Oct. 12, 2026: The Cornerstone Chosen and Precious

BIG IDEA: “A truly sent life is built around the cornerstone of the person of Jesus Christ.”

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:  
1 Peter 2:6  “For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Isaiah 28:16  
“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.”

Isaiah 28:16 is the central Old Testament passage behind 1 Peter 2:6. Peter directly quotes Isaiah and shows that Isaiah’s prophecy points to Jesus. This passage reinforces the sermon’s main idea:“A truly sent life is built around the cornerstone of the person of Jesus Christ.”

Peter quotes Isaiah to remind believers that God’s plan has always centered on Jesus. Long before Jesus’ birth, God promised a cornerstone — someone chosen, precious, tested, and trustworthy. A cornerstone was the first stone set in a building, and every other stone was aligned to it. If the cornerstone was right, the building could stand strong. If it was wrong, the whole structure was in danger.

This week's sermon reminds us: “In construction, when a cornerstone is laid down in the corner, every other stone and the entire building is built in reference to that cornerstone.” That is the picture of the Christian life. Jesus is not meant to be an add-on, a hobby, a Sunday routine, or “just another brick in the wall.” He is meant to be the foundation around which everything else is built.

Ask yourself honestly: Is Jesus truly the cornerstone of my life, or have I simply made Him one part of my life? You can believe in Jesus but still build major parts of your life around comfort, control, ambition, approval, money, relationships, or personal desires. But Peter promises: “Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Jesus is the only foundation that will never fail you.

Action Step:  Write down the major areas of your life — family, work, finances, relationships, church, private habits, and future plans. Beside each one, ask: “Is this built around Jesus?”

Song of the Day:
Shout To The Lord | feat. Jessie Harris | Gateway Worship