While teaching a Bible study on the book of Ephesians, I studied Ephesians 2:20. In this verse, Paul reminds the first century believers that Jesus is the chief cornerstone. He is the foundation of what they believed, but also the all-important building block for us to remember.
The cornerstone was the first stone set for a building project. It helped to determine the alignment of the building and bore some of the first weight of the building blocks. Several centuries later, the cornerstone also became a memorial marker that signified the history of the building.
In fact, if you tour some of the small towns in Kansas — look for the cornerstone on old churches, libraries, or historical buildings. It will often contain the date when the cornerstone was laid, perhaps the name of the building, or another historical fact.
So in this passage of Ephesians, Paul reminds us that Jesus is not only our foundation, but our memorial stone. He is the beginning of what God is building within us and for us.
During our study, I asked the people to consider their personal cornerstone. What was the first building block that helped them become Jesus-followers? When did that first moment of belief happen? How have they built on their cornerstone since that moment?
My cornerstone moment came through Child Evangelism Fellowship. A wonderful elderly saint named Mabel Gruneau explained the Wordless Book. A book with no words, just colors on each page. I wasn’t reading yet, because I was only four years old. But I knew and understood colors. So it was easy for me to understand the following:
- Blue – God created the blue sky and the clouds that float in the sky.
- Green – God created the world, including grass, flowers, and all kinds of plants.
- Brown – God created the animals, the man, and the woman.
- Black – The man and woman decided to ignore God and sin. They did what God told them NOT to do.
- Red – Jesus was/is God’s son. He came to earth to die, to pay for the sins that people choose to do.
- White – When we believe who Jesus is and ask him to come live in our hearts, God makes the blackness all clean and white.
- Gold – Someday we will go to heaven where the streets are gold, and we will be with Jesus forever.
I still remember the moment I understood this Good News, and I remember the details of that day. My long hair hung in braids down my back. I wore a red calico dress and Oxford white and black shoes. More than anything else in the world, I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart that very day. So I ran to the front of the room, my braids bouncing up and down on my back.
Mabel met me and once again explained the meaning of the colors. Then we prayed together, and I asked Jesus to come into my heart and be with me forever. That was my cornerstone moment.
Through the years, God has sent mentors to help me grow. The Spirit has revealed truth to me through scripture and allowed me to teach Bible studies. I have read multiple books that increased my knowledge and strengthened my faith. Always — throughout the years — Jesus has been with me. And I’m still learning more about the love of God and how to continue to be built up in my faith.
So what about you? What is your cornerstone moment? Share it in the comments. Then continue to build on your cornerstone toward a stronger faith life.
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: stux / Pixabay
Check out Ruthie’s story and how she found her cornerstone in a cemetery. Seeking the Land of Grace.