The Cornerstone Series

Now, why would that professor do that? Well because that professor had an agenda, and any student whose foundation of belief was based on Jesus would resist accepting what that professor his agenda and anything he might teach. Therefore, that student’s faith HAD TO BE destroyed at all costs.

When it comes to the world wanting to get what it wants in this life, Christianity tends to get in the way. And for the people who realize that truth - Jesus has to be rejected. In fact, faith in Jesus is an obstacle that must be destroyed.

So, Jesus is the Cornerstone - but what building is He the cornerstone of? Ephesians 2:20 tells us “(The Church) is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Jesus is the cornerstone of the church. He forms the basis of our thinking and our lifestyle as Christians. And if we actually build our lives ON Jesus, then we can be the salt of earth/ light of world. We’ll make a difference in our culture.

ILLUS: There was an Atheist - Tom Holland wrote a book called “Dominion.” Now, bear in mind as an atheist, Tom Holland had no love for Jesus. But he still made a startling observation: He said that he’d studied many of the cultures of the ancient world and he found that these cultures were often cruel and harsh. The killing of babies was common. Wives were routinely cheated on. The poor and the weak had no rights. The bodies of slaves were treated like outlets for physical pleasure by owners. And the Spartans routinely murdered “imperfect” children. But then JESUS came along… and even pagan culture began to change. Christians lived a different style of life. They followed the moral teachings of Jesus and that caused Christians to become salt and light - and they slowly began to change the world around them. Jesus was their cornerstone, and thus - because of them - the pagans around them different.

Now, that does raise another question: If Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, is every church built on the foundation of Jesus Christ? Answer: They should be… but too often, they’re not. Back when I was in High school (math class), I learned a cute little saying: “All squares are rectangles… but not all rectangles are squares.” In the same way – all churches SHOULD be built on Jesus - but not every church is!

Nowadays, folks tend to look for churches that have an exciting atmosphere, a powerful preacher and a fantastic worship band. NOT THAT ANY OF THAT IS NECESSARILY WRONG unless they’re not paying attention to what is taught!

Jesus didn’t focus His attention on powerful preachers or impressive worship: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’