Living Stones: Embracing Your Identity in Christ

As believers, we are living stones being built into God’s spiritual house. This concept is key to understanding our role in God’s kingdom and how we are called to grow and serve as part of the church. Here’s what this means for us:

1. Chosen by God and Transformed through Christ

• Key Verse: 1 Peter 2:4-5
   "As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house..."
• God has chosen us to be His living stones, despite our imperfections or the world’s rejection. Through faith in Christ, we are transformed and made new. Our past doesn’t define us; instead, we are now defined by God’s love and the power of Christ to transform our lives. This transformation is at the heart of the Christian journey, bringing us closer to our true identity in Christ.

2. Part of the Global Body of Christ

• Key Verse: Ephesians 2:19-20
   "You are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people… built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets."
• As living stones, we are not isolated but are part of a global community of believers. We are united with Christians around the world, all members of God’s spiritual family. This unity is central to the Church's mission on earth, as we work together to build His kingdom and spread His gospel. Our place in God’s global church connects us with believers from all nations, showing that we are all united through Christ’s sacrifice.

3. Growing in Christ from Glory to Glory

• Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:18
   "We are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory."
• The process of becoming more like Christ is called sanctification, and as living stones, we are constantly growing in our faith. This spiritual growth is a lifelong process, moving us from glory to glory. With each step, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and wisdom. As we surrender to God, His Holy Spirit shapes our character, helping us live out our God-given purpose in the world.

Embrace your identity as a living stone in God’s spiritual house. You are part of the body of Christ, essential to God’s kingdom. Stay focused on growing in your faith, surrendering to Christ’s transformative power, and playing your role in building His Church.

PASTOR KEVIN'S SERMON NOTES
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