I'm interesting in trying to preach this text this week because I think there is a lot to work with... but I'm not at all sure how to develop it. I'm looking now at the idea of "living stones". Maybe trying to tie in to the building project that is just beginning at one of my churches. I hope that this forum will have some good dialogue this week. It helps me so much to hear other's questions, ideas and thoughts. Thanks and blessings -- RevAmy
OOPs! That's "I'm interestED" not "I'm interesting"... Monday morning, you know... RevAmy
LIVING STONES, I PRESUME? I always think of the phrase in the movie when what's his name found David Livingstone in the deep recesses of the jungle. So, I want to say to my congregation, "Living Stones, I Presume?" If we, then, are living stones, what are we being built into? What is our function? How are we being used? According to Peter we are to "let" ourselves be used to build a spiritual place of worship. This would be a great opportunity to talk about the priesthood of believers and the work of priests...most congregations think priestly functions are for the clergy. RevKK
Saturday was our church's 140th anniversary. On it's hundredth anniversary in 1959, they had a pageant recounting the glory days when the Sunday School enrollment was over 1200, there were two services, and you had to come early to get a seat. The pageant spoke of faith, but never once mentioned Jesus. It recounted how the cornerstone had been laid "with imposing Masonic ceremonies." But a century later, they said, no one remembered which stone that was. It was downhill from there, as it must be whenever we forget we have only one cornerstone, a living Lord who wants a personal relationship with each of us as lively stones. Anne in Providence
I wish I had thought about the "Living Stones, I presume" idea. It goes well with my "Baby Faith, You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Faith" title. How do we go from baby faith to living stones? (or to The Living Stone) The reminder that we are God's people who have received mercy goes a long way to making the point. Just thinking out loud. GFinSC
Dear Anne,
I believe you've painted a picture not just of your church but in many ways The Church.
Jesus, to far too many in The Church, is just a nice guy who we ought to be like, but He's certainly not Lord, certainly not Judge.
We've lost the fear of the Lord. Where there is no fear, no awe, no reverence, there is no power, no motivation, no effect on the world around us.
We need to get back to The Living Stone...
Rick in Va
Did some research on what is meant by cornerstone in this passage. It is either a massive stone placed in the upper corner of the building to to bind all the walls together or the key stone in a building arch. So Christ is the one who binds all the other living stones together, and the one that keeps the church from falling in on itself. It is this centerdness in Christ that send us out into the the world with the assurance that this is what God has called us to do. Because of Christ, we indeed know that we are a royal priesthood, God's own people so that we might proclaim and serve. The latest issue of Apple eNews had an interesting comment about this past Earth Day-"It's Earth Day here in the U.S. Go outside and breathe some fresh air(Virtual breathing not acceptable)." My working title for this Sunday is "Church-Virtual Reality or Real Virtue?" Are we truly in Christ, which means that we are also in the world, or are we playing an elaborate game without meaning and purpose? RevGilmer in Texarkana
Did some research on what is meant by cornerstone in this passage. It is either a massive stone placed in the upper corner of the building to to bind all the walls together or the key stone in a building arch. So Christ is the one who binds all the other living stones together, and the one that keeps the church from falling in on itself. It is this centerdness in Christ that send us out into the the world with the assurance that this is what God has called us to do. Because of Christ, we indeed know that we are a royal priesthood, God's own people so that we might proclaim and serve. The latest issue of Apple eNews had an interesting comment about this past Earth Day-"It's Earth Day here in the U.S. Go outside and breathe some fresh air(Virtual breathing not acceptable)." My working title for this Sunday is "Church-Virtual Reality or Real Virtue?" Are we truly in Christ, which means that we are also in the world, or are we playing an elaborate game without meaning and purpose? RevGilmer in Texarkana
With your comments (and they are great!), how about singing the hymn "The Church's One Foundation" for Sunday? It fits in wonderfully. Also, aren't verse 2-3 just poetry? Just think what mother's milk does for the newborn baby. Not only nourishes it, but gives it antibodies to fight infections. You know, most babies I've seen that are breast-fed are fat healthy babies. I am reminded of what Jesus said when tempted to turn the stones into bread. We don't live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God "If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good" (3). One could talk about using our senses in praising God. We do it lots with our eyes and ears. But what about smell, touch, and taste? What does verse 3 mean anyway? There are a lot of rich images here - the cornerstone, living stones, spiritual house, royal priesthood. I know there are going to be some great sermons out there, you guys. Rev. Jennifer in Mississippi
Some of the thrust of this passage may be obtained by looking at the verses RCL leaves out. "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander."(1 Peter 2:1 NRSV) "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul."(1 Peter 2:11 NRSV) To be a "living stone" or a "royal priesthood" carries with it an expectation to carry oneself in a manner appropriate to the "people of God". In the end it is an affirmation of the the value God has for God's people. Even if they are suffering or hurt by the world around them (a signifigant theme in 1Peter) God still expects great things.
Rev Dave New Jersey
I had this image of being a "living Stone" myself, in the hand of the Master Builder, and just as he is about to put me in place, I scream, NOOOOOOOO, not there! I wanted to be over THERE! nOOOOOOO, not by that stone, I will not serve next to her! What about Wesley's covenant words here -- put me to doing, use me or lay me aside, etc? Also, David Livingstone, missionary to Africa, gave up career and status to follow God's leading to Africa. He also had a great quote: "Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any tie but the tie that binds me to Thyself." Talk about your Living Stones! RevKK
Your comments this week are great!!! Like you, I too think this passage has a wonderful and important message for our church (The Church). As I struggled with this passage, I remembered the early church to whom Peter was writing was made up only of small house-churches who were facing the power of the Roman Empire--sort of a David & Goliath scenario. Yet it is the church that won. The Roman Empire disappeared; yet the church continues even to today. That is much like where the church finds itself today--a small voice in the middle of super-powers, nuclear weapons, and terrorist bombings. As I continued to look at this passage, it seemed to me that he gave the church 3 prescriptions to follow. First, long for the word of God (i.e. use the means of grace--prayer, fasting, the sacraments, scripture, and Christian fellowship). Second, draw near to God through these means of grace, and God will build us up to become a great spiritual house (i.e. the church He intends to become His bride). Then third, go and tell everyone how wonderful God really is (i.e. evangelism is the great mission of the church). And the good news in all this is first, that we win, and second, that we are God's people, precious in His sight.
Rev. Gilmer in Texarkana,
I'm a Presbyterian pastor in Carrollton, GA. My grandmother's maiden name was Gilmer (from VA). I wonder if we're any relation, other than in the Body of Christ. I would love to hear from you. My email - dshelor@avana.net.
DSinWGA
In looking at the text. I see the relationship that Christ is the precious headstone which God has laid, on which we must be built. As builders lay the cornerstone where it will rest secure and firm so as to bear up the entire building; just so God laid Christ as a cornerstone and he will indeed remain such. The mason (bricklayer) will lay a brick in a corner to get the perfect square of the building. It is the most important brick to be laid. If it is not on the right mark, the whole building could be off plum. (not square) Some key words I will try to build an outline around will be: I. chosen by God II. built into a spiritual house III. called you out of darkness
So we are chosen, built, and called. chosen to follow Christ, built or taught everything there is to know about him. and called to not only follow him but to shine His light through us into the dark world.
This is just a start. I will work on this more. It is like that water that is needed to prime the pump to get the water flowing out of the pump. Now the ideas will flow. Thanks for all your ideas
Rev. Rich Kent, Wash.
Hi all.
Something that just struck me: We are the stones that make up the Church.
A few thought that come from this...
This once again address our unhealthy obsession with bricks and mortar and paint color, and refocusses our gaze on PEOPLE.
If this is the case (and I believe it is!), we as people are part of the structure. We are not the REASON for the structure.
Therefore, the church (building) does not exist so the Church (people) can have a nice, safe place to which we can retreat on Sunday morning.
We people, Living Stones, are being built into a structure called the Church for OTHERS, so THEY will have a safe place to which they can retreat from the mad rush to oblivion which the human race seems drawn to.
We Living Stones are being built into the Church, so that others will have a community in which they might experience the love of the Builder.
Rick in Canada, eh?
Thinking about the situation in Kosovo with the refugees and the line in 1 Peter 2:11 about being aliens I am reminded of a story I recently read about an elderly Albanian woman who had traveled for days to cross the border in Kosovo and when she finally made it across the border she died from exhaustion. When the border patroll found her they noticed that her right hand was clenched, and as they opened her hand they saw that tightly clenched in her hand were the keys to her home. Even though she died, she died still having faith that she was going to make it home. She clung to that hope. As Christians we must live our lives clinging to the keys to our spiritual home---the love of Christ. It is that love that is truly what makes the church--the church. Another line that strikes me in this passage is the 3rd verse that talks about "tasting the kindness of God". Kindness is a word that has been lost in this world of Littleton bombings, but it is the spiritual milk of the people of God. It is God's kindness that has redeemed us. In watching the story of the Littleton, Co. bombings I was touched by a "kingdom of God" moment in which a young white male who had lost his sister, was sitting next to a "black" man whose son had been shot in the same incedent. As the white male recounted the story of how Isaiah had been shot because the killers saw him as a "nigger" (the white male compassionately used the term "the 'N' word" ) , Isaiah's father broke down in tears, but in compassion and kindness the young white teen reach out his hand and embraced Isaiah's father. There in the midst of the darkness, was God speaking to us as to how the world should be---black--white--young--old---embracing as one---bonded together by kindness--by the love of Christ. It is that love that is the cornerstone of our world, and our church. Sorry, I'm so long, Brook in South Dakota
P.S. from Brook in South Dakota. That "kingdom of God" moment has been Pure, Spirtual Milk for me. It has fed me and helped me grow up to salvation.
Brook in South Dakota,
Please don't apologize. You were not long but poignant and true. That will surely preach.
God's blessings on you. Thanks for moving me.
Rick in Va
Just a thought - The stones are "living stones" - which means they are not placed permanantly in one spot - but find placement today different from yesterday or tomorrow - because it "lives" according to the direcion given by the living Word who feeds it.
rjw
Just a thought - The stones are "living stones" - which means they are not placed permanantly in one spot - but find placement today different from yesterday or tomorrow - because it "lives" according to the direcion given by the living Word who feeds it.
rjw
There are so many passages the deal with what the disciple is to do, how the disciple is to live. This passage deals with who the disciple is. We are living stones, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people.
The way disciples live stems from who they understand themselves to be. Lifestyles are little more than manifestations of self identity. As minorities in a world of cruel power, these early Christians had their personal value challenged daily. They were shamed publically, politically, and religiously.
What sense does it make to believe when these things are happening to you and to the ones you love?
A few things come to mind as I read these words of powerfully good news:
1) each of us is a vital and precious part of God's mission. Remember that Jesus, too, was rejected, yet became the foundation for enduring hope and acceptance.
2) Those who believe in Jesus will not be put to shame. John Bradshaw helps us to see that shame is a being wound. Shame does not say what you did was bad. Shame says who you are is bad.
There is no room in the gospel for this kind of shame. There is no room in the life of a disciple for low self worth. The mission is too important to denigrate the value of the individual parts.
3) We are a vital part of something much bigger than ourselves. As living stones, God us using us to proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
One year we used this passage and at the end of the service had each person come forward and receive a special little stone. We purchased 700 small polished rocks which were given. We asked them to keep the rocks in their pocket or somewhere they would see them and feel them to remind them to be living stones. (Be careful with the very young or very old. One older man came forward, received the rock and placed it in his mouth.)
God bless each of you this week. Ours is a difficult task each week. But what we do is so vital to the future of this world. Can you imagine a world in which preachers did not exist?
Hang in there! Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame!
Fred from LA
Thanks yall,
There is some really great thoughts on this text. Here is what I have been looking at since yesterday.
Introduction: Builders use a cornerstone to build there building around. It is put in just the right place and holds a very special place. etc....
I. We are chosen by God to be living stones. A. We are precious to him (every hair on our head) B. We are to be built into a spiritual house (not just a physical or mental house/heart but a spiritual. II.We are chosen by God to be a royal, holy priesthood. A. What does it mean to be of royalty? B. What does it mean to be holy? C. What does it mean to be in a priesthood?
III. We are chosen by God to be a holy nation. A. Not individuals but a part of a nation B. Not just a citizen of just any nation but a holy nation.
IV. We are chosen by God to be His own people. A. To praise Him B. To walk in His wonderful light
Conclusion:
We have been chosen by God to live for Him. That is our purpose here on this earth. He has established His kingdom and Christ is the Corner Stone to this Kingdom that everything else is built on. We now are part of that Kingdom as living stones placed on top of this cornerstone. We have been chosen to be a part of this holy priesthood, this royal priesthood, a holy nation. Perhaps we are to ask, are we a living stone, (or just a brink that sits here doing nothing?) a part of a Living God and His Kingdom. etc...
Living stones need to long for the spiritual milk. What does it mean to long for spiritual milk? Long means to yearn = (Webster's) to long for persistently; hunger,thirst,wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain. Yearn suggests eager, restless, or painful longing, hunger/thirst = insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need. Now what top three things in your life would fit that description? What one thing? We don't yearn much anymore until we have been deprived of something. Our culture is not a yearning culture. Only in age do we yearn for health, mobility, sight that we once had. Are we longing for something for someone else? Something that we can be a part of? Catching a no-hitter. The Christian longs for understanding of the faith. longs to study the word. longs to share - give and receive - the faith with others. longs to help dead stones become living stones and see them affixed to the cornerstone. longs for spiritual growth à quality and quantity of the church. longs for God to be glorified in the gospel of X. What have been your longings? Often longings change over time, whether they have been fulfilled or not. What are your current yearnings? There is only one yearning that is permanent: Christ. Old Guy Pastor, NE
To the Old Guy Pastor in NE from a Wanna-Be (New Guy) Pastor in Va:
Wow, you've nailed it. How many of us are yearning, longing to study the word, to know intimately the Word? If fruit is any gauge, as defined by our effect on society, then not many must be the answer. Yet, this is the job of the Shepherd as I see it. To instill in the folks sitting in pews (and beyond) that yearning and longing. Only the Holy Spirit led and filled can accomplish it I imagine, both in the pulpit and in the pew.
Thanks for nailing that "longing for pure spiritual milk".
This would surely preach.
Thanks Old Guy...
Rick in Va
I appreciate all of the comments. How very helpful they have been to help me think. I keep coming back to the image (after the one the one contributor made of the stone calling out Noooo... i'm still laughing at that...) of stones that can also cause stumbling. Vs 8. I guess part of our growing up into "Good Healthy Strong Stones..." is knowing what our purpose is as well as knowing about our potential for inflicting pain and causing others to stumble over us.... Blessings -- RevAmy
Greetings: This is my first time to join in the discussion, but I have enjoyed reading over your shoulders. I have chosen this passage for this week - also with a theme of living stones - because my small country church is voting to close and merge with another congregation. I am looking for an illustration or storey about moving the building or stones - get my drift? I like the Wesleyan idea - we are UMC - so this makes sense. Any others that can help I would greatly appreciate. jb in md
The thoughts this week have been inspiring - thank you, one and all.
jb in md, here's one illustration which may (or may not) fit your situation: So the story goes, there was an active congregation in a small town. Unfortunately, the town expanded on the other side of the railroad tracks and very few new members would cross the track to go to church. Little by little the old church dwindled. Times became difficult and there was talk of closing the church. A wise member stood up at one meeting and said, "If the people won't come to us, perhaps we should go to them. After all, wouldn't we find Jesus where the people were?" The church talked to some people in the new area of town and found that a latch-key program was needed. So, the church organized an after school program which became very successful. A few months later, some parents mentioned to the church leaders, "We'd really like to be part of a Bible Study." The church organized a Bible Study which became extremely popular. A year later the people requested a worship service in their neighborhood, so a mid-week service was begun. After a few years, the church did close it's doors....and moved to the other side of the railroad tracks. All because they were willing to follow after Christ, go to people where they were, and be in minstry to them.
I pray for a blessed Sunday for you all.
Ken-on-the-Hudson
Great comments, Has anyone read Annie Dillard's TEACHING A STONE TO TALK? It's one of those books that I see quoted frequently but have not read. Does she give any incite into living stones? I'm going to open my sermon with a childhood remembrance of skipping rocks across the river. For a few seconds those stones had life. The cornerstone Jesus gives us, hard-headed and stone pearted people life! Alleluia!! Ann in LA
My intern preached last Sunday, so I haven't shared thoughts about the recent school shootings. I couldn't help but see how tis passage gives us an identity and value. Apart from what Christ does for us and through us we are worthless. This is my outline. There’s A Place For Us: One And All Lesson - 1 Peter 2. 2-10 at work shared experience to find value We each need authentic acknowledgment that our soul is valuable. Proverbs 14.10 “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” God provides authentic community, that values us. we’re part of a royal priesthood where do you go for value, work, family, talent, sex, gang - temporary & fragile early catechical text We no longer need to struggle to find value. no longer isolated. expl once not, but now a “people” no identity as an individual illus arg .come in as stragglers, become priests appl “you” means all of us together no longer alienated. expl “into light” illus outside, not part of the core (who is?) arg confusion about where we fit appl you’re the only witness in your corner of the world no longer stuck. expl “never be put to shame” illus kid’s suicide, threats, shootings - ALL THE KIDS IDENTIFY W/ PAIN arg healing a life appl God makes nobodies into somebodies no longer an outcast. expl “chosen” illus God chose Maddie arg Peter says young murderers are priests (6 people at funeral) appl we need to feel included - we belong to God no longer invisible. expl “mercy” illus jr hi “Hehworld, I’m here!” arg appl no longer hopeless. expl “destined for” illus Isaiah would have hugged them arg people had to be noticed appl The One who made us, values us and gave us purpose as part of the church. we witness to our hope, & call others to see what we’ve found How can we praise God for the value we’ve been given? we once were youth - issues of PAIN, SELF DESTRUCTION & DREAMS continue Eccl 11.9 “be happy in your youth” (my thoughts of death) value ourselves be an example - priesthood always watched we feel undervalued, get mad, lash out at easy target, welfare moms, another race, spouse & children Christ is the rock of our ministry - w/o X there is no value How shall we make a difference? don’t be afraid of youth- can’t wait for kids to come, we must go out & get them be responsible for c/y G. K. Chesterton who, along with a number of writers, was asked by the London Times for an essay on the topic "What is Wrong With the World?" He wrote back: Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely yours, treat with dignity “don’t look down on youth” learn one child’s name tell one how valued they are build commities of dignity for children
Prayer - those not valued, know your healing
30 April, 1999 16.15
I couldn't help thinking about how our call to be a holy priesthood gives us identity & value, in light of the school shootings.
There’s A Place For Us: One And All Lesson - 1 Peter 2. 2-10
We each need authentic acknowledgment that our soul is valuable. Proverbs 14.10 “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” God provides authentic community, that values us. we’re part of a royal priesthood where do you go for value, work, family, talent, sex, gang - temporary & fragile early catechical text We no longer need to struggle to find value. no longer isolated. expl once not, but now a “people” no identity as an individual illus arg .come in as stragglers, become priests appl “you” means all of us together no longer alienated. expl “into light” illus outside, not part of the core (who is?) arg confusion about where we fit appl you’re the only witness in your corner of the world no longer stuck. expl “never be put to shame” illus kid’s suicide, threats, shootings - ALL THE KIDS IDENTIFY W/ PAIN arg healing a life appl God makes nobodies into somebodies no longer an outcast. expl “chosen” illus God chose Maddie arg Peter says young murderers are priests (6 people at funeral) appl we need to feel included - we belong to God no longer invisible. expl “mercy” illus jr hi “Hehworld, I’m here!” arg appl no longer hopeless. expl “destined for” illus Isaiah would have hugged them arg people had to be noticed appl The One who made us, values us and gave us purpose as part of the church. we witness to our hope, & call others to see what we’ve found How can we praise God for the value we’ve been given? we once were youth - issues of PAIN, SELF DESTRUCTION & DREAMS continue Eccl 11.9 “be happy in your youth” (my thoughts of death) value ourselves be an example - priesthood always watched we feel undervalued, get mad, lash out at easy target, welfare moms, another race, spouse & children Christ is the rock of our ministry - w/o X there is no value How shall we make a difference? don’t be afraid of youth- can’t wait for kids to come, we must go out & get them be responsible for c/y G. K. Chesterton who, along with a number of writers, was asked by the London Times for an essay on the topic "What is Wrong With the World?" He wrote back: Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely yours, treat with dignity “don’t look down on youth” learn one child’s name tell one how valued they are build commities of dignity for children
jsa in sf
30 April, 1999, 16.20 sorry folks, that was my 1st attempt. My sermon outline become one big lump! jsa in sf
Are we "stones that destroy" like those that killed Stephen or "living stones?" Gina in NJ
The living stones sounds like a name for a new "rock" band (pun intended), one that we are not to just listen to, but become a member of. Our faith is not a spectator event, but participatory.
Another thought....we have Doctors without borders, can we have a church without walls. Too often our view of church is restricted by the physical walls that enclose our building. The picture Peter paints is of the walls being wherever the people of God are from day to day not just Sunday. RJ
I really don't understand all this passage has to teach me but I am learning what it is like to desire the Word of God. It is like eating a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and then realizing there is no milk in the refrigerator. The desire for the milk is like my desire for the Word. Without God's Word my day is not as sweet. I have tasted the graciousness of the Lord and He has become precious to me. But most of all the Lord has become the cornerstone of my life, the foundation on which to build. The times He has not been the foundation, my days have been dark, lonely and without purpose. God's mercy has brought me out of the darkness and into His Light. A View from the Pew