Last week I wrote about the "tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;"  and He is Jesus.

Wikipedia says the foundation stone is "...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." In fact, it is "...the most important part of a building - a crucial part of the foundation that anchors the whole structure."

It's no wonder scripture would use this analogy to talk about Christ.

Back in the days when Jesus walked the earth the process of building a stone structure began with the search for a suitable cornerstone for the construction. It was selected for its strength, beauty and size. Many stones were deemed inferior and laid aside until they found the stone they wanted.

In Matthew 21:42 Jesus is talking to the self-righteous Jewish religious leaders of his time. He makes it clear to them that the kingdom of God will be given to those who respond to the Messiah:

"Jesus said to them,
'Have you never read in the Scriptures:
'The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"

The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is compared to the rejection of a stone because it was deemed unfit to be a cornerstone. It was set aside for something else -- for some other use -- just as Jesus was.

When Jesus' atonement on the cross is rejected or disregarded, or when it is replaced by good works or another theology, then Jesus becomes a problem for people. For those who deny his deity and refuse to receive him, he becomes a stumbling block.

Peter talks about this. So does the apostle Paul in Romans 9:32-33 when he is speaking about Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness but did not attain it:

"Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.' As it is written:
'See I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall;
but the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.'"

Friends, we have searched and we have found the precious cornerstone. Christ is the foundation of the church and of every believer. His covenant of grace abides; his mercies are sure; his atonement of love on the cross is complete; and his promises are Amen and Hallelujah.

May your Easter week be a glorious celebration of these truths.

Greg




Saturday Morning, April 7: You're Invited! Easter Hike, Breakfast and Communion Service in the Beautiful White Tank Mountains


This is a very special time for us at Life Discovery. For many years (eleven, to be exact!) we have held this celebration on the day before Easter. Come for some - or all - of the morning!

8:00 AM: Begin the morning with a hike to the waterfall/water trickle. The trail is easy, with a groomed and paved path most of the way. You don't have to go all the way to see the great scenery and enjoy the outdoors.

9:30 AM: Return to Ramada #7 for a delicious hot breakfast with all the trimmings.

10:30 AM: Join us in a Celebration of Easter at the outdoor worship and communion service.

We will be taking a special offering for Life Discovery and to cover costs of the breakfast.

White Tank Mountain Park is located on Dunlap/Olive Ave. where it ends on the west side of the city. There is a $6.00 park entrance fee per car, so ride together if you can. You can ask for a park map at the gate. We meet at Ramada 7.

Bring your own lawn chair, sunscreen, hat or umbrella, and water. (It can get hot out there, so be prepared!) We meet - rain or shine.

Call Elly for more info at 623-297-1110. Don't miss it! We look forward to seeing you there.


Saturday, April 21: Life Discovery Garage Sale!

Spring is here and it's time to clean out that garage and closet and donate of all those items you can't use or don't want. Proceeds will go to to Life Discovery. The garage sale will take place at Elly's house. We will also need people to help. More info coming, but start packin' up those boxes now!