Cornerstone

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,

 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus

himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV)

Paul tells his readers quite a bit of information in this passage.

“. . . no longer foreigners and aliens. . . “All are welcome into God’s house. Sometimes we walk into a place and feel instantly at home. People shouldn't feel like an outcast or one who isn't acceptable when they enter God’s house.

“. . . fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. . . ” Seven years ago, this past June the church we had been attending merged with another church in town to become a new church. Those of us who chose to enter this merger experience don’t refer to those who presently worship there as being from either church. We all worship and identify ourselves as people of the new organization. What Paul tells us here is that, once we align ourselves with Jesus, what we were is not important. What is important is that we belong to Him.

“. . . built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets . . .” Our scriptures, inspired by God, come to us through the apostles and the prophets sent by God. One who is striving to follow Jesus relies on the Scriptures to form his or her thought processes and lifestyle.

“. . . with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” In architecture, the cornerstone of a building supports the building. In the construction process, this stone is important. In my town, a downtown church had a cornerstone dated January 1, 1900. That building was destroyed by fire in December, 1960. That church rebuilt on the same spot and today still has a ministry to those in the downtown area.

Graphic:www.purifiedbyfaith.com