Jan 12
In this season, God is guiding us on a transformative journey as a church. We are embarking on an eight-week exploration of 1 Peter 2:5, which speaks to our identity as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. This verse will serve as the foundation for our teachings, as we delve deeper into its meaning and implications for our lives. As living stones, we are not just passive participants; we are alive and active, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called to be part of something greater than ourselves.
The concept of being a living stone emphasizes our role in the body of Christ. Just as bricks come together to form a house, we are called to unite as a community, building a spiritual house where God's presence dwells. This unity is not just about physical gathering but about being spiritually connected and committed to the mission of the church. Our individual lives, like individual temples, are meant to worship God, equip others, and reach the world. Yet, when we come together, there is a multiplication of power and purpose that cannot be achieved alone.
We are also called to be a holy priesthood, set apart for God's purposes. This means moving beyond a consumer mindset, where we expect to be served, to a servant mindset, where we seek to serve God and others. Our spiritual sacrifices, whether they be our time, resources, or acts of worship, should be valuable and heartfelt, reflecting our deep commitment to God. These sacrifices are not about earning God's favor but are expressions of our love and devotion to Him.
As we journey through this series, we will explore various spiritual sacrifices that please God. This process involves digging deep within ourselves to offer what is most precious to Him. It is a journey of surrender, where we allow God to work in our hearts, revealing areas that need healing, forgiveness, or trust. As we go low in humility and surrender, God elevates us to new spiritual heights.
**Key Takeaways:**
- **Living Stones and Spiritual House:** We are living stones, filled with the Holy Spirit, called to be part of a spiritual house. Our unity as a church multiplies our impact, much like how two can send ten thousand to flight. This collective strength is essential for fulfilling our mission. [10:00]
- **Holy Priesthood and Service:** As a holy priesthood, we are set apart to serve God and others. This requires a shift from a consumer mindset to one of service, where we ask God what He desires from us and offer our lives as spiritual sacrifices. [16:40]
- **Spiritual Sacrifices:** Our sacrifices should be valuable and heartfelt, reflecting our love for God. They are not about earning His favor but are expressions of our devotion. This involves digging deep within ourselves to offer what is most precious. [23:51]
- **Grace and Effort:** Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning. Our spiritual sacrifices are not for earning salvation but are responses to the grace we have received. This understanding helps us live out our faith authentically. [27:52]
- **Surrender and Elevation:** As we surrender to God's work in our lives, He elevates us to new spiritual heights. This journey involves allowing God to reveal and heal areas of our lives, leading to greater freedom and purpose. [35:12]
**TH-cam Chapters:**
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:58] - Introduction to Living Stones
[05:30] - Conversion and Baptism into the Body
[10:00] - Building a Spiritual House
[11:34] - Purpose of the Church
[12:38] - The Power of the Gathered Church
[14:11] - Multiplication of Impact
[15:17] - The Role of Online Church
[16:40] - Holy Priesthood Explained
[20:02] - Consumerism vs. Service
[22:37] - Offering Spiritual Sacrifices
[23:51] - The Value of Sacrifices
[27:52] - Grace and Effort
[30:43] - Exploring Spiritual Sacrifices
[31:42] - Sacrifice of Praise
[32:37] - Application and Response
[34:36] - Surrender and Elevation
[35:12] - Vision of New Heights
[36:24] - Closing Prayer and Worship