Jesus Christ: The Cornerstone of Our Faith
Summary
In Ephesians 2:19-20, we are reminded that we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone. This profound truth invites us to focus our thoughts on Jesus Christ himself, who is the essence and substance of our faith. Jesus is not just a figure in history or a theological concept; he is the living embodiment of the gospel, the miracle of miracles, and the wonder of wonders. His unique character, blending divinity and humanity, stands as an irrefutable testament to the truth of the gospel.
Jesus Christ himself is the proof, the marrow, and the essence of the gospel. He is the incarnation of truth, the way, the truth, and the life. To know him is to understand the gospel, for he lived what he taught. Our faith is not in doctrines or precepts alone but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the power that spreads the gospel, the force that binds the brokenhearted, and the source of our peace and salvation. The enthusiasm and dedication of the apostles, saints, and martyrs were fueled by their love for Christ, not merely for Christianity as a system.
Our theology should be centered on Jesus Christ himself, for in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. True doctrine, experience, and precepts derive their value from their connection to him. Jesus is the precept, the doctrine, and the experience. He is the pole star of our spiritual life, the beginning and end of our faith. Our love for him should be personal and profound, influencing every aspect of our lives. Jesus Christ himself is our joy, our model, and the source of our strength. In times of sorrow, his humanity comforts us, and in times of joy, his presence fills us with delight. As we strive to be like him, we are transformed into his image, and our ultimate hope is to be with him and like him in eternity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone: Jesus is the foundation of our faith, the chief cornerstone upon which our spiritual lives are built. He is not just a historical figure but the living embodiment of the gospel, the miracle of miracles, and the wonder of wonders. Our faith is anchored in his unique character, which harmoniously blends divinity and humanity. [00:13]
2. The Essence of the Gospel: Jesus Christ himself is the essence and substance of the gospel. He is the incarnation of truth, the way, the truth, and the life. To know him is to understand the gospel, for he lived what he taught. Our faith is not in doctrines or precepts alone but in the person of Jesus Christ. [04:36]
3. The Power of Jesus' Love: The love and dedication of the apostles, saints, and martyrs were fueled by their love for Christ, not merely for Christianity as a system. Jesus is the power that spreads the gospel, the force that binds the brokenhearted, and the source of our peace and salvation. [06:33]
4. Christ-Centered Theology: Our theology should be centered on Jesus Christ himself, for in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. True doctrine, experience, and precepts derive their value from their connection to him. Jesus is the precept, the doctrine, and the experience. [09:40]
5. Transformation into His Image: As we strive to be like Jesus, we are transformed into his image. Our ultimate hope is to be with him and like him in eternity. His presence fills us with joy, and his humanity comforts us in times of sorrow. [43:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Jesus as the Cornerstone
- [00:49] - The Wonder of Jesus
- [01:24] - The Unique Character of Christ
- [02:00] - The Challenge to Unbelievers
- [03:22] - Jesus Silences Criticism
- [04:17] - The Essence of the Gospel
- [05:09] - Knowing Jesus' Teaching
- [06:16] - The Power of Jesus' Love
- [07:26] - Jesus' Heavenly Rule
- [09:08] - Christ-Centered Theology
- [11:17] - The Role of Experience
- [12:06] - The Value of Precepts
- [13:13] - Jesus as the Pole Star
- [14:24] - The Personal Love for Jesus
- [19:47] - The Object of Our Faith
- [22:47] - The Substance of the Gospel
- [26:15] - The Study of Jesus
- [35:55] - Jesus as the Source of Joy
- [43:46] - Transformation into His Image
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:19-20, what transformation occurs in our identity as believers? How does this passage describe our relationship with the saints and the household of God?
2. The sermon emphasizes Jesus Christ as the "chief cornerstone." What does this metaphor suggest about His role in our faith and spiritual life? [00:13]
3. How does the sermon describe the unique character of Jesus Christ, and why is it considered an irrefutable testament to the truth of the gospel? [01:24]
4. What role does Jesus Christ play in the spreading of the gospel and the binding of the brokenhearted, according to the sermon? [06:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon states that Jesus Christ is the "essence and substance of the gospel." How does this understanding affect the way believers should approach their faith and theology? [04:36]
2. In what ways does the love and dedication of the apostles, saints, and martyrs, as described in the sermon, challenge modern believers in their commitment to Christ? [06:33]
3. The sermon suggests that true doctrine, experience, and precepts derive their value from their connection to Jesus. How might this perspective influence the way believers prioritize their spiritual practices and teachings? [09:40]
4. How does the concept of being "transformed into His image" shape a believer's understanding of spiritual growth and their ultimate hope in eternity? [43:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of your faith. How can you ensure that He remains the foundation of your spiritual life amidst daily distractions? [00:13]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of knowing Jesus to understand the gospel. What practical steps can you take to deepen your knowledge and relationship with Him this week? [04:36]
3. Consider the power of Jesus' love as described in the sermon. How can you demonstrate this love in your interactions with others, especially those who are brokenhearted or in need of peace? [06:33]
4. The sermon calls for a Christ-centered theology. How can you evaluate and adjust your current understanding of doctrine and spiritual practices to ensure they are truly centered on Jesus? [09:40]
5. In what ways can you actively strive to be transformed into the image of Christ in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you feel called to grow and how you plan to pursue this transformation. [43:46]
6. Reflect on a time of sorrow or joy in your life. How did Jesus' presence comfort or fill you with delight during that time? How can you seek His presence more intentionally in future moments of sorrow or joy? [43:46]
7. The sermon emphasizes the personal and profound love for Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal love for Christ that influences every aspect of your life? [14:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, the foundation upon which our spiritual lives are built. He is not merely a historical figure but the living embodiment of the gospel, the miracle of miracles, and the wonder of wonders. Our faith is anchored in his unique character, which harmoniously blends divinity and humanity. This profound truth invites us to focus our thoughts on Jesus Christ himself, who is the essence and substance of our faith. As the chief cornerstone, Jesus provides stability and direction, ensuring that our spiritual lives are aligned with God's purpose. [00:13]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: In what ways can you make Jesus the cornerstone of your daily decisions and actions today?
Day 2: The Essence of the Gospel
Jesus Christ himself is the essence and substance of the gospel. He is the incarnation of truth, the way, the truth, and the life. To know him is to understand the gospel, for he lived what he taught. Our faith is not in doctrines or precepts alone but in the person of Jesus Christ. This means that our understanding of the gospel is deeply personal and relational, centered on knowing and experiencing Jesus in our lives. The gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative relationship with Christ, who embodies the truth we seek. [04:36]
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today, beyond just understanding doctrines?
Day 3: The Power of Jesus' Love
The love and dedication of the apostles, saints, and martyrs were fueled by their love for Christ, not merely for Christianity as a system. Jesus is the power that spreads the gospel, the force that binds the brokenhearted, and the source of our peace and salvation. His love is transformative, inspiring us to live lives of service and compassion. The power of Jesus' love compels us to reach out to others, sharing the hope and healing that we have found in him. This love is not passive but active, driving us to make a difference in the world around us. [06:33]
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through you today, and how can you show it to them?
Day 4: Christ-Centered Theology
Our theology should be centered on Jesus Christ himself, for in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. True doctrine, experience, and precepts derive their value from their connection to him. Jesus is the precept, the doctrine, and the experience. This Christ-centered approach ensures that our faith is not just an intellectual exercise but a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus. By focusing on Christ, we find the true meaning and purpose of our beliefs, allowing them to shape our lives in profound ways. [09:40]
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your study of theology and scripture remains centered on Jesus Christ today?
Day 5: Transformation into His Image
As we strive to be like Jesus, we are transformed into his image. Our ultimate hope is to be with him and like him in eternity. His presence fills us with joy, and his humanity comforts us in times of sorrow. This transformation is a lifelong journey, requiring us to continually seek his presence and guidance. By focusing on Jesus, we allow his character to shape our own, leading us to live lives that reflect his love, grace, and truth. Our transformation is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom. [43:46]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to transform to be more like Jesus, and what steps can you take today to begin this transformation?
Quotes
Jesus Christ himself is to occupy all our thoughts this morning, what an ocean opens up before me here is room in the sea for the largest ship in which direction shall I turn your thoughts I am embarrassed with riches I know not where to begin and when I once begin where shall I end assuredly we need not go abroad for Joys this morning for we have a feast at home the words are few but the meaning vast Jesus Christ himself. [00:39:32]
The Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ contains in it nothing as wonderful as himself it is a mass of Marvels but he is the miracle of it the Wonder of Wonders is the wonderful himself if proof is asked of the truths of God which he proclaimed we point men to Jesus Christ himself his character is unique we defy unbelievers to imagine another like he he is God and yet man and we challenge them to compose a narrative in which the two apparently in congruous characters shall be so harmoniously Blended. [00:72:88]
Jesus Christ himself is the proof of his own Gospel and as he is the proof of it so beloved he is the marrow and essence of it when the Apostle Paul meant that the gospel was preached he said Christ is preached for the gospel is Christ himself if you want to know what Jesus taught know him he is the Incarnation of that truth of God which by him and in him is revealed to the sons of men did he not himself say I am the way the truth and the life. [04:14:56]
Nor is he alone the proof of his gospel and the substance of it but he is the power and force by which it spreads when a heart is truly broken of sin It Is by him that it is bound up if a man is converted It Is by Christ the power of God if we enter into peace and salvation it is by the gracious manifestation of Jesus himself if men have enthusiastically loved Christianity it is because first of all they loved Christ. [05:57:75]
Our theology should be framed upon the the fact that he is the center and head of all we must remember that in him are HID all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge some of our brothers are mainly taken up with the doctrines of the gospel and are somewhat bitter in their narrow Orthodoxy we are to love every word of our Lord Jesus and his Apostles and are to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the Saints but yet it is always well to hold the truth of God in connection with Jesus. [09:29:56]
Jesus Christ himself is to us precept for he is the way he is to us Doctrine for he is the truth he is to us experience for he is the life let us make him the pole star of our spiritual life in all things let him be first last and middle yes let us say he is all my salvation and all my desire and yet do not I beseech you disdain the doctrine lest marring the doctrine you should be guilty of insult to Jesus himself. [13:03:20]
Jesus Christ himself is the object of our faith is he not always so described in scripture look unto me and be ye saved all ye ends of the Earth not look to my cross nor look to my life nor to my death much less to my sacraments or my servants but look to me from his own lips the words sound forth come unto me all ye that labor into heavy laden and I will give you rest in fact it is the Christian's life motto looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. [19:47:44]
Jesus Christ himself is the substance of the gospel and therefore how closely should we study him while he was here taught his disciples and the object of his teaching was that they might know him and through him might know the father they did not learn very fast but you see what he meant them to learn by the observation he made to Phillip have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known me Phillip he meant them to know himself. [22:51:39]
Jesus Christ himself is the source of all our joy we ought to rejoice when we have such a springing well of blessedness in times of Sorrow our Solace is Jesus himself it is no small ground of comfort to a mourner that Jesus himself is a man how cheering to read for as much as the children are partakers of Flesh and Blood he also took part of the same the humanity of Christ has a charm about it which only the quietly sorrowful discover. [35:52:16]
Jesus himself is the Solace of our soul in sorrow and when we emerge from the storm of distress into the deep calm of Peace as we often do blessed be his name he is our peace he left us peace by Legacy and peace he creates in us we never know deep peace of heart and until we know the Lord Jesus himself do you remember that sweet word where the disciples were met together the doors being shut for fear of the Jews Jesus himself stood in the midst of them and said Peace be unto you. [38:01:19]
Jesus Christ himself is the model of our life and therefore how blessed it is to be like he as to our rule for life we are like the disciples on the Mount of transfiguration when Moses and Elijah had vanished for we see no man save Jesus only every virtue found in other men we find in him in Greater Perfection we admire the grace of God in them but Jesus himself is our pattern. [41:13:20]
We are developing into the image of Christ till Christ is formed in us and we thus develop because the Heavenly life in US is his own life I am them said he and again I am the life for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God he that has the son has life and he that has not the son has not life it is not passing through baptism nor bearing the name of Christ it is having Jesus himself in our hearts that makes us Christians. [43:08:00]
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