Jesus: Our Cornerstone or Stumbling Block?
Summary
In our journey through Acts, we witness the early church's bold proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again. Peter and John, two pivotal leaders, exemplify this courage as they heal a crippled man in Jesus' name, urging the onlookers to repent and believe. This act of faith leads to their arrest by the religious authorities, who are threatened by the message of resurrection and the growing number of believers. Despite the council's intimidation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares that salvation is found only in Jesus, the cornerstone rejected by the builders.
This narrative draws a parallel to the past, where the Jewish council, fearing the loss of their power, plotted Jesus' death. Yet, God's plan prevailed, as Jesus' sacrifice was meant to save not just Israel but all of humanity. The council's fear and rejection of Jesus contrast sharply with Peter and John's unwavering faith. For them, Jesus is the cornerstone of their lives, the foundation upon which they build their existence. This foundation empowers them to stand fearlessly before the council, proclaiming the truth of the gospel.
The sermon challenges us to examine our own lives. Is Jesus our cornerstone, or merely a stumbling block? Our fears often reveal what we truly worship. If we fear losing wealth, approval, or security, it may indicate misplaced trust. Jesus calls us to make Him the foundation of our lives, not just a part of it. This requires tearing down false foundations and building anew on the rock of Christ. In doing so, we find strength to face any trial, knowing that our lives are anchored in the eternal hope of Jesus' resurrection.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of the Name of Jesus: Peter and John's healing of the crippled man in Jesus' name demonstrates the transformative power of faith. This act calls us to recognize that true healing and salvation come through Jesus alone, urging us to place our trust in Him. [20:48]
- Fear Reveals Our Worship: The council's fear of losing power highlights how fear can expose what we truly worship. When we fear losing wealth, approval, or security, it may indicate misplaced trust. We are called to examine our fears and realign our worship towards God. [41:47]
- Jesus as the Cornerstone: Jesus is either the cornerstone of our lives or a stumbling block. Building our lives on Him provides a firm foundation that withstands life's storms. We must choose to make Him the center of our existence, not just a part of it. [44:01]
- Boldness Through the Holy Spirit: Peter's transformation from fear to boldness exemplifies the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit empowers us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition, and to proclaim the gospel with courage. [27:20]
- Repentance and Renewal: True repentance involves tearing down false foundations and rebuilding on Christ. This process, though challenging, leads to renewal and the promise of eternal life. We are called to continually place our faith in Jesus, the rock of our salvation. [51:48]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:48] - Peter's Call to Repentance
[22:14] - The Council's Fear
[23:16] - Caiaphas' Prophecy
[24:52] - First Persecution of the Church
[26:22] - Peter and John's Bold Defense
[27:20] - Filled with the Holy Spirit
[28:56] - Jesus, the Rejected Cornerstone
[30:40] - Jesus as the Rock
[31:53] - Astonishment at Boldness
[32:53] - The Council's Dilemma
[34:12] - Command to Silence
[35:26] - Obeying God Over Man
[37:03] - Victory in Faith
[41:47] - Fear and Worship
[44:01] - Cornerstone or Stumbling Block
[51:48] - Repentance and New Creation
[55:20] - Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:1-12
2. John 11:45-53
3. Psalm 118:22-23
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the religious authorities to Peter and John's teaching about Jesus and the resurrection? ([24:52])
2. How did Peter respond to the council's questioning about the healing of the crippled man? ([27:20])
3. What Old Testament scripture does Peter reference to describe Jesus, and what is its significance? ([28:56])
4. How did the council react to the boldness of Peter and John, and what did they recognize about them? ([31:53])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Peter's transformation from fear to boldness suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? ([27:20])
2. How does the council's fear of losing power reveal their true priorities and what they worship? ([41:47])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus can be either a cornerstone or a stumbling block in a person's life? ([44:01])
4. How does the narrative of Peter and John challenge believers to examine their own foundations of faith? ([51:48])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt intimidated or fearful about sharing your faith. How can Peter and John's example encourage you to be bolder in your witness? ([27:20])
2. Consider what fears you have in your life. What do these fears reveal about what you might be worshiping or placing your trust in? ([41:47])
3. Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life, or is He more of a stumbling block? What steps can you take to ensure He is the foundation of your existence? ([44:01])
4. Identify any false foundations you might be relying on. What practical steps can you take to tear them down and rebuild on Christ? ([51:48])
5. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of opposition? ([27:20])
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to realign your worship towards God. What changes can you make this week to focus more on Him? ([41:47])
7. How can you actively make Jesus the center of your daily decisions and actions, rather than just a part of your life? ([44:01])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Transformative Power of Jesus' Name
The healing of the crippled man by Peter and John in the name of Jesus illustrates the profound power and authority vested in Jesus. This act was not just a miracle of physical healing but a demonstration of the spiritual transformation available through faith in Christ. The apostles' boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the source of this miracle challenges us to recognize that true healing and salvation come through Him alone. It calls us to place our trust in Jesus, acknowledging His power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. [20:48]
Acts 3:16 (ESV): "And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you need healing or transformation. How can you actively invite Jesus into this area and trust in His power to bring change?
Day 2: Fear as a Mirror of Worship
The fear exhibited by the religious council in response to the apostles' message reveals what they truly worshiped—their power and control. This fear contrasts with the apostles' faith and highlights how our fears can expose misplaced trust. When we fear losing wealth, approval, or security, it may indicate that we are worshiping these things instead of God. We are called to examine our fears and realign our worship towards God, trusting Him above all else. [41:47]
Isaiah 51:12-13 (ESV): "I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth?"
Reflection: Identify a fear that has been dominating your thoughts recently. What does this fear reveal about what you might be worshiping? How can you shift your focus back to trusting God?
Day 3: Jesus as the Cornerstone of Life
Jesus is described as the cornerstone, the essential foundation upon which a life of faith is built. For Peter and John, Jesus was not just a part of their lives but the very foundation. This firm foundation empowered them to stand boldly before the council and proclaim the truth of the gospel. We are challenged to make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives, ensuring that our existence is built on His teachings and His love, providing us with stability and strength in life's storms. [44:01]
1 Peter 2:6-7 (ESV): "For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your daily life and priorities. Is Jesus truly the cornerstone of your life, or is He just a part of it? What changes can you make to ensure He is the foundation?
Day 4: Boldness Through the Holy Spirit
Peter's transformation from fear to boldness is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit empowers believers today to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to proclaim the gospel and live out our faith with conviction. We are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and boldness in our daily lives, trusting that He will guide us and give us the words to speak when needed. [27:20]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel hesitant to share your faith or stand up for your beliefs. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you the boldness to act?
Day 5: Repentance and Renewal in Christ
True repentance involves tearing down false foundations and rebuilding on Christ. This process, though challenging, leads to renewal and the promise of eternal life. We are called to continually place our faith in Jesus, the rock of our salvation, and to seek His guidance in rebuilding our lives on His truth. This renewal brings us closer to God and aligns our lives with His purposes, offering us hope and strength for the future. [51:48]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: Identify a false foundation in your life that needs to be torn down. What steps can you take today to begin rebuilding on the foundation of Christ?
Quotes
1) "Peter calls to the people to repent and to believe, to place their faith in Jesus, and to stop placing their faith in other things. And he says that through their repentance and faith, their sins can be forgiven, erased, washed away, and that they can be made new, and they can have hope in the day that Jesus comes again to restore all things." [20:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning the good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, then let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him, this man is standing before you well." [27:20] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Peter and John see this choice very clearly. They said, do we listen to God or do we listen to the council? Well, the council said, remember, that Jesus needed to die. And God said that he needed to be alive. Who won that particular contest? The council and God both cast their votes. And Jesus is alive now." [37:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "In every single person's life, Jesus is either the cornerstone or he is a stumbling block. Either a cornerstone or a stumbling block. Now Paul wrote about this in 1 Corinthians 1 when he said that Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly, that's foolishness, to Gentiles." [44:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "But if we have made him our foundation, then we are safe forever and ever. If we have made something else our foundation, then on the day that he returns to this earth, then our hopes, our dreams, and our very lives will be destroyed because they were built on the rock." [49:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "If we will repent of the false foundations of our lives and make Jesus our one and only foundation, then the promise that Peter made to the people in his sermon will be yours as well. Your sin will be forgiven, washed away, erased, and forgotten. You will be made a new creation in Christ, and you will one day be a part of his kingdom when he comes again to restore all things." [51:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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