Untitled Sermon (2)

English Standard Version Chapter 2

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

1. Christ is a living stone

English Standard Version Chapter 2

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

Cornerstone - Jesus is the cornerstone. The temple was destroyed. No rock was left upon another. But Christ is building something new. And he is going to be the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the reference point. Everything measures off of the cornerstone. (Illustration - missed toilet pipe at our house). It becomes the point of strength of the building. It is the marker for everything that comes afterward.

(Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118)

2. We are the living stones - building the church

English Standard Version Chapter 2

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house

Like living stones - to be “like” jesus, the living stone

Instead of a central temple that could only serve the people of the region, the church is now tiny pockets of believers that create a place where jesus can be seen in a community. The church is an embassy. Are we an embassy? Are we a safe place where christians can come for rest? Are we a safe place where refugees can seek assylum. (Implications - Illustrations)

3. A holy priesthood

English Standard Version Chapter 2

to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

What are these spiritual sacrifices???

HOPE HOPE HOPE