Cornerstone

According to dictionary.com, a cornerstone is "the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed." In other words, regardless of what constitutes something, the cornerstone is the most important piece. It defines the essence of something.

There are innumerable things in Christianity that are not the cornerstone. Let me list a few, so that you have an idea:

• The age of the universe.
• Whether the big bang is true. 
• Whether Noah's flood was global or local. 
• Which translation of the Bible to use. 
• Whether or not (insert random famous person) is/was a Christian.
• Whether there are different roles for men and women in the church. 
• Whether premillenialism, postmillenialism, or amillenialism are correct. Perhaps its something else. 
• Correct church polity. 
• The degree of demonic influence. 
• Who the nephalim were. 
• Whether I may mow my lawn on Sunday. 
• Whether speaking in tongues is a gift for the church today and, if so, what it is. 
• Whether modern worship music is permissible. 
• Whether liberals are Christian. Or conservatives. 
• Who is allowed to take communion / the Lord's Supper / the Eucharist. 
• Whether all dogs go to heaven. 

Admittedly, these issues can be important to a greater or lesser degree. They are worth discussing, even passionately, in an attempt to seek truth. But how often do we colossally miss the point? Often people devote themselves to drilling down into one or more of these issues, losing sight of what is most important. Let me suggest that when any of these secondary issues eclipse what is principal, we do ourselves and others a great disservice. 

So, what does the Bible teach us is primary?  

• Alluding to himself, he told the Pharisees, "the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17)
• This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.--Acts 4:11-12
• For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. -1 Corinthians 15:3
• The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.- 1 Timothy 1:15

Listen, Jesus is the cornerstone of everything related to the Christian faith. Do not become unduly distracted by secondary issues during those times when you have trouble seeing clearly the principle issue. Keep Christ your focus. He is the crux of the matter. 

"Although my memory is fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior."--John Newton

What would you call a man...

What would you call a man who...

• Uses touch to heal rather than to harm (Matthew 9:25, 9:29; Mark 1:31; 1:41; Luke 4:40; John 9:6)
• is a willing servant (Mark 5:24; 10:45; John 13:4)
• is known for his compassion (Matthew 14:14; 15:32; Mark 6:34)
• sees children not as a hindrance but a joy (Matthew 18:2; 19:13; Mark 5:41; 10:14; Luke 18:16)
• Listens to the "undesirables" in society (Matthew 20:31-32; Matthew 26:10; Mark 2:15; 5;34; Luke 5:13; 5:31; Luke 8;2; Luke 19:5; John 4:1)
• can be sad and troubled (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33; John 13:21)
• cries (Luke 19:41; John 11:35)
• steps away from a fight (Matthew 26:52; John 18:11)
• keeps his mouth shut rather than justifying himself (Matthew 26:63; 27:14)
• feels pain (Matthew 27:50)
• devotes himself to prayer (Mark 1:35; 9:29; Luke 11:2; John 17)
• requires rest (Mark 6:31)
• knows the Scriptures (Luke 4:17; 24:27)
• speaks of love toward other men (John 13:23; 13:34-35) 
• Values relationship (all of the Gospels)

You would call that man Jesus. Often our definition of masculinity is formed not by Scripture but by Hollywood. The biblical portrait of Jesus is not one of a hard-edged emotionless, loner. Rather, he is a man of conviction and wisdom who is tender, compassionate, relational and emotional. 

He's praying on the worst day of your life

Michael Kelley writes, "Peter suffered from the same delusion that plagues us all from time to time – that we are above it all. That we are above such an outright and blatant example of sin. That we are above succumbing. That our faith, and our will, is strong. But Jesus knows better.

"Peter was oblivious to the fact that he was embarking on what was to be no doubt one of the worst, if not the worst, day of his life. How many times in the years after would he look back on Jesus’ words and wonder how he could have been so arrogant? How many times would he replay the moment by the fire when all his will gave way underneath the weight of a little girl’s questioning? How many times would he remember the bitter tears he wept as Jesus was led away to His death in the shadow of His friend’s blatant denial?

"But how could he have known? In that moment, Peter felt strong. He felt confident. He was, in his own mind, invincible.

"But Jesus knew better. He still knows better." 

Read the whole thing here.