Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Jesus: Our Cornerstone of Love

1 Peter 2:6-8 – 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.”

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”

and

“A stone of stumbling,
    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In this text, Peter describes our Lord Jesus as “the cornerstone.”  The purpose of the cornerstone is to be the sure and right foundation for constructing a proper building.  In the Christian life, Christ is our precious Cornerstone and He is a cornerstone of love. This Cornerstone said, “All people will know you are My disciples by your love for one another.”  This sermon looks at how we are to love one another and thus build our lives and church on the Cornerstone of Love, Jesus Christ.

A. Requirements for the Cornerstone of Love to be in Our Lives, Church, and Families – This Sermon

1. Be individually Christ-centered – Philippians 1:21-25

2. Be committed to pray as families and with other believers – Colossians 4:2

3. Be intentional in loving our families and other believers – Luke 9:51-53

B. Jesus, the Cornerstone of Love: Our Model – Part 2

1. He displayed love for His disciples by being an example – John 13:12-15, 1 Timothy 4:12

2. He displayed love by comforting His disciples – John 14:1-3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Philemon 7

3. He displayed love by sacrificing for His disciples – John 15:12-14, 1 John 3:16

4. He displayed love by reminding His disciples of truth – John 16:1-4, 12-13; 2 Peter 1:12-13; 2 Peter 3:1

5. He displayed love by praying for His disciples

a. Their spiritual protection – John 17:14-15

b. Their spiritual growth – John 17:17