How can believers apply the concept of Christ as the cornerstone today? Key Verse Psalm 118:22 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Christ the Cornerstone—What Scripture Says • Isaiah 28:16 affirms a “precious cornerstone” laid by the LORD Himself, guaranteeing stability. • Jesus applies Psalm 118:22 to Himself in Matthew 21:42, declaring that He fulfills the prophetic picture. • Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:6-7 repeat the claim, anchoring apostolic preaching in the same truth. • Ephesians 2:19-22 shows believers, both Jew and Gentile, being “built together” on this unshakable stone. • 1 Corinthians 3:11 leaves no alternative foundation: “no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Why the Cornerstone Matters • In ancient building, the cornerstone set every dimension and angle; if it was true, the whole structure stood firm. • Scripture teaches a literal fulfillment: Jesus is the exact, chosen stone placed by God, ensuring the entire spiritual house aligns with His truth. • Rejection by builders foretells the unbelief He experienced; acceptance by God declares His ultimate triumph. A Cornerstone for Personal Faith • Identity: My worth rests on the perfect, tested stone, not shifting opinions. • Alignment: Daily choices line up with His Word, because the cornerstone determines every line. • Security: Storms come, but the base is immovable (Isaiah 28:16 – “the one who believes will never be shaken”). A Cornerstone for Homes and Families • Marriage and parenting values take shape from Christ’s teaching, not cultural trends. • Regular Scripture reading, worship, and obedience keep the household “square” with the cornerstone. • Conflicts resolve by returning to His commands, the plumb line for attitudes and actions. A Cornerstone for the Church Community • Ministry philosophy centers on Christ’s gospel, rather than personality or program. • Unity grows when every member measures beliefs and behavior by the same foundational Word. • Leadership remains accountable: elders, teachers, and volunteers all submit to the unchanging cornerstone. A Cornerstone in a Watching World • Public witness gains credibility because believers stand on objective truth, not shifting preferences. • Mercy and justice flow from His character, showing society a structure built on love and righteousness. • When rejected, believers remember Psalm 118:22: rejection does not alter God’s placement of His stone. Living the Cornerstone Life: Practical Steps 1. Read a gospel passage daily, letting Christ’s words set the tone for the day. 2. Memorize cornerstone verses (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-7) to steady the mind when doubts arise. 3. Evaluate plans—career moves, financial choices, relationships—by asking whether they align with clear biblical commands. 4. Participate in a local church where Scripture is preached as the final authority, reinforcing communal alignment. 5. Speak of Christ openly; He is the visible, foundational proof that God’s promises stand true and literal. |
    |