Walking With Jesus (Ministry)Sample

The living stones

1 Peter 2:5

From our modern point of view, it is very easy to imagine the church as a building built of iron, wood, bricks, and cement. However, when the New Testament talks about the church, it always talks about people. The earliest evidence of a place whose architecture was converted into a Christian place of worship only existed around 241-256 AD.

In his description of the church, Peter describes people as “living stones” who build “a spiritual house” with Jesus as the “cornerstone.” From Peter's point of view, the church is more than a physical building or an institution, but the people that God builds and gathers together in fellowship with Jesus. It's very important to remember that what makes us living stones built as a unit is ensuring that the cornerstone is in place. When we build construction, we will place the cornerstone on the foundation and the other stones around this cornerstone. If the cornerstone is weak or not placed in the right place, then everything in the building will be distorted.

The way we view the church will greatly determine how we understand ministry. Rather than building people who love and follow Jesus, the goal of a church can quickly change to building bigger facilities or institutions. We must always remember how important it is for the church to be built on Jesus Christ as its solid foundation.

Then, a spiritual house is built on that right foundation. Yes, the church must be a home for believers, the holy priesthood. The church needs to be an altar for offerings that will glorify Christ.

Reflection:

1. Is Jesus the cornerstone of your church?

2. Have you become a living stone that is used to build a spiritual house?

Practice: Be the living stone that is used to build a spiritual house upon Christ, the cornerstone.