Sunday, February 12, 2012

Journey Through Ephesians - Cornerstone

Ephesians Banner Journey Through Ephesians   Joined Together as the Holy Temple


Ephesians 2:18-22

New King James Version (NKJV)
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Christ Our Cornerstone

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Without a strong cornerstone- the building will not last- it will crumble

"Members of the household of God" - Members of the same household would be a family. This passage describes the household/ family as having Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. 


What is a cornerstone exactly? 


As defined by Wikipedia: 
The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.


The whole building is set from and upon that stone - the rest of the building is the rest of the "family" or the body of Christ - the church - all together for the Spirit of God to dwell. Not in the building itself - but in the people - the family of Christ. 


We are one family - the body of Christ - where the Spirit of God dwells! That's pretty exciting stuff! 


Makes me want to act like it! 


We MUST exemplify love - which is the example set by our cornerstone: 

1 John 3:16 & 18

1 John 3:16 - "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

We need to overlook our differences and love with the love of Christ - both within the outside the body/family/dwelling of God!!! 


Spiritual "busyness" doesn't cut it y'all - we've got to get real - pull together with love and reach out to this dying world. People - both in the body and out of it - need the love of Christ. If we aren't living it - where will they find it? 


They don't meet Jesus Christ walking down the street - they meet you and me!





Something God has laid on my heart is that I want to be Jesus to others - both in my family of believers and non believers. He died for each one. He is the cornerstone - He set the example.

More words from Paul to the church:

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 & 11:1So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--
even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.




I count to #1000 Gifts : 

160. Warm blankets on a cold night
161. Cold comforts- cuddling little boys - sweet talk
162. Belly laughs from little boys 
163. Kids at church really "getting it" 
164. Loving, learning body of Christ
165. Prayers from strangers 
166. Strangers who are family because of our Cornerstone 
167. Learning to love fully 
168. Words of Paul 
169. Community 

 
 Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters 
A Pause On The Path




9 comments:

Gidget said...

Great supporting scripture, Kelli! I've always heard that Jesus is the cornerstone, but I never really thought about what that meant - great description!

I tell the kids all the time that we may be the only Jesus that someone meets..I learned that from the author of "Same Kind of Different as Me" - great story if you haven't read it :)

Thanks for the reminder!

Amy Sullivan said...

Dang, some beautiful pictures, and I haven't heard of some of the link-ups listed. Thanks.

Shanda said...

these passages are some of my favorite: keeping life intentional! I have an On Your Heart Tuesday blog hop and would love you to link up.

Anonymous said...

hey Kelli...great post...He is speaking about His love to me these days...and a good take away for me...He is the cornerstone of all...the example of love...
blessings to you...

Unknown said...

You are right -- they meet us on the street. Oh, Lord, please mold my heart so I can be of service!

and the thankful about kids at church getting it? priceless.

dmauton said...

Oh how awesome, I loved this and such revelation. We must have a good firm foundation and build upon it. Love it. Thanks for your insight. I really enjoy reading what others get out of it. :)

Nona said...

Prayers from strangers. So beautiful.

MomLaur said...

EVERYWHERE I GO it's people talking about being bold for the Lord! This is a great post, explaining the cornerstone brings new light to the meaning! Love ya!

Angela said...

Hi Kelli!!!

Wasn't sure how to contact you, but wanted to let you know that I selected your post for this month's Good Morning Girls WIWW link-up party contributor! :) Congratulations!!!

Love God Greatly
-Angela