Establishing Foundations: Apostles and Prophets Part 1

I recently had a prophet ask me that if Jesus is the chief cornerstone and the church's foundation consists of the Apostles and Prophets, then what makes up the other cornerstone? (Assuming that this totaled three) I e-mailed him a response that I wish to elaborate on here in this foundational teaching series. The scripture is found in Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? If we look at the types and shadows of building construction, we see that there are actually always four cornerstones in typical construction.

I asked the Lord for understanding and this is what He revealed. The four cornerstones are all Christ. In Ezekiel 1:10 we see the four faces of God. Each of these represents the four Gospels and the themes each one holds. They are as follows: Lion = Matthew, as we see the theme of kingship and authority in this gospel.. Ox = Mark, as we see the working of faith. Eagle = John, as we see the eminence or deity of faith. The man = Luke, as we see the vessel of faith. All four gospels show different aspects of Christ's Apostolic ministry. We also see the four winds of the Spirit in Ezekiel 37:9 as they prophesy life into dead bones, and in the book of Revelation as well. Only Jesus, as the Spirit of prophecy, can bring life.

The four gospels all parallel the four faces in Ezekiel as well, each describing an aspect of the four cornerstones and how Jesus the Apostle functions in each. I believe these also show four foundations needed in true Apostolic ministry namely, working of faith, kingship or government in faith, deity or sovereignty of faith, and the vessel or container of faith. Men in each of these 4 areas rejected Jesus, as the chief cornerstone. Each Cornerstone has on either side of it an Apostolic and Prophetic stone taking on the nature of the Cornerstone. Once we decide the office of Apostles and prophets truly exist, then understanding of the 4 types of Apostolic and Prophetic offices will follow. They are revealed through the Gospels.

The four gospels are the foundations of the life of Jesus, the cornerstones on which we base our faith. In Ezekiel 1:10, we see the four faces of God. Each of these represents the four Gospels and the themes each holds. They are as follows: Lion = Matt, the theme of kingship and authority in this gospel. Ox = Mark, the working of faith. Eagle = John, the eminence or deity of faith. The man = Luke, the vessel of faith. I believe we all have a certain gospel that we enjoy reading more than others. It is because we relate to it better than the other 3. This is because our own spiritual makeup is reflected in what we are drawn to. Each of the four Apostles were called in different ways, had different things to work through, and perceived Jesus differently. I believe the same holds true to the office of Apostles and prophets.

The cornerstone was large enough and was required to support two additional rows of stones leaning into it. Eph 2:20 tells us the church is built upon the foundation stones of Apostles and Prophets. These two offices lean into Jesus the chief cornerstone. The cornerstone not only supports and was designed for this "leaning into", it also was the stone to establish a level foundation, and the boundaries of a building. It is easy to build a straight wall, but to establish 4 equally distanced and square corners takes much time. I recently had the chance to do this, making the foundation for my basement. Once the corners of a building are decided and square, the rest is easy to lay out. Once the reality of the four Gospels and what they represent is fixed in our lives, the job for the Apostles and Prophets to build straight and level foundation lines also becomes easy. As we build, we are constantly going back to the cornerstone to get our bearings and to reestablish the plumb lines of righteousness in our lives. We build and go back, build and go back.

The anointing and nature is transferable by touch. This is why we lay hands on people. Just as the Apostle and Prophets (foundation stones) lean in to Jesus (cornerstone) They will take on the reflection of that stone.