October 9. The Corner Stone
J.R. Miller emphasizes that Jesus, once rejected as unworthy, is now exalted as the cornerstone of faith and the sovereign King, urging believers to confidently build their lives upon Him.
In this sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound truth that Jesus Christ, once rejected by many, is now exalted as the cornerstone of faith and the sovereign King of Heaven and earth. He challenges listeners to recognize the honor Christ holds in Heaven and to build their lives firmly upon Him. Miller’s message calls believers to embrace Christ boldly and warns of the futility of rejecting Him.
Text
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Matthew 21:42
Those to whom Christ first came, did not think Him suitable to be their Messiah. So they refused to receive Him, and nailed Him on a cross instead. But now what do we behold? That same Jesus whom they thought unfit to be their king — God has made King of glory, Lord of Heaven and earth! All things are in His hands — all power, all mercy, all judgment. The very rulers who rejected Him and demanded His crucifixion, when they awake on the judgment morning — shall see as their Judge, the same Jesus whom they despised and condemned to die.
A great many people now think Christ is unsuitable to be their Master. They do not consider it an honor to be called a Christian. They blush to own His name or to enroll themselves among His followers. They do not care to model their life on His holy and perfect life. All such should remember that Christ has highest honor in Heaven. No angel is ashamed to speak His name. Redeemed spirits praise Him day and night. God the Father has exalted Him to the throne of eternal power and glory. Why, then, should sinful men be ashamed to own Him as Lord?
They should remember, further, that God has made Him the corner-stone of the whole building not made with hands. No life that is not built on Him can stand. There is no other rock on which to rest a hope. If they ever are saved it must be by this same Jesus whom they are now rejecting.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The rejection of Christ by His contemporaries
- Their failure to recognize Him as Messiah
- The irony of their judgment on the judgment day
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II
- Christ’s exaltation as King of glory
- His sovereign power over all things
- The honor He holds in Heaven
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III
- The shame of rejecting Christ today
- The necessity of building life on Christ the cornerstone
- No hope apart from Jesus
Key Quotes
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” — J.R. Miller
“All things are in His hands — all power, all mercy, all judgment.” — J.R. Miller
“No life that is not built on Him can stand.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Confess and embrace Jesus openly as Lord and cornerstone of your life.
- Build your daily decisions and character firmly on the teachings and example of Christ.
- Remember that true hope and salvation come only through Jesus, the rejected but exalted King.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jesus called the cornerstone?
Jesus is called the cornerstone because He is the foundational rock upon which the entire spiritual building of faith is constructed.
What does it mean that the builders rejected the stone?
It means that those who first encountered Jesus did not recognize His worth or role as Messiah and rejected Him, leading to His crucifixion.
How should believers respond to Christ’s exaltation?
Believers should honor Christ openly, build their lives firmly on Him, and never be ashamed to own His name.
What is the consequence of not building one’s life on Christ?
Without Christ as the foundation, no life can stand or have a true hope of salvation.