It Starts Small

¹⁹ So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22

The magnificent benefits of the Gentiles’ newly forged relationship with God are nothing short of astounding. They were no longer outcasts, aliens, or foreigners. They were warmly embraced into the fold, even constituting the heart and majority of the church! With this incredible acceptance, they rose as full-class citizens, enjoying all the glorious perks that come with it. They could proudly claim their place as members of God’s very household, embraced as His own beloved family!

As Gentiles, we are not just citizens of heaven. We hold the incredible privilege of direct access to God through His Spirit! We are His beloved children, able to cry out to Him at any moment. Oh, how we should rejoice in this intimate relationship with our Creator. This is a glorious bond forged solely through the sacrificial love of Christ’s death on the cross!

Jesus is the cornerstone

Without Him, the whole edifice would surely collapse! Legend has it that when Solomon’s Temple rose from the ground, there lay a mighty stone. It was an unyielding block that the builders cast aside without a second thought. They shunned it, the architect deeming it unworthy for the sacred structure. Yet, in a twist of fate, perceptions shifted. That very stone, once rejected, was ultimately embraced as the cornerstone of the entire temple! It transformed into the most vital piece of the entire construction, symbolizing strength and resilience in the face of doubt.

When Jesus is called the cornerstone, it resonates profoundly with the Jews of the New Testament era. Though He faced rejection from His own people, He was undeniably the Messiah—the one foretold! He is the unshakable foundation of God’s magnificent kingdom. The church is a living testament to hope and faith. This transcends all barriers!

The apostles are built on top of Christ

They recounted the profound lessons learned from Christ with zeal. Their stories illuminated minds. They received divine inspiration from God through the Spirit. They passionately established the very bedrock of the church. They engaged in teaching and preaching. They fervently constructed its presence through tireless missionary efforts. The foundational teachings laid down by the disciples remain steadfast and unyielding, echoing through the ages with unwavering truth.

What is the actual structure? What is the “building” made of?

It is woven from the very essence of believers’ lives. Each one is an indispensable thread in the vibrant tapestry of the church. They contribute with their unique gifts and passions. Jesus stands as the unwavering cornerstone, the bedrock upon which the apostles forged a legacy. Likewise, we build upon His steadfast foundation, for He is the rock that fortifies our existence. This unshakeable foundation envelops us in safety and security amidst life’s fiercest storms. When we embark on the mission to build God’s kingdom, we are not acting in isolation. We are fervently laying additional stones upon the magnificent edifice He has already established.

Growing

The church as a vibrant collective, and we as fervent individuals, must be in a constant state of growth! This journey is far from complete; the foundation remains rock-solid and unwavering. Yet, the structure of our faith is expanding, reaching new heights! God fervently desires that we never settle for complacency or stagnation in our walk with Him. Seasoned believers find it far too easy to fall into that trap. These are the individuals who have walked this path for years. Let’s ignite our passion and keep striving forward!

Spiritual disciplines should ignite a fire within us. These include attending church or immersing oneself in the Bible. They should not fall into dull routines. When passion and fervor fade away, we risk drifting into the depths of apathy, where boredom can take hold. Yet, there are those brave believers who refuse to let complacency reign. They rise each day with an unyielding desire to deepen their faith. They push boldly toward spiritual growth.

---

Cross References:

• Philippians 3:20
• 1 Peter 2:4-5

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to be a citizen?
• What were Gentiles living with the Jews called previously?
• What is the building doing?
• What about the individuals?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.