Series: Jesus’ Church [#2]
JESUS’ BUILDING PROGRAM
Matthew 16:18
Introduction:
As soon as you hear the phrase, “The Church building program”, you automatically start thinking building fund.
Last week we studied the requirement for membership into Jesus’ Church; which is believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God raised from the dead.
Tonight I want us to look at Jesus’ building program.
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
The Materials
When you build, you must have the proper tools and correct amount of materials. You must also have a qualified architect and builder.
In Isaiah 28:16-17 the Architect of the Church- God the Father- tells us what He is going to use as His Cornerstone and what He will use to make measurements.
Isaiah 28:16-17
“So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place.”
In 1 Peter 2:4-5, we are told about the stones that will be used to build Jesus’ Church.
1 Peter 2:4-5
“As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The materials are being gathered but a location is also needed.
The Location
Where you build is very important. The location can affect the stabilization of the building.
Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
The Builder
The Architect sent the builder and the Cornerstone has been laid. The cornerstone is used to bring together and hold together adjoining walls. Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, has brought together Jews and Gentiles and made them one in His Church.
Ephesians 2:19-22
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Each stone is being placed as it becomes available. Each stone- Christians- is living and because it is held together by Jesus Christ; there is nothing or nobody that can tear it down.
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Not even the storms of Hell can tear down Jesus’ Church. To those who are a part of Jesus’ Church we have eternal life, but to many people Jesus’ Church causes them to stumble.
1 Peter 2:6-8
“For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.”
To those who stumble, the Cornerstone is a Capstone. Their lives are hopeless and the Capstone will seal their destruction if they die without Him as Savior.
Conclusion:
Is Jesus a Cornerstone or Capstone for you?
As a Christian you are a part of the greatest building project ever: Jesus’ Church. There are still some living stones to be added to Jesus’ Church.
Let us allow Jesus to continue adding living stones to His Church through our lives.
