because everything built upon it depends on the strength of what lies beneath. Jesus illustrated this principle in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Everyone then who hears these words of me and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
The storms of life are inevitable. Trials, persecution, doubt, and suffering will come. However, the one who builds on Christ will not be swept away. This is the promise embedded in the hymn and in Scripture itself.
In contrast, Jesus also warned about building on unstable ground:
“And everyone who hears these words of me and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” — Matthew 7:26-27 (ESV)
The difference between the two houses was not the severity of the storm. Both faced the same rain, the same floods, the same winds. The difference was entirely the foundation.
This truth applies to the church as a whole and to every individual believer. When Christ is the foundation, the following realities take hold:
- Unshakable security. Ephesians 2:20 describes the church as “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” The cornerstone determines the alignment of the entire structure. Christ aligns His church with the eternal purposes of God.
- Enduring hope. Hebrews 6:19 calls hope “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” That anchor is not tied to circumstances. It is anchored in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
- Spiritual growth. First Peter 2:4-5 teaches that believers are “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. Christ is both the foundation and the chief cornerstone. Growth happens as each believer is joined to Him.
- Protection from false teaching. When Christ and His Word are the foundation, error is easily identified. Any message that diminishes Christ or contradicts Scripture cannot stand on this foundation.
The hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” was born during a time of theological controversy. Samuel Stone wrote it to remind believers that no matter how fierce the debates or how deep the divisions, the church’s true foundation was never in jeopardy. Jesus Christ had not changed. His Word had not failed. His promises remained sure.
Today, the same truth holds. The world offers many foundations — human wisdom, political movements, cultural trends, and religious systems. Yet none of these can bear the weight of eternity. Only Jesus Christ can.
As the prophet Isaiah declared centuries before Christ’s birth:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.'” — Isaiah 28:16 (ESV)
Peter later applied this prophecy directly to Jesus in 1 Peter 2:6, confirming that the cornerstone God promised was none other than His own Son.
The church’s one foundation is not an idea. It is a Person. It is Jesus Christ — fully God, fully man, crucified, risen, and coming again. Everything the church is, everything it hopes for, and everything it will become rests entirely on Him.
And that foundation will never crumble.
Is ‘The Church’s One Foundation’ a Catholic Hymn?
A Trinitarian and Orthodox Belief
“The Church’s One Foundation” is not a Catholic hymn in the way many people might think. It belongs exclusively to the Roman Catholic tradition. However, the biblical truths it proclaims are universal truths held by all Christians.
The doctrine that Jesus Christ alone is the foundation of the Church is not limited to one denomination. It is a Trinitarian and orthodox belief rooted in Scripture itself. The Apostle Paul made this clear when he wrote, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV). This truth transcends denominational boundaries.
Christians across the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions affirm several core beliefs together:
- The Trinity: One God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The Lordship of Christ: Jesus is fully God and fully man, the only Savior of the world.
- The Authority of Scripture: The Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative Word.
- The Nature of the Church: All true believers in Christ belong to His one body.
- Christ as Foundation: No person, institution, or tradition stands beneath Jesus. He alone is the foundation of our faith.
These truths form the heart of “The Church’s One Foundation.” Samuel J. Stone did not write it to promote one tradition above another. He wrote it to defend the unity of the Church on the basis of Christ alone.
Christ Alone is the Cornerstone
The hymn’s central message is that Christ alone is the cornerstone of His Church. This is not a novel idea invented by any single church tradition. It is the undeniable teaching of Scripture.
Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). Furthermore, the Apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, ESV).
When we sing “The Church’s One Foundation,” we are not aligning ourselves with a particular church’s tradition over another. Instead, we are affirming a biblical truth that every follower of Jesus must hold dear.
Consider these essential truths about Christ as our cornerstone:
- Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. As Paul wrote, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV). No priest, pope, or pastor replaces Him.
- Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV).
- Every believer is built upon Christ. The Church is not built on any human leader. It is built on “the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20, ESV).
- Only Christ is worthy of our ultimate trust. Our hope does not rest in any earthly institution. It rests in the risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ.
The bottom line is this: “The Church’s One Foundation” is a Christ-centered hymn. It does not belong to any single denomination. It belongs to every person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When we sing its words, we declare with one voice that Jesus Christ alone is the foundation of our faith, our hope, and His Church.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, ESV). That is the message at the very heart of this beloved hymn.
What Are the Lyrics to ‘The Church’s One Foundation’?
The lyrics of “The Church’s One Foundation” are a powerful poetic declaration that Jesus Christ alone is the bedrock of His Church. Written by Samuel J. Stone in 1866, these verses beautifully articulate the unity, endurance, and ultimate victory of the Church founded on Christ.
Below are the complete, traditional lyrics of this beloved hymn, along with a brief reflection on the meaning of each section.
Verse 1: The Church’s Foundation
The hymn opens with a bold and unapologetic proclamation:
She is His new creation
By water and the Word;
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.
This verse establishes the central theme of the entire hymn. The Church was born through the work of Jesus Christ. He came from heaven. He purchased the Church with His own blood. The Church was purchased at the highest imaginable cost: the crucifixion of the Son of God. This truth echoes the words of Paul in Acts 20:28: “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
Verse 2: Chosen and Precious
Elect from every nation,
Yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy Name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.
This verse celebrates the unity of the Church across every nation and culture. The Church is one body under one Lord, Jesus Christ. This is not a denomination or an organization. It is the family of God, united by the same faith in the finished work of Christ. The “one holy food” refers to the Lord’s Supper, when believers remember the sacrifice of Jesus together. The “one hope” is the blessed assurance that Christ is coming again.
Verse 3: The Church’s Peace through War
Though with a scornful wonder
Her sore oppressors see;
Her tears with sorrow flowing,
Through toil and tribulation
And the world’s derision;
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
This verse acknowledges that the Church will face opposition, suffering, and mockery in this world. Jesus Himself warned of this in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Yet the Church has a sure hope. One day, suffering will end. The Church will see her Savior face to face and enter into eternal peace.
Verse 4: Her Story of Schism
Yet she on earth hath union
With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
With all her sons and daughters
Who, by the Master’s hand
Led through the deathly waters,
At last to glory land.
Samuel J. Stone wrote this hymn during a time of deep division within the Church of England. Yet he declares that despite earthly divisions, the true Church is in sacred unity with the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Furthermore, believers on earth share fellowship with the saints in heaven who have gone before us. This communion of saints transcends all denominational boundaries and earthly disagreements.
Verse 5: The Church’s Hope
Through toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
This verse echoes and deepens the theme of hope. The Church is at war against spiritual forces of evil, as Paul describes in Ephesians 6:12. But the outcome is not in doubt. The Church will triumph because her foundation, Jesus Christ, has already conquered sin, death, and hell. The final state of the Church is not defeat but eternal rest in the presence of Christ.
Verse 6: The Church’s Victory
Through toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
The hymn climaxes with the triumphant declaration that the Church will stand victorious. This is not because of human strength or wisdom. It is because Jesus Christ is the foundation, and He will never fail. Matthew 16:18 records the words of Jesus: “…on this rock I build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.”
The Full Lyrics at a Glance
| Section | Central Truth | Key Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Verse 1 | The Church was founded on Christ’s sacrifice | Acts 20:28 |
| Verse 2 | The Church is one body in Christ | Ephesians 4:4–6 |
| Verse 3 | The Church endures through suffering | John 16:33 |
| Verse 4 | The Church is united with God and the saints | Hebrews 12:22–23 |
| Verse 5 | The Church awaits ultimate victory | Ephesians 6:12 |
| Verse 6 | The Church will stand victorious forever | Matthew 16:18 |
These lyrics remain a treasured treasure for believers around the world. They remind us that no matter what storms may come, the one true Church of Jesus Christ stands firm. It stands because she is built on an unshakable foundation. As 1 Corinthians 3:11 declares: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
If you seek to deepen your understanding of this beloved hymn and grow in your knowledge of who Jesus truly is, we encourage you to open your Bible. Let God’s Word speak to your heart today. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the Foundation of all that endures forever.
Who Wrote the Song ‘The Church’s One Foundation’?
Samuel John Stone (1839-1900)
The beloved hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” was written by Samuel John Stone, an Anglican priest and hymn writer who lived from 1839 to 1900. He was born in Whitmore, Staffordshire, England, and spent much of his life serving the Church of England with deep devotion and faithfulness.
Stone was ordained as a priest in 1862. He served in several parishes throughout his ministry. Eventually, he became the rector of St. Paul’s Church in Haggerston, a poor and struggling parish in London. It was during this period of humble service that he would write one of the most enduring hymns in the history of the Christian church.
Stone published the hymn in 1866 as part of a collection called Lycra Fidelium: Twelve Hymns on the Twelve Articles of the Apostles’ Creed. He wrote the lyrics to correspond with each line of the ancient creed, focusing on key doctrines of the Christian faith. “The Church’s One Foundation” specifically addressed the article that declares belief in “the holy catholic church” — the one true body of Christ. [2]
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel John Stone |
| Born | 1839, Whitmore, Staffordshire, England |
| Died | 1900, London, England |
| Occupation | Anglican Priest and Hymn Writer |
| Published | 1866 in Lycra Fidelium |
| Key Work | “The Church’s One Foundation” |
Inspired by a Personal Crisis of Faith
While Stone served faithfully in his parish, the Christian world around him was undergoing significant turmoil. In 1863, Bishop John William Colenso of Natal, South Africa, published writings that questioned the truthfulness and authority of Scripture. His teachings challenged foundational parts of the Bible, including the books of Moses and the Gospel of Matthew.
This controversy spread throughout the Anglican Church in England. Many Christians were shaken. Believers began to wonder if the Bible could still be trusted. For a devoted priest like Samuel J. Stone, this was deeply troubling. He saw the danger of placing human opinions above the Word of God.
As a result, Stone felt a strong calling to respond — not with a theological essay, but with a hymn. He wanted to remind believers that no matter what false teachers may say, the church’s foundation remains unshakable. That foundation is not a human organization or a denomination. It is Jesus Christ Himself.
1 Corinthians 3:11 declares, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Stone anchored his hymn firmly in this truth. He wanted every believer to stand firm, even when false teachings or confusion arose.
The hymn was originally composed of seven stanzas. However, most modern hymnals include only five verses, as a few have been edited or omitted over the years. Nevertheless, the core message remains unchanged: Christ alone is the foundation of His church, and nothing can destroy what God has built.
Today, over 150 years later, Christians around the globe still sing “The Church’s One Foundation.” It endures because it points believers back to an unchanging truth — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). No controversy, no cultural shift, and no false teaching can remove the Rock upon which His church is built.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Story Behind the Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation”?
“The Church’s One Foundation” was born during a time of great controversy. In 1866, Samuel J. Stone was a young Anglican curate in England. A prominent bishop, John William Colenso, had been condemned for his errant views. Stone was deeply moved by the struggle to uphold Biblical truth. As a result, he wrote a collection of hymns, including this beloved one. The hymn first appeared in his book called Lycra Hymnalis. Its purpose was simple yet powerful: to remind believers that Christ alone is the foundation of His Church.
The Scripture verse that anchors the hymn is 1 Corinthians 3:11. Paul wrote, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” However, the hymn does more than quote Scripture. It calls the Church to unity, holiness, and devotion to her Savior. Furthermore, it speaks of the spiritual warfare believers face until Christ returns.
Is “The Church’s One Foundation” a Catholic Hymn?
No, “The Church’s One Foundation” is not a Roman Catholic hymn. It was written by Samuel J. Stone, a clergyman in the Church of England. Its theology aligns with historic Christian orthodoxy. That includes the belief in one God, the Trinity, and Christ as the cornerstone of faith.
The word “catholic” simply means “universal.” In that sense, the hymn speaks to the universal Church—all believers in Jesus Christ throughout history. However, it does not endorse any particular denomination’s distinctives. The hymn’s central message is clear: Jesus Christ is the one and only foundation of His Church. As Ephesians 2:20 declares, believers are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” Furthermore, the hymn calls every born-again believer to find their identity in Christ alone.
What Are the Lyrics to “The Church’s One Foundation”?
“The Church’s One Foundation” contains six powerful verses. Each verse reveals an essential truth about Christ and His Church.
Verse 1: The Church’s Foundation
The first verse declares that Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. He is the foundation of His redeemed people.
“The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; She is His new creation, by water and the Word. From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.”
This verse draws directly from Acts 20:28, where Paul tells church elders to “shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.”
Verse 2: Chosen and Precious
The second verse celebrates the Church as elect from every nation. Yet it is one united body under the one Lord.
“Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth; Her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.”
Paul echoed this in Ephesians 4:4–6: “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.”
Verse 3: The Church’s Peace through War
The third verse acknowledges the spiritual battles the Church faces. Yet Christ sustains His people even through suffering.
“The Church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; Though there be those that hate her, and false sons in her pale, against both foe or traitor she ever shall prevail.”
Jesus Himself promised in Matthew 16:18, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Verse 4: Her Story of Schism
The fourth verse laments the sorrow of division within the Church. Yet the verse looks forward to the day when all strife will end and unity will be restored.
“Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet their watchman unite their voice to pray until the strife is ended, and the Church is set free to be one in Thee.”
Verse 5: The Church’s Hope
The fifth verse points to the ultimate hope of the Church—eternal unity with Christ.
“Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won; O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.”
This reflects the promise in John 17:21, where Jesus prayed “that they may all be one… that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
Verse 6: The Church’s Victory
The sixth verse looks toward the final consummation. The Church will be glorified and united with her Lord forever.
“The sacred tie of union no earthly power can break; the hope of that communion doth even now awake; and soon shall come the glorious day, when, in uninterrupted praise, the Church shall hymn her everlasting lay.”
This aligns with Revelation 7:9, which describes “a great multitude… from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Who Wrote the Song “The Church’s One Foundation”?
“The Church’s One Foundation” was written by Samuel John Stone (1839–1900). Stone served as an Anglican curate in New Windsor, England. He composed the hymn in 1866 when he was only 27 years old.
Stone was inspired by a personal and corporate crisis of faith. The controversy surrounding Bishop Colenso troubled the Church deeply. Stone wanted to craft a hymn that would reaffirm the Biblical foundation of Christian faith. His hymn became widely beloved across many denominations. It remains a powerful declaration of the Church’s unity in Christ more than 150 years later. [3]
Can I Find the Lyrics to “The Church’s One Foundation” Online?
Yes! The lyrics to “The Church’s One Foundation” are available on numerous websites. Since the hymn was published in 1866, it is in the public domain. Here are a few places where you can find the lyrics:
- Hymnary.org—A comprehensive database of hymns and hymnals with full lyrics and historical context.
- LordSongs.com—A resource dedicated to preserving and sharing classic hymns.
- Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck—A devotional reference that includes the background of this hymn.
You are also welcome to read the full lyrics of this hymn throughout this very article. Furthermore, we encourage you to meditate on each verse. Let the truth of Christ as your foundation take root deeply in your heart. As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:24, “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
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