Cornerstone

Just down the road, someone is building a new house. Each day, I pass it and see the progress that has been made - and it is flying up! Timber frame construction means the walls and roof are up in no time, and it's onto the job of fitting out.

Today, we read on in Ephesians 2 which uses the image of construction to show how God is building his church.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Our building technique is different - yet the image is clear. Every building has essential elements. Every building needs a good foundation. And there is one stone which is critical - without it, the whole building falls apart. The cornerstone. When it comes to the church, Jesus Christ himself is the cornerstone. If he is not present, if he is removed or sidelined, then the church falls apart. It cannot function as it should. Actually it can't exist in the manner God intended.

What is that?

Well, God is building his church as a temple - a place for him to dwell, by his Spirit. And for that to happen, it must have Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. He must be preset. He must have reconciled you to God, through the cross.

Neglect Jesus, and you may have a nice club. You may enjoy getting together as a group of people. But you fall short of being a church.