The reason that there is so much needless tragedy in our world is that most of us don’t build our lives, our nations, or our world upon A SURE FOUNDATION. “…thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A TRIED STONE, a precious cornerstone, A SURE FOUNDATION…” (Isaiah 28:16) “…NO OTHER FOUNDATION can anyone lay than that which is laid, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.” (1 Corin. 3:11) Notice, that this STONE would be “tried” first. The fully humanness of Christ’s life had to QUALIFY to become the foundation and the precious cornerstone–on which the New Testament Church would be built. We read that Christ became perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10); and that He was tempted in all things, just as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He had to overcome–Satan (Revelation 3:21), this world, and His own human nature or His sinful flesh (Romans 8:3)–as He WAS a human being, FULLY flesh and blood when here on earth. He had BECOME flesh (John 1:14), having set aside His divinity or “equality with God” (Philippians 2:6-8). The Bible points out in Isaiah 28:16, that “Christ is the FOUNDATION STONE in His atonement, a TRIED STONE in His temptations, and a PRECIOUS CORNER STONE in His relationship to His people.”
Jesus chose a “petra”: a huge massive rock; a solid formation; “…upon this rock (petra) I will BUILD MY CHURCH…” (Matt. 16:18) Some organizations claim Peter is this rock because He is “petros” a piece of rock, a small stone. In a conversation with his disciples Jesus asked them “who am I to you,” Peter said “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16-16) Jesus said I know who you are and you know who I am, it is upon this rock of “mutual understanding” (Matt. 16:18) that I will build my church.
“Christ loved the church and GAVE HIMSELF FOR HER, that He might sanctify and cleanse her that He might PRESENT HER TO HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that…
SHE SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH…(Eph. 5:25-27)
-Bill Stockham