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Our Cornerstone
Contributed by Darrell Jones on Jun 15, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: The fact that the church needs a foundation can not be disputed. Let’s take a look at the way the foundation is laid as well as the purpose and types of stone used.
Psalms 118:22, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the Corner."
Ephesians 2:20, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Cornerstone."
1 Peter 2 4-8, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,(5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6)Wherefore also it is contained in scripture, behold, I lay in Sion a chief Cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the Corner. (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: wherunto also they were appointed."
(1) The Purpose of a Cornerstone
(A) It Unites, In (Ephesians 2:19-22), the Apostle Paul tells us that Christ is He whom the whole building fits together, bringing about a spiritual House for God to inhabit.
(B) It Beautifies. You will never see a piece of river rock or coal used as a Cornerstone. Generally it will be of marble or granite that has been polished. The centerpiece of the church is Christ.
(C) It Provides Direction. On every Cornerstone there will be direction or information about the building, and the builder.
(2) The Foundation Is Stable.
(A) The Bible tells us that this foundation was foreordained before the foundation of the world.
See (Rev. 13:8, 1Peter 1:20).
(B) The Foundation was Laid in the Suffering of Jesus Christ. See 2 Cor. 5:21, as well as Gal. 3: 13.)
(C) This Foundation is Told of in The Scriptures
(Luke 24:47) "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." This gospel is also preached in (Acts 13:38-39.)
(3) The Foundation is Made of Stone.
(A) Our Cornerstone is a Living Stone: Our stone is alive and able to give life to all who trust in Him. (Romans 8:2)
(B)Our Cornerstone is a Tried Stone: The world tried it, satan tried it, His love was tried, His meek spirit was tried, He was tried in the flesh. Yet! Our stone endures, our stone stands. "In Him there is no variableness or shadow of turning."
(C) Our Cornerstone is a Precious Stone:
(a) Precious to me because He took on the form of a servant, laid aside His royalty, took on the form of man and died for my sins.
(D) Our Cornerstone Provides a Sure Foundation.
Not some foundation whereby we have to wonder if it will hold. No! My friends this foundation has been trusted and proven by saints of old. In a world where beauty decays, our Cornerstone has remained sure. Storms of persecution have tried to destroy it, but it still stands. You can build upon this foundation, you can anchor your faith upon it’s stability.