Mindy Lee Hopman

The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone.

Psalm 118:22 NASB

Fellowship of Christian Athlete (FCA) campers around the world learn what it looks like to build their lives on the Rock during day three of camp.

Go Build!

Jesus taught there is power in prayer, power in God’s Word, and power in a community of believers who build their lives on the Rock.

But the LORD has been my stronghold, And my God the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 94:22 NASB

So what? What does life even look like when I build my life on the Rock?

Some people see the Rock as a stumbling block, while some people see the Rock as the chief cornerstone. When Jesus becomes the cornerstone of your life, everything changes. A cornerstone is the MOST essential stone in the foundation of a building. Jesus changes everything.

Jesus changes everything because Jesus is love. When your eyes are opened to the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the Spirit becomes alive in you and you become a NEW creation!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2nd Corinthians 5:17 NASB

Jesus changes your identity -> called, chosen, redeemed, forgiven, restored, renewed, beloved

We love, because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 NASB

Jesus changes your life -> family, friends, relationships, trust, attitude, social media, sports, school, church

There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling…

Ephesians 4:4 NASB

Jesus unites Jews and Gentiles as the body of Christ -> you are united with all believers by the power of the Holy Spirit

In the Old Testament, Naomi’s husband and two sons passed away. So Naomi sent her daughters-in-law back to their own families and land.

And they lifted up their voices and wept again; Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

Ruth 1:14 NASB

Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye.
Ruth clung. Ruth clung to the new life she found in the faith of her mother-in-law. Ruth did not come from a “believing” home, yet she chose to become a believer.

Every single one of us has a choice.

Will you kiss the cross goodbye, or will you cling to it?

When you cling to Christ, He makes you a new creation and you are grafted-in with all believing Jews and Gentiles to the olive tree. We are one in Christ! And the sap that comes from our belief gives us a brand new Spiritual DNA! You are a new creation!

When you are a new creation in Christ, you intentionally build your life on Christ, and He changes the trajectory of your life forever! And for that we can all be grateful!

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NASB

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who is hearing a message today about building his or her life on Christ. May each person understand how the choice to cling to the cross will change his or her life for eternity and give her/him the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he/she may never walk alone again. I praise You for Your presence and Your everlasting love that we may all build our lives upon. Thank You for bringing us together as One body who will one day be reunited with You. In the Precious Name of Jesus I Pray, Amen