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Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ stands as the Chief Cornerstone of our spiritual foundation, the central and most vital part upon which the entire structure of the church rests. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul emphasizes that He is the cornerstone, the primary stone at the foundation's extreme corner, bearing the load of intersecting walls and supporting the whole edifice. This imagery reflects the massive, precisely cut stones of the Temple, which, due to their weight and interlocking design, needed no mortar to remain immovable. As the Chief Cornerstone, He upholds and aligns the spiritual Temple, ensuring its stability against any force. Paul further confirms in I Corinthians 3:11 that no other foundation can be laid than that which is in Him, underscoring that any deviation from His true gospel results in a flawed foundation unable to support what is built upon it. His teaching is the touchstone for all spiritual truth, anchoring and undergirding every other element of God's Word. In Isaiah 28:16, He is described as a tried stone, tested and found perfect, or a trying stone, against which others are measured. He is also a precious cornerstone, rare and excellent, of ultimate value in every aspect of His character and works. As a sure foundation, He is unyielding and immovable, the ultimate base upon which faith can rest without fear of collapse or shame, as reiterated in I Peter 2:6. Psalm 118:22-23 portrays Him as the head of the corner, laid by God to provide salvation, making possible the marvelous day of deliverance through His unique and indispensable role. Finally, in Deuteronomy 30:20, He is declared as our life and the length of our days, offering eternal extension through His strength as the Chief Cornerstone upon which we must stand to inherit the promises of salvation.
Did Christ Build the Church on Peter (Matthew 16:18)?
Bible Questions & AnswersChrist is the rock upon which He builds His church, not Peter, who is likened to a pebble or small stone. He declares that He would establish His church on the boulder, emphasizing that He Himself is the chief cornerstone, the foundation upon which the church stands. Through this, it is clear that He, not a mere man, is the enduring strength that ensures the church will prevail.
Building on Christ's Foundation
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ is not merely a foundation or a cornerstone, but He is the Chief Cornerstone upon which the prophets and apostles have built. We are to use the teachings of the apostles and prophets in God's Word to develop the righteousness of Christ with God's help. Our works require more than physical effort or service in God's church; they demand the righteousness of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our lives. All the wealth and gifts of the world are not pleasing to God and will not endure unless they are built upon this foundation of righteousness, upon Jesus Christ. As the temple of God, if we submit to Him, He will build our foundation on Jesus Christ, creating an everlasting foundation of righteousness that cannot be destroyed.
The Meaning of "In Christ"
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn order to have our inner core properly re-adjusted, we must have the state of 'being in Christ.'
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Jesus the Door
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 10:7-10 proclaims that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold or corral. If we follow Him in and out, we will have abundant life, now and in the Kingdom.
Christ Our Rock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Moses uses the metaphor of a rock, he thinks of the connotative qualities of enduring, unchanging, solid, awesome, strong, majestic, and beautiful.
The Teaching of Jesus and Prophecy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe teaching of Jesus is the key to Revelation. The Olivet Prophecy (the testimony of Jesus) in Matthew 24 unlocks the meaning of the seals in Revelation.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Jesus on His Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.
The Foundation of the World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ is the only secure Foundation upon which we can build to weather storms. The Church of God is built upon Christ, the Prophets, and the apostles.
A Time to Build Up
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterThe building of Solomons' Temple began in the month of Ziv. Ziv occurs in the springtime when the sun is in the sky for longer, enabling working in the light.
Privileges of the Temple of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Church is a building which has been constructed from the foundation of the world, fashioned incrementally stone by stone, layer by layer, member-by-member.
The Solid Foundation of God
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe don't all build on the foundation in the same manner, but God will test the quality of work for each of us in order to see if our edifice will stand.
Building on the Foundation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughConsiderable effort must be expended to find suitable bedrock for use as a foundation. We must build on the proper foundation; our bedrock is Jesus Christ.
How Revelation Enters the Church
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul had received the same revelation from God that the original disciples had been given. They all preached from the same Source: Jesus Christ.
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.
Don't Leave the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs part of Christ's body or household, we have a responsibility to stay attached to the spiritual organism and to respond to the head.
Dynamic Living Stones!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsOur service and sacrifice should never be considered a burden, but a joy, declaring the excellency of God, witnessing what God in Christ has done for us.

Living Stones
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingI Peter 2:9 reveals how precious we are to God, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a living stone fitted to join our spiritual siblings.

Be Strong and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile the returned Judean exiles prioritized their own houses over building the temple, we should understand that it is always time to work on God's house.
The Mystery of the Church (2005)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.