Sermons

"Living Stones"

1st Letter of Peter to the Romans Chapter 2 versus 4 and 5

"Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by men, yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a Spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

It is interesting to note how prominent a role " Stones play throughout the life of the people of God as recorded by Holy Scripture.

Jacob takes stones one night on which to rest during a journey, only to encounter the host of heaven ascending and descending. Because of just an experience, Jacob takes the "stones" which for him served as pillows, and transform them into a pillar, to mark his theophanic experience.

Joshua with his encounter with the crossing of the River Jordan is told that after the people of Israel had crossed over on dry land, he was to take one man from each tribe to take a stone from the bed of the river and to take them and build a monument on the shore to stand as a memorial to the miraculous event. That when generations come and ask the question as to why the "stones" stand, they are to be told of the mighty act of God for the people of Israel.

David the young shepherd boy, in his call to bring victory to the people of Israel against the Philistines, goes to a nearby stream and collects from it, "Stones" which he would use as the conquering instrument against the intimidating enemy of the People of Israel.

It is Nehemiah's desire to rebuild the walls of his hometown, Jerusalem, that he uses stones. Stone on top of stone. Despite his distractors he builds to fortify the city of Jerusalem.

It's amazing that when Jesus teaches about building and foundations, he makes it clear that wise building is done on a rock...stones!

On the challenge presented to the disciples. Peter is proven to be the most courageous of them all. Jesus says to Peter. Peter thou art a rock... "... and on this rock I build my church!"

Then Peter refers to Jesus as a stone; no ordinary stone, but a living stone. Its to this stone that all are invited to come, but importantly all are called to be like Jesus... and like living stones, Peter says, " let yourselves be built into a spiritual house." The place where Jesus will abide, where he will be known and proven by all, being a holy priesthood, that stands always as a representative reciprocally for the Christ and the people.

Stones are a symbol of permanence, stability and strength. It cannot be compromised . Indeed, anything that appears to be stone and allows itself to be compromise is not fit for building. A compromised stone is that which has been saturated by the surrounding elements. Such a compromise weaken the molecules that makeup the stone and in so doing weakens it in everyway, causing not to stand firm and hence not live out fully to its potential.

A true stone cannot be compromised. It may be broken, yet in its many pieces, still stand as a stone.

It is this type of material that Peter invites each and everyone of us to become. A material that is surrounded by so many intimidating and foreign elements; sometimes broken, but not compromised. A material that is not dormant, nor useless, but one that is qualified and needed for building. Building up of the Body of Christ.

Nehemiah shows us how to, building stone upon stone. yes distracted sometimes by our very friends and relatives, but determined to build. Stone up on stone. Stone against stone, cemented by the determination and the sharing of a vision buy all.

Each Stone is depending on the other for strength and support. Together much is accomplished. The Body is strengthened and the members secured.

We who are members of the Body of Christ must be aware of our importance and role within the Body. Each of us is important to building. Our determination and commitment to be strengthens the work. Our absence from the building process only weakens the Structure.

You are an important element in building God's work through this Parish. God's wants you! He wants me!

It is urgent that every member of this church Family accept the call of God to be Living stones. Stones that function. Stones that are integral parts of building a strong and safe community, cemented will, love, honesty, faithfulness and forbearance.

This new year brings with it many challenges. This family must accept these challenges as God's Call to us to be for Him, Living Stones!

God wants each of us to awaken to the call and be quickened for service that we may be Living Stones acceptable to God.

Stones that have various functions, resting stones, conquering stones, memorial stones, building stones, but more importantly Living Stones.