Who Am I?

If I asked you, “Who are you?”, what would you say?

If I asked you, “Who are you?”, what would you say?

· If I asked you, “Who are you?”, what would you say?

Asking this another way, what is your identity?

· Asking this another way, what is your identity?

There is a lot of talk today about “identity”. We seem to be striving to find a way to describe and classify ourselves; to know who we are.

· There is a lot of talk today about “identity”. We seem to be striving to find a way to describe and classify ourselves; to know who we are.

Many in our society might bring up their gender identity or sexuality.

· Many in our society might bring up their gender identity or sexuality.

· Since it is March Madness time, some of us might identify ourselves by the team we root for.

Since it is March Madness time, some of us might identify ourselves by the team we root for.

· Others would identify themselves by the job or their family.

Others would identify themselves by the job or their family.

Although some of the aspects of our current search for identity are unique to our day and time, we have always wrestled with these big questions of our identity.

· Although some of the aspects of our current search for identity are unique to our day and time, we have always wrestled with these big questions of our identity.

· Thinkers throughout history have pondered questions like, “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, “Am I alone?”, and “Does anyone care?”

Thinkers throughout history have pondered questions like, “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, “Am I alone?”, and “Does anyone care?”

This morning, Peter is going to give us an incredible answer to those questions, so go ahead and turn over to .

· This morning, Peter is going to give us an incredible answer to those questions, so go ahead and turn over to 1 Peter 2:4-10.

This is our second message in our series highlighting key passages in the book of 1 Peter.

· This is our second message in our series highlighting key passages in the book of 1 Peter.

We started last week by focusing on the incredible hope we have in what God has done for us, what he is accomplishing through our trials now, and what he will do for us in the future.

· We started last week by focusing on the incredible hope we have in what God has done for us, what he is accomplishing through our trials now, and what he will do for us in the future.

I hope this week has given you opportunities to remember that hope and respond differently!

· I hope this week has given you opportunities to remember that hope and respond differently!

As we dive into this morning’s passage, I am truly praying for God to let these truths sink deep into your heart.

· As we dive into this morning’s passage, I am truly praying for God to let these truths sink deep into your heart.

Peter is writing a letter to a group of believers who are being persecuted and discriminated against because of their faith in Christ.

· Peter is writing a letter to a group of believers who are being persecuted and discriminated against because of their faith in Christ.

In the next few chapters, he is going to challenge them to obey God in difficult and scary ways.

· In the next few chapters, he is going to challenge them to obey God in difficult and scary ways.

· Just before he dives in, he reminds them of who Jesus is and then who they are because of who Jesus is.

Just before he dives in, he reminds them of who Jesus is and then who they are because of who Jesus is.

We need this same reminder.

· For us, we need this same reminder.

This passage answers who you are in Christ and why you are here.

· This passage answers who you are in Christ and why you are here.

· I don’t want your identity to be found in anything less than God’s best for you, so I want you to see exactly who you are in Christ.

I don’t want your identity to be found in anything less than God’s best for you, so I want you to see exactly who you are in Christ.

· Coupled with the hope we have in him, this identity can help you overcome your fears, your sins, and find peace and rest in him that nothing else in this life can bring.

Coupled with the hope we have in him, this identity can help you overcome your fears, your sins, and find peace and rest in him that nothing else in this life can bring.

In fact, let me say it this way: If you are a Christian today, then you have an incredible identity in Christ.

· In fact, let me say it this way: If you are a Christian today, then you have an incredible identity in Christ.

This identity isn’t to make you proud; in fact, it should create in you a greater sense of humility than found anywhere in the world.

· This identity isn’t to make you proud; in fact, it should create in you a greater sense of humility than found anywhere in the world.

That humility, though, should be accompanied by a holy boldness that lives out the words of one of the great missionaries of years gone by, who is quoted as saying,

· That humility, though, should be accompanied by a holy boldness that lives out the words of one of the great missionaries of years gone by, who is quoted as saying,

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” (William Carey, 1843)

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” (William Carey, 1843)

· “Sean, I could never…” “God wouldn’t do this thing or that for me…”

“Sean, I could never…” “God wouldn’t do this thing or that for me…”

Are you sure? Because I think we will see otherwise from his word this morning.

· Are you sure? Because I think we will see otherwise from his word this morning.

For us to grab a hold of who we are in Christ, we must first:

· For us to grab a hold of who we are in Christ, we must first:

1) See who Jesus is.

1) See who Jesus is.

Peter uses several terms here to tell us a little bit about Jesus.

· Peter uses several terms here to tell us a little bit about Jesus.

· Although we know that He defies description, Peter highlights at least three specific points about Him.

Although we know that He defies description, Peter highlights at least three specific points about Him.

· First, that Jesus is a living stone.

First, that Jesus is a living stone.

Throughout this passage, Peter focuses on the fact that Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation.

· Throughout this passage, Peter focuses on the fact that Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation.

Remember that a cornerstone was the old way of building a building. The cornerstone was what you used as the point of reference for everything else in that building.

· Remember that a cornerstone was the old way of building a building. The cornerstone was what you used as the point of reference for everything else in that building.

There is a valuable lesson for us in this: the only starting point for our salvation and our identity is Jesus.

· There is a valuable lesson for us in this: the only starting point for our salvation and our identity is Jesus.

That is an argument that Peter made early on, way back in the weeks following Jesus’ return to heaven:

· That is an argument that Peter made early on, way back in the weeks following Jesus’ return to heaven:

Acts 4:10–12 CSB

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10–12, CSB)

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” (, CSB)

Jesus is the only starting point for salvation. Contrary to what our culture often teaches, all roads don’t lead to God.

Jesus is the only starting point for salvation. Contrary to what our culture often teaches, all roads don’t lead to God.

· Jesus is the only starting point for salvation. Contrary to what our culture often teaches, all roads don’t lead to God.

Jesus is the only way for you and me to have a relationship with God. He is the only one who has the power to forgive sins, and He is the only one who has conquered death.

· Jesus is the only way for you and me to have a relationship with God. He is the only one who has the power to forgive sins, and He is the only one who has conquered death.

That’s why Peter calls Jesus a living stone.

· That’s why Peter calls Jesus a living stone.

· Remember that last week, we said our hope is based on the fact that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

Remember that last week, we said our hope is based on the fact that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

Jesus didn’t simply die as a martyr or as a good example to us and then stay dead.

· Jesus didn’t simply die as a martyr or as a good example to us and then stay dead.

· Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and He was raised to show that God had accepted the sacrifice and that we could be forgiven!

Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and He was raised to show that God had accepted the sacrifice and that we could be forgiven!

Don’t ever forget how important the resurrection is!

· Don’t ever forget how important the resurrection is!

1 Corinthians 15:16–20 CSB

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:16–20, CSB)

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (, CSB)

Christ has been raised! The penalty has been paid, and now you and I look forward to a new life with Him forever!

· Christ has been raised! The penalty has been paid, and now you and I look forward to a new life with Him forever!

· He is our living stone, which is great news!

He is our living stone, which is great news!

· Unfortunately, not everybody sees it as great news.

Unfortunately, not everybody sees it as great news.

That’s why Peter says Jesus has been rejected by people.

· That’s why Peter says Jesus has been rejected by people.

John introduced Jesus that way in :

· John introduced Jesus that way in John 1:

John 1:9–12 CSB

The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name,

The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name… (, CSB)

The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name… (John 1:9–12, CSB)

· He has been rejected by the very ones He came to rescue.

He has been rejected by the very ones He came to rescue.

· That is hard to fathom since Peter also says He is a choice and precious stone.

That is hard to fathom since Peter also says He is a choice and precious stone.

· The word “choice” there is the same one that Peter used in 1 Peter 1:1 to describe us as believers, who were specifically chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.

The word “choice” there is the same one that Peter used in to describe us as believers, who were specifically chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.

· Jesus had been set apart, chosen, elected to be the one upon whom all our life is built.

Jesus had been set apart, chosen, elected to be the one upon whom all our life is built.

· Jesus is the chosen, precious son of God who is the foundation for salvation.

Jesus is the chosen, precious son of God who is the foundation for salvation.

· That leaves us with what we want to examine next:

That leaves us with what we want to examine next:

2) See who we are.

2) See who we are.

· Having laid out who Jesus is, this precious cornerstone upon whom our whole salvation, life, and identity are based, he talks about us!

Having laid out who Jesus is, this precious cornerstone upon whom our whole salvation, life, and identity are based, he talks about us!

· As we see, there are some who don’t receive Jesus, but for those of us who do, look at what he says of us.

As we see, there are some who don’t receive Jesus, but for those of us who do, look at what he says of us.

· Read with me verse 5-6, 9-10.

Read with me verse 5-6, 9-10.

For those of us who know and follow Christ, this is what He is doing.

· For those of us who know and follow Christ, this is what He is doing.

· First, see that turning to Christ makes us living stones like Jesus!

First, see that turning to Christ makes us living stones like Jesus!

We are not the cornerstone, but we share in the very life of Jesus:

· We are not the cornerstone, but we share in the very life of Jesus:

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, CSB)

Galatians 2:20 CSB

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (, CSB)

Christ’s life in me makes me a living stone that is part of a spiritual house.

· Christ’s life in me makes me a living stone that is part of a spiritual house.

· This also points back to what we saw in chapter 1, where we found out that our hope is built on Jesus’ resurrection.

This also points back to what we saw in chapter 1, where we found out that our hope is built on Jesus’ resurrection.

· If Jesus is raised, then I can have spiritual life and my body will one day be raised and transformed like his!

If Jesus is raised, then I can have spiritual life and my body will one day be raised and transformed like his!

The language here points back to the building of the temple, so we see that those who follow Christ, His church, are God’s temple!

· The language here points back to the building of the temple, so we see that those who follow Christ, His church, are God’s temple!

· We saw Paul use this same kind of language in Ephesians when we looked at that last year.

We saw Paul use this same kind of language in Ephesians when we looked at that last year.

This starts addressing those issues of our identity, doesn’t it?

· This starts addressing those issues of our identity, doesn’t it?

If you are here and you are in Christ, you are not alone! You may not always have the depths of relationships you would like, but you are being built together with other believers into a spiritual house of God!

· If you are here and you are in Christ, you are not alone! You may not always have the depths of relationships you would like, but you are being built together with other believers into a spiritual house of God!

· By the way, we can flip this around as well. Some of us feel isolated in our Christian walk because we aren’t committing to a local expression of that building, which is the church.

By the way, we can flip this around as well. Some of us feel isolated in our Christian walk because we aren’t committing to a local expression of that building, which is the church.

God didn’t save you for you to go through life alone. You need other believers in your life, and they need you! That’s why we gather as a church and minister together and study God’s word together in small groups and in Sunday School.

· God didn’t save you for you to go through life alone. You need other believers in your life, and they need you! That’s why we gather as a church and minister together and study God’s word together in small groups and in Sunday School.

· Sure, God is present everywhere, but he has saved us and equipped us to do life together.

Sure, God is present everywhere, but he has saved us and equipped us to do life together.

You don’t have to be alone, and you aren’t made to be alone.

· You don’t have to be alone, and you aren’t made to be alone.

· A key part of our identity in Christ is that you and I are being built up together to serve and know Jesus.

A key part of our identity in Christ is that you and I are being built up together to serve and know Jesus.

· Another incredible part of what happens for those who respond to Him: We are the temple of God, but we also have access to God!

Another incredible part of what happens for those who respond to Him: We are the temple of God, but we also have access to God!

· We are a holy priesthood. In other words, through Jesus, you and I have direct access to God!

We are a holy priesthood. In other words, through Jesus, you and I have direct access to God!

That’s why we don’t have a priest you confess your sins to or a saint to whom you pray; you are a priest because you are saved!

· That’s why we don’t have a priest you confess your sins to or a saint to whom you pray; you are a priest because you are saved!

· You have access to the throne room of God through prayer at any time, and you don’t need me or anyone else to let you in.

You have access to the throne room of God through prayer at any time, and you don’t need me or anyone else to let you in.

Do you feel like you don’t matter and don’t have anyone to lean on? Remember that God has given you direct access to himself. There is no greater privilege on earth than to know the God who made us.

· Do you feel like you don’t matter and don’t have anyone to lean on? Remember that God has given you direct access to himself. There is no greater privilege on earth than to know the God who made us.

· The priests of the Old Testament represented the people of Israel as they prayed and offered sacrifices on their behalf.

The priests of the Old Testament represented the people of Israel as they prayed and offered sacrifices on their behalf.

· We don’t have to offer animal sacrifices anymore because those sacrifices simply pointed to Jesus; His death fulfilled those.

We don’t have to offer animal sacrifices anymore because those sacrifices simply pointed to Jesus; His death fulfilled those.

· However, we still offer spiritual sacrifices.

However, we still offer spiritual sacrifices.

John MacArthur gives us several different ways we offer spiritual sacrifices:

· John MacArthur gives us several different ways we offer spiritual sacrifices:

o We allow God to use all that we are – our minds, bodies, everything yielded to Him.

We allow God to use all that we are – our minds, bodies, everything yielded to Him.

We worship and praise God for who He is and what He has done.

o We worship and praise God for who He is and what He has done.

o Doing what is right

Doing what is right

o Being generous

Being generous

o Prayer

Prayer

Finally, helping sinners come to Christ, which may be the main idea in view here.[1]

· Finally, helping sinners come to Christ, which may be the main idea in view here.[1]

Look down at verses 9-10…

· Look down at verses 9-10…

· Are you still wondering whether or not you matter? Do you still question God’s concern for you?

Are you still wondering whether or not you matter? Do you still question God’s concern for you?

Look at what Peter says about you!

· Look at what Peter says about you!

· You are a part of a chosen race! Out of all the groups of people in the world, if you have been drawn to Christ and placed your trust in him as Savior and Lord, you are in a unique group of people that, though his grace, enjoys a relationship with God that no one in the world outside of Jesus has?

You are a part of a chosen race! Out of all the groups of people in the world, if you have been drawn to Christ and placed your trust in him as Savior and Lord, you are in a unique group of people that, though his grace, enjoys a relationship with God that no one in the world outside of Jesus has?

You are a royal priesthood! Jesus’ blood has declared you righteous, so you don’t need me to be your priest between you and God. You get to find grace and forgiveness on your own without needing me or anyone else! You can offer your own sacrifices to God, giving him glory without having to have me do it for you.

· You are a royal priesthood! Jesus’ blood has declared you righteous, so you don’t need me to be your priest between you and God. You get to find grace and forgiveness on your own without needing me or anyone else! You can offer your own sacrifices to God, giving him glory without having to have me do it for you.

Hear it again: You have direct access to the God of the universe! What could possibly make you more valuable?!

· Hear it again: You have direct access to the God of the universe! What could possibly make you more valuable?!

You are a part of a holy nation, a people who God specifically called out to himself.

· You are a part of a holy nation, a people who God specifically called out to himself.

You belong to God!

· You belong to God!

· Listen to me: I know life gets tough, and I know there are lonely and difficult days, but when your life is built on the foundation of the living stone who has been raised from the dead and has set you apart to be a part of something so much bigger than you could ever imagine or deserve, then you have an unshakeable identity that nothing can ever diminish.

Listen to me: I know life gets tough, and I know there are lonely and difficult days, but when your life is built on the foundation of the living stone who has been raised from the dead and has set you apart to be a part of something so much bigger than you could ever imagine or deserve, then you have an unshakeable identity that nothing can ever diminish.

· I want to highlight a couple points about this, though: again, notice the group emphasis here.

I want to highlight a couple points about this, though: again, notice the group emphasis here.

Yes, this is all true of you, but you are not on your own.

· Yes, this is all true of you, but you are not on your own.

· One person doesn’t make up a race or a nation or a group of people.

One person doesn’t make up a race or a nation or a group of people.

· We are in this together, for better or worse.

We are in this together, for better or worse.

· Again, God didn’t give you this identity as a source of pride or for you to do life on your own.

Again, God didn’t give you this identity as a source of pride or for you to do life on your own.

· You are saved, you are chosen, you are called to him so we can honor him together.

You are saved, you are chosen, you are called to him so we can honor him together.

· I also want to challenge you: Don’t lose sight of why God did this.

I also want to challenge you: Don’t lose sight of why God did this.

It isn’t so you can be awesome and have everything you want.

· It isn’t so you can be awesome and have everything you want.

· It isn’t so you can feel good about yourself and be better than everyone else.

It isn’t so you can feel good about yourself and be better than everyone else.

· God has done all of this for you so that you will share with everyone how amazing a God you serve.

God has done all of this for you so that you will share with everyone how amazing a God you serve.

· You are a priest to offer spiritual sacrifices to the God who saved you and set you apart.

You are a priest to offer spiritual sacrifices to the God who saved you and set you apart.

You are a people for his possession so you will declare his praises to everyone around you.

· You are a people for his possession so you will declare his praises to everyone around you.

This identity is what gives you the power and strength to tell your friends and your family and your co-workers and your classmates and your server at the restaurant about the God who loves them.

· This identity is what gives you the power and strength to tell your friends and your family and your co-workers and your classmates and your server at the restaurant about the God who loves them.

It gives you the strength to stand up and do the right thing when no one else does.

· It gives you the strength to stand up and do the right thing when no one else does.

Because you find your acceptance and validation and purpose in Christ, hurtful words from others don’t impact you the same way.

· Because you find your acceptance and validation and purpose in Christ, hurtful words from others don’t impact you the same way.

Because of the cornerstone who is the source of your life, you can love the unlovable and give more than you could imagine.

· Because of the cornerstone who is the source of your life, you can love the unlovable and give more than you could imagine.

· He has done so much for us, and it leads us to then want everyone else to have that same love.

He has done so much for us, and it leads us to then want everyone else to have that same love.

· If you are here today, and you are in Christ, then you are a part of a special group of people unlike any other group in the world. By his grace, he has adopted you into his family. God is building you into his temple. You are a priest who now has the privilege of offering spiritual sacrifices of obedience and praise and telling others about Jesus so he can get the glory and so they can know the love you know.

If you are here today, and you are in Christ, then you are a part of a special group of people unlike any other group in the world. By his grace, he has adopted you into his family. God is building you into his temple. You are a priest who now has the privilege of offering spiritual sacrifices of obedience and praise and telling others about Jesus so he can get the glory and so they can know the love you know.

I want to stop address another group of people here this morning.

· I want to stop address another group of people here this morning.

In a group this size, it is probable that there are some folks who aren’t following Jesus.

· In a group this size, it is probable that there are some folks who aren’t following Jesus.

Your identity isn’t in Jesus, so these things aren’t true of you.

· Your identity isn’t in Jesus, so these things aren’t true of you.

· This passage does speak about you, though…

This passage does speak about you, though.

· Look at verses 7-8…

Look at verses 7-8…

· For those who reject Christ, basing your life off Him doesn’t make any sense.

For those who reject Christ, basing your life off Him doesn’t make any sense.

· In fact, it is offensive.

In fact, it is offensive.

· We don’t have time to look at it this morning, but write down this reference: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24.

We don’t have time to look at it this morning, but write down this reference: .

· In that passage, we see clearly that for those who reject Christ, the truth of the Gospel is foolish and offensive.

In that passage, we see clearly that for those who reject Christ, the truth of the Gospel is foolish and offensive.

Paul divides the response into two categories: Jews, who were looking for signs and Greeks, who wanted to figure it out solely off their own reasoning.

· Paul divides the response into two categories: Jews, who were looking for signs and Greeks, who wanted to figure it out solely off their own reasoning.

Those same two groups exist today. Some won’t follow Christ because they want something flashier; they want God to show Himself first by doing something miraculous.

· Those same two groups exist today. Some won’t follow Christ because they want something flashier; they want God to show Himself first by doing something miraculous.

· He already did! He sent His only Son to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life, die on a cross, and rise from the dead! Yet that isn’t enough.

He already did! He sent His only Son to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life, die on a cross, and rise from the dead! Yet that isn’t enough.

Others want to reason their way to God. The Christian faith is a reasonable faith, but human reason cannot wrap itself around the fact that I have to abandon everything I am to follow Christ. Human reason cannot fathom a God whose ways are higher than ours.

· Others want to reason their way to God. The Christian faith is a reasonable faith, but human reason cannot wrap itself around the fact that I have to abandon everything I am to follow Christ. Human reason cannot fathom a God whose ways are higher than ours.

To say that we must follow in the footsteps of Christ by dying to self and finding new life in Him is offensive to those who want a sign or want to reason it out on their own.

· To say that we must follow in the footsteps of Christ by dying to self and finding new life in Him is offensive to those who want a sign or want to reason it out on their own.

· In that way, Christ becomes a stumbling block to them, because those who reject Christ cannot get past themselves and surrender to Him.

In that way, Christ becomes a stumbling block to them, because those who reject Christ cannot get past themselves and surrender to Him.

· So, what is your choice? Are you going to surrender to Christ and build your life on Him?

So, what is your choice? Are you going to surrender to Christ and build your life on Him?

· Jesus brought up that reality to a group of people, using this same quote from the Old Testament, and He gave us more information on the outcome:

Jesus brought up that reality to a group of people, using this same quote from the Old Testament, and He gave us more information on the outcome:

Luke 20:17–18 CSB

But he looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will shatter him.”

But he looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will shatter him.” (Luke 20:17–18, CSB)

Surrendering to Him calls us to die to ourselves and our old way of life, but it opens the door for us to exalt the God who loved us enough to die.

· Surrendering to Him calls us to die to ourselves and our old way of life, but it opens the door for us to exalt the God who loved us enough to die.

Surrendering to Him calls us to die to ourselves and our old way of life, but it opens the door for us to exalt the God who loved us enough to die.

Rejecting Him shows that we aren’t willing to obey the truth of what God says, and it ultimately results in destruction.

· Rejecting Him shows that we aren’t willing to obey the truth of what God says, and it ultimately results in destruction.

What’s your choice this morning?

· What’s your choice this morning?

[1] MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Peter. Chicago: Moody Publishers (2004). 115-117.

[1] MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Peter. Chicago: Moody Publishers (2004). 115-117.