United in Christ: The Power of Living Stones

 

Summary

Today’s focus is on what it truly means to be the family of God, rooted in Christ and built together as living stones. As we send out our Puerto Rico mission team, we’re reminded that our labor is not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The church was birthed by the Spirit’s coming, and it is only by His power that we can be effective witnesses—whether in our own neighborhoods or to the ends of the earth. Our calling is not about personal preferences or comfort, but about being united in Christ for the sake of the gospel and the transformation of our communities.

Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:4-5, we see that we are called “living stones,” being built into a spiritual house. This image challenges us to move beyond a consumer mindset—where church is a buffet of preferences—to a shared life where we enjoy God together, shoulder to shoulder. Our worth is not found in the opinions of others, but in being chosen and precious in God’s sight. The foundation of our faith is not tradition, programs, or personalities, but Jesus Christ Himself, the cornerstone. When we build on anything else—our preferences, traditions, or fleeting opinions—it’s like building on sand, which cannot withstand the storms of life.

The church is not a building or a set of programs, but a people—living stones—joined together by the Spirit. Each of us brings unique gifts, backgrounds, and stories, and it takes work and humility to be built together in unity. Sometimes, we experience rejection or hurt, even within the church, but our identity and security are found in Christ, not in the approval of people. We are called to serve, to offer spiritual sacrifices, and to build on the unshakable foundation of Jesus. As we go out, whether on mission or in daily life, let’s remember that we are not just consumers, but the family of God, empowered to do hard things and to glorify Christ in all we do.

Key Takeaways

- The family of God finds its true worth in Christ, not in the shifting opinions or acceptance of others. When we anchor our identity in being chosen and precious to God, we are freed from the tyranny of people-pleasing and the fear of rejection. This allows us to serve and love others from a place of security and strength, rather than insecurity or competition. [46:41]

- Building our lives and our church on anything other than Jesus—be it tradition, personal preference, or programs—is like building on sand. Only Christ as the cornerstone provides a foundation that endures through trials, disappointments, and change. When storms come, it is our rootedness in Him that keeps us steadfast and united. [52:01]

- Being a “living stone” means embracing both individuality and unity. Each person brings unique gifts and backgrounds, but we are called to be built together, not as isolated consumers but as a spiritual house. This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to be shaped and connected for God’s greater purpose. [59:27]

- The church is not defined by its building, programs, or personalities, but by the people indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Even if all physical structures were lost, the true church remains—living stones joined together in Christ. Our resilience and mission flow from this spiritual reality, not from external circumstances. [01:01:37]

- Our calling is to serve and offer spiritual sacrifices, not to seek comfort or personal recognition. Every act of service, every new member, every child’s question, and every gospel conversation strengthens the church. We labor not for merit badges or applause, but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. [01:09:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:41] - Puerto Rico Mission Team Introduction
[28:06] - Pentecost and the Power of the Holy Spirit
[29:02] - Prayer for the Mission Team
[32:31] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-5
[34:26] - Greeting and Announcements
[35:19] - Equipping for Everyday Mission
[36:29] - The Family of God Rooted in Christ
[37:11] - Family Stories and Church Preferences
[41:20] - The Church as a Buffet vs. Shared Table
[43:05] - Knowing Who We Are in Christ
[46:41] - Finding Worth in the Lord, Not Others
[49:06] - The Church’s Unshakable Foundation
[52:01] - Building on Christ, Not Sand
[59:27] - Living Stones: Unity and Diversity
[01:01:37] - The Church Beyond Buildings
[01:05:17] - Our Calling and Labor in Christ
[01:09:13] - Serving for God’s Glory
[01:10:52] - Benediction and Sending Out

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Family of God – Living Stones Built on Christ

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Peter 2:4-5
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 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."

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### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, what does Peter call Jesus and what does he call us as believers?
2. According to the sermon, what are some things people are tempted to build their church experience on, instead of Jesus? ([52:01])
3. What does the image of “living stones” suggest about how Christians are meant to relate to one another? ([59:27])
4. The sermon mentioned that the church is not a building or a set of programs. What, then, defines the true church? ([01:01:37])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter uses the image of “living stones” instead of just “stones” or another metaphor? What does this say about the church’s nature and purpose? ([59:27])
2. The sermon says our worth is found in being “chosen and precious in God’s sight,” not in the opinions of others. How might this truth change the way someone serves or participates in church life? ([46:41])
3. What are the dangers of building our faith or church life on “sand”—like personal preferences, traditions, or programs—instead of on Christ? ([52:01])
4. The sermon talks about rejection and hurt even within the church. How does finding our identity in Christ help us respond to these experiences? ([58:33])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to move from a “consumer mindset” to a “shared life” in the church. In what ways have you approached church as a consumer? What is one step you could take to move toward deeper community and shared life? ([41:20])
2. Think about a time when you felt rejected or overlooked in church or by other Christians. How did you respond? How might anchoring your worth in Christ change your response next time? ([58:33])
3. Are there any traditions, preferences, or programs that you have elevated above Jesus as the foundation of your faith? How can you realign your focus on Christ as the cornerstone? ([52:01])
4. The sermon says that being “living stones” requires humility, patience, and a willingness to be shaped and connected for God’s greater purpose. What is one area where you find it hard to be shaped or connected with others in the church? What could help you grow in this area? ([59:27])
5. The church is described as a people, not a building. If all the physical structures and programs disappeared, what would your faith and connection to the church look like? How can you invest more in relationships and spiritual growth rather than just activities? ([01:01:37])
6. The sermon reminds us that every act of service, every new member, and every gospel conversation strengthens the church. What is one practical way you can serve or encourage someone in the church this week? ([01:09:13])
7. The mission team is being sent out in the power of the Holy Spirit, not their own strength. Where in your life do you need to rely more on the Spirit’s power rather than your own abilities? ([28:06])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help your group be built together as living stones, rooted in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve, love, and glorify Him in all you do.

Devotional

Day 1: The Family of God Finds Worth in Christ, Not Opinions
True belonging in the family of God is rooted not in the shifting opinions of others, but in the unchanging love and acceptance found in Christ. When we look to Jesus as our cornerstone, we discover a secure identity that cannot be shaken by rejection or the fleeting approval of people. The world may try to define our value by its standards, but God calls us chosen and precious, building us together as living stones for His glory. Let your heart rest in the worth that comes from Him alone, and remember that your place in His family is secure, no matter what others may say or do. [48:05]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 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.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to seek approval from others instead of resting in your worth as one chosen and precious in Christ?


Day 2: Christ Is the Cornerstone—Build on the Rock, Not Sand
Our lives and our church are meant to be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, not on traditions, personalities, or personal preferences that shift like sand. When we anchor ourselves to Christ, we find stability and strength to endure trials and changes, knowing that He alone is our sure foundation. Preferences and comforts may come and go, but Jesus remains the same, calling us to grow up in faith and unity as living stones built together for His purposes. Let us examine what we are building our lives upon and choose the unshakeable rock of Christ. [52:01]

Isaiah 28:16 (ESV)
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life or faith where you have been building on shifting sand instead of the solid rock of Jesus? What step can you take today to rebuild on Him?


Day 3: Living Stones—God’s Presence Dwells in His People
The true church is not a building of bricks and mortar, but a spiritual house made up of people—living stones—indwelt by the Holy Spirit. God’s presence is not confined to a physical place, but is powerfully at work in and through His people, no matter where they are. Each believer is a vital part of this spiritual house, uniquely gifted and called to serve, endure, and glorify God together. Even when the world rejects or misunderstands us, we remain God’s holy temple, able to withstand trials and do hard things because His Spirit lives within us. [01:01:54]

1 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Reflection: How does knowing you are a living stone in God’s temple change the way you see your role in the church and your daily life?


Day 4: Present Yourself as a Living Sacrifice
God invites each of us to come to Him, offering our lives as living sacrifices in worship and service. This means surrendering our preferences, comforts, and even our hurts, allowing Him to transform us and use us for His purposes. True spiritual worship is not about what we can get, but about what we give—our time, talents, treasures, and hearts—so that God’s will is done in and through us. As we present ourselves to Christ, we are renewed and equipped to discern His good and perfect will, becoming radiant with His presence. [55:25]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today—perhaps in your attitude, your time, or your service to others?


Day 5: The Family of God Serves for Christ’s Glory, Not Personal Gain
In the family of God, we are called to serve one another and our world not for recognition or personal preferences, but for the glory of Christ. Our unity and diversity as living stones make the church strong, and every act of service—no matter how small—builds up the body and advances God’s kingdom. When we labor for Jesus, not for merit badges or applause, our work has eternal value and brings joy to God’s heart. Let us build our lives and our church on Christ, giving ourselves fully to His mission and trusting that He will use us in powerful ways. [01:08:50]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Reflection: Who is one person you can serve today—not for your own recognition, but simply to bring glory to Jesus? What will you do for them?

Quotes

You see, you've got to know who you are and who God is to really experience the greatest and deepest disciplehip in your life and to experience it with the church in real time right now today. [00:43:01]
We've got to as a church push against what it means to be the church and to understand that the church is not tailored just for us, but it's actually a living organis organism to where our faith is put shouldertoshoulder that we come together in unity for the sake of the gospel, the sake of our Lord, and the sake of the community that we planted it. [00:43:50]
Our wisdom in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid wisdom consists almost entirely of two parts. It's going to boil our wisdom into two parts. The knowledge of God and ourselves. They're both very important. [00:45:12]
The family of God finds more of their worth in the Lord than the opinion of others. My opinion is you couldn't get as a seventh grader a better salad than not what I put together. Although I don't think it would be called a salad. And if we're left to ourselves, we can become an island to ourselves thinking that instead of the church revolving around the beauty of God, it's so easy if we don't know oursel well to think that it revolves around us and our preferences. [00:46:41]
As you come to who? To him, a living stone rejected by men, then in the sight of God chosen and precious. You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to who? God through Jesus Christ. [00:47:36]
Do you realize who you are? That the very evils of this world will push, try to divide, try to get in, but it cannot prevail against the church. How marvelous we are, how powerfully chosen by God we are. a collection of priests who have come together to be used by God and that the very gates of hell will not prevail against that. [00:48:33]
When we understand the stone that the church is built on is not tradition, it's not programs, it's not personality, but it's Jesus. That's where our cornerstone is. We grow up out of that as living stones, but often we do not build on like a living stone. [00:52:01]
Do you know our preferences make horrible foundations? Because they change all the time with a flickering wind. They just change. They change as you get older. I will tell you, I hope you're proud of me. I'm maturing. When I go to the salad bar, I don't start out with croutons. [00:52:59]
You're going to go through a lot of stuff, church. You're going to go through the Roman persecution. You're going to go things through things that don't feel good or right or anything. And your very cornerstone is going to be Jesus. When it comes down to it to where you feel like giving up, you feel like it's you're all through it, you're going to have to really get in and remember you're a living stone. [00:53:40]
You are more than the building? You are more than the rooms. You are more than this stage. that Westover is more than this carpet or more than these cameras or more than the programs and the places and the things that we have. We are so much more because we are built of living stones. [01:00:28]
But I will tell you as Paul would say in 1 Corinthians 3:17, "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Make no doubt you are that temple. You are the living stones. You are a foundation that can get through hard things. [01:01:54]
Do you know you can do hard things? Do you know you can get through hard times? Do you know that you don't always have to have your own individual way? Do you know that you can weather the storm? Do you know that today, no matter what you're going through, you can get through it because you are a living stone? [01:02:21]
Peter reminds us, this world may reject you. This world may not think you're relevant. This world may think things have passed you by. This world may look at you and say, "Get with it." But Peter reminds us that the church is as powerful it is today as it was then. [01:03:01]
You are not called just to be consumers, but you are the family of God. God can do so much when you understand that's what I am. That's what I am. I'm being built up as a living stone. And people will reject you because of that. And it's hard to be rejected, isn't it? [01:03:44]
We fear people because they can expose and humiliate us. We fear people because they can reject, ridicule or despise us. We fear people because they can attack, oppress or threaten us. These three reasons have one thing in common. We see people as bigger or more powerful than God or more significant. [01:04:34]
Let's build moms on the rock. Let's let's build families on the rock of Jesus. Let's build a vision on the rock of Jesus. Let's build a future on the rock of Jesus. Let's go until we don't have anything left in us because Jesus Christ is worth that much and he's the one that we build on. [01:09:41]

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