Jesus: The Cornerstone of Our Resilient Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith and the implications of this belief in our lives. We began by acknowledging the reality of Jesus' completed work of salvation, as He sits at the right hand of God, ruling with mercy. This foundational truth is not just a theological statement but a call to live lives that reflect His lordship, allowing Him to shape and guide us.
We delved into the book of Acts, examining the early church's resilience in the face of opposition. The healing of the lame man became a catalyst for resistance, yet the apostles remained steadfast in their mission. This resilience is a quality we are called to emulate, standing firm in our convictions and recovering quickly from setbacks. The cultural challenges we face today, such as the perception of Christianity as unfair or exclusive, are not new. The early church faced similar objections, yet they boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus as the only way to salvation.
We addressed the common objections to the exclusivity of Christianity, emphasizing that all religious claims are inherently exclusive. However, the gospel of Jesus is uniquely inclusive, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background or moral standing. This inclusivity is rooted in the grace of God, not in our own merits.
The message also challenged us to consider whether our faith is merely a matter of personal preference or if it is grounded in the objective truth of Jesus' resurrection. The power of the gospel is not in its ability to make us feel better but in its transformative power to bring life to the spiritually dead.
Finally, we were reminded of the call to be resilient missionaries, sharing what we have experienced in Jesus with others. This mission is not limited to pastors or missionaries but extends to all believers, wherever God has placed us. The question remains: Are we willing to embrace this call and allow Jesus to be the cornerstone of our lives, shaping us and directing us in His mission?
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus as the Cornerstone: Jesus' completed work of salvation is the foundation of our faith. His lordship calls us to live lives that reflect His rule, allowing Him to shape and guide us. This truth is not just theological but practical, impacting how we live daily. [24:35]
- Resilience in Mission: The early church faced opposition but remained resilient. This resilience is a quality we are called to emulate, standing firm in our convictions and recovering quickly from setbacks. Our mission is to share the truth of Jesus, even in the face of cultural challenges. [17:56]
- Inclusivity of the Gospel: While all religious claims are exclusive, the gospel of Jesus is uniquely inclusive, offering salvation to all who believe. This inclusivity is rooted in God's grace, not our merits, reminding us that we are all in need of His salvation. [41:12]
- Objective Truth of Faith: Our faith is not a matter of personal preference but is grounded in the objective truth of Jesus' resurrection. The power of the gospel is transformative, bringing life to the spiritually dead, not just comfort in difficult times. [52:01]
- Call to Be Resilient Missionaries: We are called to be resilient missionaries, sharing what we have experienced in Jesus with others. This mission extends to all believers, wherever God has placed us, challenging us to embrace Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives. [56:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[15:47] - Introduction and Updates
[17:56] - Resilience in the Face of Opposition
[19:47] - Cultural Challenges to Christianity
[21:38] - The Sadducees' Opposition
[23:07] - Peter's Bold Proclamation
[24:35] - Jesus as the Cornerstone
[25:44] - Addressing Objections to the Gospel
[30:39] - Resilient Missionaries Are Not Arrogant
[31:39] - Sharing Personal Experiences of Jesus
[32:53] - The Elephant and the Blind Men
[33:42] - The Inclusivity of Christianity
[41:12] - We Are the Lame Person
[42:06] - God's Grace and Salvation
[43:00] - The Cornerstone of Our Lives
[49:05] - Religion as Personal Preference
[52:01] - Objective Truth of Faith
[54:21] - Who Saves Us?
[56:19] - Call to Be Resilient Missionaries
[57:55] - Three Choices in Response to Jesus
[58:59] - Embracing the Call
[01:00:21] - Our Mission Field
[01:01:37] - The Cornerstone in Our Lives
[01:03:22] - Closing Prayer and Confession
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 4:1-12
- 1 Peter 2:6-7
- Ephesians 2:19-22
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the Sadducees to the apostles' teaching about Jesus and the resurrection? How did they respond to the healing of the lame man? [21:38]
2. How did Peter and John demonstrate resilience in the face of opposition from the religious leaders? What was their response when commanded not to speak in Jesus' name? [31:39]
3. What does the term "cornerstone" signify in the context of Peter's speech, and why is it significant for understanding Jesus' role in the church? [24:35]
4. How does the sermon describe the inclusivity of the gospel despite its exclusive claim that salvation is only through Jesus? [41:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church's resilience is a model for modern believers facing cultural challenges? [17:56]
2. How does the sermon address the common objection that claiming Jesus as the only way to God is arrogant? What reasoning is provided to counter this objection? [25:44]
3. What does the sermon imply about the nature of faith being grounded in objective truth rather than personal preference? How does this impact the believer's life? [49:05]
4. How does the concept of Jesus as the cornerstone challenge believers to live differently in their daily lives? What practical implications does this have? [43:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the apostles' example of resilience? [31:39]
2. The sermon challenges us to consider whether our faith is based on personal preference or the objective truth of Jesus' resurrection. How can you ensure your faith is grounded in truth rather than feelings? [52:01]
3. In what ways can you actively allow Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life, shaping your decisions and actions? Identify one area of your life where you can make a change this week. [43:00]
4. The sermon emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel. How can you share this inclusive message of salvation with someone from a different background or belief system? [41:12]
5. Consider the call to be a resilient missionary in your own context. What specific steps can you take to share your experiences of Jesus with others in your community? [56:19]
6. How can you address cultural objections to Christianity in a way that is both respectful and truthful? Think of a recent conversation where you could have applied this approach. [19:47]
7. The sermon mentions the transformative power of the gospel. How have you experienced this transformation in your own life, and how can you testify to this change to others? [52:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Cornerstone
Jesus' completed work of salvation is the foundation upon which our faith is built. This truth is not merely a theological concept but a practical reality that calls us to live lives reflecting His lordship. As the cornerstone, Jesus shapes and guides us, influencing our decisions, actions, and interactions with others. His position at the right hand of God signifies His authority and mercy, inviting us to submit to His rule and allow Him to transform us daily. Embracing Jesus as the cornerstone means allowing His teachings and example to permeate every aspect of our lives, leading us to live in a way that honors Him. [24:35]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (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, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you allow Jesus to shape your daily decisions and interactions this week?
Day 2: Resilience in Mission
The early church demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of opposition, standing firm in their convictions and continuing their mission despite challenges. This resilience is a quality we are called to emulate, especially as we encounter cultural challenges and objections to our faith. The apostles' steadfastness in proclaiming the truth of Jesus, even when faced with resistance, serves as an example for us to follow. We are encouraged to remain committed to our mission, sharing the gospel with boldness and confidence, knowing that cultural challenges are not new and that we are equipped to overcome them through faith and perseverance. [17:56]
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to demonstrate resilience in your faith? How can you take a step towards that today?
Day 3: Inclusivity of the Gospel
While all religious claims are inherently exclusive, the gospel of Jesus is uniquely inclusive, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background or moral standing. This inclusivity is rooted in the grace of God, reminding us that salvation is not based on our merits but on His unmerited favor. The gospel's message is one of hope and redemption for everyone, inviting all to experience the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace. As believers, we are called to share this inclusive message with others, extending the invitation of salvation to those around us. [41:12]
Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the inclusive message of the gospel? How can you share this message with them in a loving and authentic way?
Day 4: Objective Truth of Faith
Our faith is not a matter of personal preference but is grounded in the objective truth of Jesus' resurrection. The power of the gospel lies in its ability to transform lives, bringing spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead. This truth challenges us to move beyond seeking comfort in difficult times and to embrace the transformative power of the gospel in every aspect of our lives. As we anchor our faith in the reality of Jesus' resurrection, we are empowered to live boldly and confidently, knowing that our faith is rooted in truth and not merely subjective experience. [52:01]
1 Corinthians 15:14-17 (ESV): "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised."
Reflection: How does the objective truth of Jesus' resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to align more closely with this truth?
Day 5: Call to Be Resilient Missionaries
We are called to be resilient missionaries, sharing what we have experienced in Jesus with others. This mission is not limited to pastors or missionaries but extends to all believers, wherever God has placed us. Embracing this call means allowing Jesus to be the cornerstone of our lives, shaping us and directing us in His mission. As we share the gospel with those around us, we are challenged to do so with resilience and perseverance, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring others to Him. [56:19]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone in your life? How can you rely on God's strength to be a resilient missionary in your community?
Quotes
"He sits in a seat of mercy ruling over because everything has been fulfilled. And so, we are there, and now there's this movement going on in Acts. And what we're seeing today is after this lame man has been healed, we carry that theme over into today, and we see resistance. Right? Whenever there's a movement, if you're a science person, and you know this from physics, wherever there is movement, there is friction." [00:17:20] (27 seconds)
"And so, we should expect it with Jesus. It happened to him, and we should expect it for his followers, and we should expect it today. And so, what we're going to learn today is that in this resistant opposition, they were resilient missionaries. They kept on to the mission." [00:18:09] (14 seconds)
"And the priests in the capital temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people about and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. So, the Sadducees, you know, they have two problems. One, they just don't like Jesus. Jesus is taking away their power, their authority, their influence, their comfort, their lifestyle, and so Jesus is a threat, so they just don't like Jesus." [00:21:38] (23 seconds)
"Peter is claiming, look, I'm not smart. I'm not smarter than anybody else. In fact, look at the text. The text goes out of its way to tell us that Peter is not smart. Verse 13, he says, when they saw they were uneducated common men, they were astonished. Now, the writer of this is Luke. Luke wrote the gospel, and he writes Acts. And Luke is a friend of Peter and John." [00:29:43] (25 seconds)
"Resilient missionaries are not necessarily arrogant. I mean, necessarily smart. They're not necessarily smart. Too many of us get hung up on this, that we don't share Jesus because we think we have to be smart. We think we have to have degrees or certificates behind our names or some kind of initials in order for us to be sharing the gospel. Not true." [00:30:42] (23 seconds)
"Jesus said, remember, Peter said, Jesus is this cornerstone. See, when Jesus becomes the cornerstone of your life, like, remember, this cornerstone determines the building. The cornerstone is Christ. It determines his body, the church. God is building his church on a cornerstone of Jesus. That is what defines us. That's what shapes us. That's what molds us. That's what makes us who we are." [00:43:07] (24 seconds)
"Jesus didn't get out of the grave because he was subjective preferences. Like, man, I really don't like the way the tomb is decorated in here. I've got to get out. He didn't do that. It was by the objective power of God who raised him from the dead and then gave him life. And gave him victory over death. And that's what we need in our souls, too, for salvation." [00:51:42] (23 seconds)
"Think of this most unlikely move that happened with the most unlikely people and how large it got. And it started with these few ordinary people that had no degrees, just common backwoods fishermen. And yet, just in a few days, this movement was multiplying and expanding and it swept the world. They believed the gospel and they took the implications seriously." [00:56:39] (23 seconds)
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