August 2, 2026
Rejected Cornerstone
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

What people reject, God often uses to accomplish His greatest purposes, and nowhere is that more true than in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 118
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, the right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

I. God’s Love Sustains Us in Trouble
II. God’s Salvation Comes Through The Rejected One
III. God’s Son Deserves Our Praise And Submission

God’s greatest work often happens through what appears to be failure.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I choose to trust God to redeem my failures.
• I commit to rebuild my foundation on Jesus rather than people or possessions.

Deep Dive

1. Why is the image of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone such a powerful picture of Jesus? (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11)
2. Read 1 Peter 2:4-8. What does it mean for believers to build their lives upon Christ as the cornerstone?
3. How can we better carry hope, build intentional relationships, and pursue Jesus in light of Psalm 118?

Springboards

1. The word “hallelujah” means “Praise the Lord.” How often is that phrase part of your daily vocabulary?
2. Read Psalm 150:1. What are some places in your daily life where you can intentionally worship God?
3. Read Psalm 150:2 and share one “mighty deed” God has done in your life that causes you to praise Him.