Do you understand the scriptural significance of our church’s name, Cornerstone? The prophet Isaiah shared the good news of the coming messiah that would be the “cheif cornerstone” for which all of God’s people would be built upon (Isaiah 28:16-17). The Apostle Paul declared that messiah to be Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22). Let’s take a look at that verse now:
19 So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. 20 As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. 22 Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit.
A cornerstone, in ancient building practices, was the principal stone placed at the corner of a building. It served as part of the foundation with the purpose of connecting the walls and bearing the weight of the building on itself — holding together the entire structure. Paul describes Jesus as the cornerstone for which the whole church is built upon. Though we were all once strangers that is no longer the case. We are one with each other connected by Christ as the cornerstone.
Cornerstone United Methodist Church is a continued extension of Christ’s ministry to connect all strangers and aliens, making them one as brothers and sisters. Our name is a reminder of the church’s mission to go out (to strangers and aliens) and make disciples of Jesus Christ (brothers and sisters in God’s household) for the transformation of the world.
Christ called himself the cornerstone and that is significant. This Sunday (August 19th) at 10:30 AM we will discuss another name Christ called himself, “The Bread of Life”. The significance in that name goes beyond a simple understanding of God as provider. Its a symbol of Jesus who not only provides sustenance, but also becomes the very substance for eternal life. If you have time this weekend try to read John 6 in its entirety before Sunday.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
