Have you ever heard of stones that are said to be alive, that is living stones not dead ones. Stones that have life in them, active and living. An imagery which in essence is not just a nice or clever figure of speech but in truth the expression of a supernatural reality.
David Emmet, an Elder from King's Church, Manchester preached on the topic 'Living Stones' at All Nations Church, Cardiff on Sunday April 27, 2008. Though this write up draws its topic and inspiration from the message, it is not an excerpt of the message.
"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."- 1 Peter 2:4-5
The scripture refers to the people of God, the body of Christ- which is His Church as living stones built up into a spiritual house. That implies that we are full of the life of the God through Jesus His Son by the indwelling of His Spirit. We- Living Stones - The Church of Christ are built on Christ- 'The Living Stone', and our life is found in Him. We no longer live for ourselves or follow worldly dictates, trends and principles but that of the Kingdom of God.
"you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."- Ephesians 2:19-20
Our identity as living stones is found in Christ Jesus, Who is the 'The Living Stone'. We were once lost in sin and objects of wrath of God, we were once not worthy to be called the people of God or to belong to the family and household of God, but now redeemed and washed clean by the blood of Christ, we are the people of God. The lively, precious, radiant, holy, royal, choice living stones to show forth, shine forth, display and declare the praises of our God.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;"- 1 Peter 2:9-10
As living stones built upon Christ- The Chief Cornerstone, our attitude, deeds and doings should be the direct expression of His person. Our lives should reflect His glory, express His love, reveal His manifold wisdom, radaite His light, proclaim His praise, share His life and demonstrate His power to the ends of the earth.
"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,"- Ephesians 3:10
Hallelujah, the Church- Living Stones is being skilfully built up and supernaturally fitted together by the power of the Spirit into a formidable, powerful, royal, glorious and holy habitation of God. Through which the light, fragrance, praises, knowledge, wisdom, power, Good news and glory of The Lord shall fill the whole earth.
All bible passages are taken from New International Version.
An inspiring post, thank you for sharing. Will definitely check back here.
Posted by: Sharon | Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 10:55 AM