Preaching is far more than eloquence or public speaking. It is the proclamation of God’s truth, a reflection of a life firmly rooted in Him. Psalm 118:22 captures a profound reality: what the world discards, God exalts. Jesus, the rejected stone, became the foundation of our faith, the very Cornerstone upon which all truth stands. Understanding this verse is crucial for anyone called to preach. It reminds us that genuine preaching begins not with style, popularity, or self-expression, but with a theological foundation — with Christ Himself at the center.
The metaphor of the rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone reveals God’s paradoxical ways. What humanity scorns, God makes essential. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection exemplify this truth: once rejected, He became the unshakable foundation of salvation.
In the context of preaching, this principle carries immense weight. A message built on trends, human opinion, or convenience may capture attention briefly, but it will not endure. The power of preaching lies not in entertainment or persuasion, but in the truth of God revealed in Christ. When Christ is the Cornerstone, every sermon, teaching, or act of ministry rests on eternal ground.
True preaching begins with presence — the presence of God through His living Word. Scripture is not simply information to be memorized or recited; it is revelation meant to transform both messenger and listener. Numbers 14:35 states, “I the Lord have spoken.” Even in these few words, we glimpse God’s heart: He desires to communicate, to be known, and to shape lives.
Jesus perfectly modeled this principle. The Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity (John 1:14), embodying the truth He proclaimed. He did not merely speak; He lived the Word. His teachings, miracles, and interactions were inseparable from His life of obedience and love. When He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4), He emphasized that God’s Word is as essential to our souls as food is to the body.
For preachers, this means that preparation is more than studying content; it requires cultivating intimacy with God, allowing His Word to saturate every thought, attitude, and action. Preaching is most effective when it emerges from a life deeply shaped by God’s presence.
Scripture consistently highlights that God prepares His messengers before sending them. Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and the apostles were first listeners, servants, and learners before they were speakers. Their lives were shaped in hidden places — through obedience, struggle, prayer, and dependence on God — before they could faithfully proclaim His message.
The same principle applies to modern preaching. A messenger who is not first a student of the Word risks sharing their own voice rather than God’s. Theology is not merely academic knowledge; it must flow into lifestyle. Studying God without living God results in empty sermons and shallow ministry. Conversely, when our lives are grounded in His truth, our words gain depth and credibility.
“Theology should be a lifestyle.” This is more than a catchy phrase; it is a divine calling. When theology is internalized and practiced, preaching ceases to be just an activity; it becomes an extension of life. A life that reflects the Word preaches silently yet powerfully.
People may forget sermons, but they rarely forget examples. How we love when it is difficult, forgive when it is undeserved, serve when no one is watching, and remain faithful in uncertainty testifies louder than words. Living theology ensures that preaching is not confined to the pulpit but resonates in every action, decision, and relationship.
To build on the Cornerstone is to prioritize depth over display, truth over trend, and obedience over applause. It is to allow God’s Word to mold our hearts before we attempt to mold others’ understanding. Christ remains the foundation that cannot be shaken, and a life firmly rooted in Him will endure the storms of doubt, distraction, and rejection.
Self-examination is essential: What is our life built on? Talent? Wisdom? Social influence? Or Christ alone? Preaching that is effective and lasting always flows from a life anchored in the Cornerstone. When theology becomes living practice, faith moves from theory to demonstration, and the preacher’s life itself becomes a sermon.
The world may reject Christ, but God exalts Him. The same God who turned a rejected stone into the foundation of salvation continues to shape hearts today. Preaching, at its core, is not about human applause or immediate results; it is about building lives on the eternal Cornerstone.
Return to your foundation. Let Christ be the center of your life and ministry. Be rooted in His Word, sensitive to His voice, and willing to be molded by His Spirit. When everything else fades, only what is built on the Cornerstone endures — a life that quietly yet powerfully proclaims that Jesus, once rejected, remains the unshakable foundation of all that matters.
