Our Vocation: Lay Ministry - Timothy Keller [Sermon]

As you come to him, the living stone, As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by humans, but chosen by God rejected by humans, but chosen by God rejected by humans, but chosen by God and precious to him, you also, like and precious to him, you also, like and precious to him, you also, like living stones, are being built into a living stones, are being built into a living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in to God through Jesus Christ. For in to God through Jesus Christ. For in scripture it says, "See, I lay a stone scripture it says, "See, I lay a stone scripture it says, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious in Zion, a chosen and precious in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in cornerstone, and the one who trusts in cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." him will never be put to shame." him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is Now to you who believe, this stone is Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not precious. But to those who do not precious. But to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected believe, the stone the builders rejected believe, the stone the builders rejected has become a cornerstone and a stone has become a cornerstone and a stone has become a cornerstone and a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that causes people to stumble and a rock that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. They stumble that makes them fall. They stumble that makes them fall. They stumble because they disobey the message, which because they disobey the message, which because they disobey the message, which is also what they were destined for. But is also what they were destined for. But is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal you are a chosen people, a royal you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special priesthood, a holy nation, God's special priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the possession, that you may declare the possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of praises of him who called you out of praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once darkness into his wonderful light. Once darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are you were not a people, but now you are you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. Once you had not the people of God. Once you had not the people of God. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy, but now you have received mercy, but now you have received mercy. This is God's word.

Lots and lots of organizations today say Lots and lots of organizations today say come change the world. Work with us and come change the world. Work with us and come change the world. Work with us and change the world. There was an article change the world. There was an article change the world. There was an article in the New York Times magazine march in the New York Times magazine march in the New York Times magazine march called Silicon Silicon Valley's youth called Silicon Silicon Valley's youth called Silicon Silicon Valley's youth problem. problem. problem. And the uh the the the gist of it was And the uh the the the gist of it was And the uh the the the gist of it was that whereas two generations ago the that whereas two generations ago the that whereas two generations ago the best and the brightest young people out best and the brightest young people out best and the brightest young people out of college wanted to go to the moon or of college wanted to go to the moon or of college wanted to go to the moon or they wanted to be teachers or they they wanted to be teachers or they they wanted to be teachers or they wanted to be scientists. Now they want wanted to be scientists. Now they want wanted to be scientists. Now they want to go to Silicon Valley and make a to go to Silicon Valley and make a to go to Silicon Valley and make a killer app. And uh it talks about the killer app. And uh it talks about the killer app. And uh it talks about the fact that every every single uh well you fact that every every single uh well you fact that every every single uh well you want to you want to get in on the ground want to you want to get in on the ground want to you want to get in on the ground floor of some um some company that is floor of some um some company that is floor of some um some company that is doing something the air technology doing something the air technology doing something the air technology that's going to change the world. Change that's going to change the world. Change that's going to change the world. Change the world. So uh the author of the the world. So uh the author of the the world. So uh the author of the article said that uh this is a person article said that uh this is a person article said that uh this is a person who was got involved with Uber. Now Uber who was got involved with Uber. Now Uber who was got involved with Uber. Now Uber is going to change the world. It says is going to change the world. It says is going to change the world. It says we're going to change the way we're going to change the way we're going to change the way transportation is is is going and uh transportation is is is going and uh transportation is is is going and uh we're going to change the way taxis and we're going to change the way taxis and we're going to change the way taxis and limousine services is going. going to limousine services is going. going to limousine services is going. going to change the world.

change the world. change the world. Uh, and of course the author of the Uh, and of course the author of the Uh, and of course the author of the article was trying to say, well, why not article was trying to say, well, why not article was trying to say, well, why not try to tackle poverty? try to tackle poverty? try to tackle poverty? That'll change the world. Uber's not That'll change the world. Uber's not That'll change the world. Uber's not going to change the world. going to change the world. going to change the world. Okay, but let me think. Let's think Okay, but let me think. Let's think Okay, but let me think. Let's think about this. What causes poverty? What? about this. What causes poverty? What? about this. What causes poverty? What? There's an enormous amount of poverty in There's an enormous amount of poverty in There's an enormous amount of poverty in the world. What causes it? All that the world. What causes it? All that the world. What causes it? All that misery. Well, there's a liberal, this is misery. Well, there's a liberal, this is misery. Well, there's a liberal, this is a bit of a caricature. There's a liberal a bit of a caricature. There's a liberal a bit of a caricature. There's a liberal view that says poverty is called caused view that says poverty is called caused view that says poverty is called caused by the people at the top. It's caused by by the people at the top. It's caused by by the people at the top. It's caused by the people who are holding on to their the people who are holding on to their the people who are holding on to their power and holding on to their wealth and power and holding on to their wealth and power and holding on to their wealth and not sharing it and and uh and and not sharing it and and uh and and not sharing it and and uh and and privileging themselves. So, it's caused privileging themselves. So, it's caused privileging themselves. So, it's caused by people at the top. And of course by people at the top. And of course by people at the top. And of course there's another approach uh you might there's another approach uh you might there's another approach uh you might call it a more conservative approach to call it a more conservative approach to call it a more conservative approach to uh understanding poverty to say it's uh understanding poverty to say it's uh understanding poverty to say it's caused because people don't work hard caused because people don't work hard caused because people don't work hard enough and they don't um and and their enough and they don't um and and their enough and they don't um and and their family life isn't strong enough and and family life isn't strong enough and and family life isn't strong enough and and they're not responsible. And then they're not responsible. And then they're not responsible. And then there's most there's most there's most real smart theorists about poverty that real smart theorists about poverty that real smart theorists about poverty that realize it's a kind of combination of realize it's a kind of combination of realize it's a kind of combination of things. But wait wait wait wait. You things. But wait wait wait wait. You things. But wait wait wait wait. You know what it all boils down to? There is know what it all boils down to? There is know what it all boils down to? There is something radically wrong with the human something radically wrong with the human something radically wrong with the human heart.

heart. heart. If it's really true that those people If it's really true that those people If it's really true that those people are the problem or these people are the are the problem or these people are the are the problem or these people are the problem or everybody's the problem in problem or everybody's the problem in problem or everybody's the problem in different ways, but where is it coming different ways, but where is it coming different ways, but where is it coming from? It's coming from the heart. from? It's coming from the heart. from? It's coming from the heart. There's something wrong with the human There's something wrong with the human There's something wrong with the human heart. Let me show you what will really heart. Let me show you what will really heart. Let me show you what will really change the world. change the world. change the world. Let me show you what will really change Let me show you what will really change Let me show you what will really change the world. the world. the world. Come to him, Come to him, Come to him, the living stone, the living stone, the living stone, rejected by humans, but chosen by God rejected by humans, but chosen by God rejected by humans, but chosen by God and precious to him. You also like and precious to him. You also like and precious to him. You also like living stones are being built into a living stones are being built into a living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. Uh when I was a young man there was this Uh when I was a young man there was this Uh when I was a young man there was this group called Peter Paul and Mary and group called Peter Paul and Mary and group called Peter Paul and Mary and Noel Paul Stuki wrote a little call in Noel Paul Stuki wrote a little call in Noel Paul Stuki wrote a little call in response back in the 70s song called the response back in the 70s song called the response back in the 70s song called the building block. building block. building block. And the chorus went like this. The And the chorus went like this. The And the chorus went like this. The building block that was rejected became building block that was rejected became building block that was rejected became the cornerstone of a whole new world. the cornerstone of a whole new world. the cornerstone of a whole new world. That's what this is talking about. Let That's what this is talking about. Let That's what this is talking about. Let me show you what it means to be a me show you what it means to be a me show you what it means to be a Christian. what Christians are supposed Christian. what Christians are supposed Christian. what Christians are supposed to do and how we get the power to do it. to do and how we get the power to do it. to do and how we get the power to do it. When you become a Christian, what you When you become a Christian, what you When you become a Christian, what you become, what you're called to do, and become, what you're called to do, and become, what you're called to do, and where you get the power to do it. Those where you get the power to do it. Those where you get the power to do it. Those three things. First of all, when you three things. First of all, when you three things. First of all, when you become a Christian, what do you become?

become a Christian, what do you become? become a Christian, what do you become? It tells you right here when you get It tells you right here when you get It tells you right here when you get come become a Christian, it says you come become a Christian, it says you come become a Christian, it says you like he's talking to all Christians are like he's talking to all Christians are like he's talking to all Christians are like living stones being built into a like living stones being built into a like living stones being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. Now, a spiritual house means a temple. Now, a spiritual house means a temple. Now, a spiritual house means a temple. It means a house of the spirit. A house It means a house of the spirit. A house It means a house of the spirit. A house with the Holy Spirit. You are living with the Holy Spirit. You are living with the Holy Spirit. You are living stones being built into a house of the stones being built into a house of the stones being built into a house of the Holy Spirit. Do you know what this is Holy Spirit. Do you know what this is Holy Spirit. Do you know what this is saying? saying? saying? The Bible tells us that in the very The Bible tells us that in the very The Bible tells us that in the very beginning, God made human beings beginning, God made human beings beginning, God made human beings to have a face-toface relationship for to have a face-toface relationship for to have a face-toface relationship for him to with him. We were created for him to with him. We were created for him to with him. We were created for that. And we're told that in the Garden that. And we're told that in the Garden that. And we're told that in the Garden of Eden, of Eden, of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve. They they God walked with Adam and Eve. They they God walked with Adam and Eve. They they knew him face to face. They knew they knew him face to face. They knew they knew him face to face. They knew they they had his presence and they had a they had his presence and they had a they had his presence and they had a face-to-face relationship with him. face-to-face relationship with him. face-to-face relationship with him. Just imagine Just imagine Just imagine what it would be like to have a face tof what it would be like to have a face tof what it would be like to have a face tof face relationship with the infinitely face relationship with the infinitely face relationship with the infinitely happy and holy God. happy and holy God. happy and holy God. But the Bible tells us we turned away. But the Bible tells us we turned away. But the Bible tells us we turned away. We wanted to be our own masters. So we We wanted to be our own masters. So we We wanted to be our own masters. So we turned away. And when that happened, our turned away. And when that happened, our turned away. And when that happened, our relationship with him broke and we relationship with him broke and we relationship with him broke and we broke. Human nature became profoundly broke. Human nature became profoundly broke. Human nature became profoundly marred and weakened. And here's what marred and weakened. And here's what marred and weakened. And here's what happened. We neither wanted nor could happened. We neither wanted nor could happened. We neither wanted nor could bear the presence of God. Though we were bear the presence of God. Though we were bear the presence of God. Though we were made for it, we can't bear it now. We made for it, we can't bear it now. We made for it, we can't bear it now. We can't bear the clarity of it, the truth can't bear the clarity of it, the truth can't bear the clarity of it, the truth of it, the glory of it, the holiness of of it, the glory of it, the holiness of of it, the glory of it, the holiness of it. And we don't want it.

it. And we don't want it. it. And we don't want it. We don't want that God. We want to be in We don't want that God. We want to be in We don't want that God. We want to be in charge of our own lives. And therefore, charge of our own lives. And therefore, charge of our own lives. And therefore, what happened was that we were made for what happened was that we were made for what happened was that we were made for the presence of God, his actual glory, the presence of God, his actual glory, the presence of God, his actual glory, his face, his presence. his face, his presence. his face, his presence. Now, we neither want it nor can bear it. Now, we neither want it nor can bear it. Now, we neither want it nor can bear it. And so the presence of God left it. It And so the presence of God left it. It And so the presence of God left it. It it it withdrew from the world it it withdrew from the world it it withdrew from the world and the world became a place of violence and the world became a place of violence and the world became a place of violence and decay and disease and suffering and and decay and disease and suffering and and decay and disease and suffering and death. death. death. But God did not abandon us. He had a But God did not abandon us. He had a But God did not abandon us. He had a plan. He had a plan to come back and plan. He had a plan to come back and plan. He had a plan to come back and rescue those who didn't want or deserve rescue those who didn't want or deserve rescue those who didn't want or deserve his presence. Now in the early part of his presence. Now in the early part of his presence. Now in the early part of the Old Testament, you see God the Old Testament, you see God the Old Testament, you see God occasionally coming to earth. that as it occasionally coming to earth. that as it occasionally coming to earth. that as it were. In other words, occasionally his were. In other words, occasionally his were. In other words, occasionally his glory appeared like to Abraham in glory appeared like to Abraham in glory appeared like to Abraham in Genesis 15 or you remember Genesis 32 in Genesis 15 or you remember Genesis 32 in Genesis 15 or you remember Genesis 32 in Jacob. One night he's sleeping Jacob. One night he's sleeping Jacob. One night he's sleeping and he has a vision and he sees a and he has a vision and he sees a and he has a vision and he sees a staircase and angels ascending and staircase and angels ascending and staircase and angels ascending and descending on it and he looks right into descending on it and he looks right into descending on it and he looks right into the throne room and he sees God and God the throne room and he sees God and God the throne room and he sees God and God speaks to him and when he uh when the speaks to him and when he uh when the speaks to him and when he uh when the vision is over, what does he call it? He vision is over, what does he call it? He vision is over, what does he call it? He calls it Bethl. He calls the place calls it Bethl. He calls the place calls it Bethl. He calls the place Bethl, which means the house of God, the Bethl, which means the house of God, the Bethl, which means the house of God, the place where God dwells, the presence of place where God dwells, the presence of place where God dwells, the presence of God. Now, the fact is it wasn't really God. Now, the fact is it wasn't really God. Now, the fact is it wasn't really Bethl Bethl Bethl because it was a temporary house of God.

because it was a temporary house of God. because it was a temporary house of God. Temporarily, God's presence and his Temporarily, God's presence and his Temporarily, God's presence and his glory was there and it was astonishing, glory was there and it was astonishing, glory was there and it was astonishing, but then it was withdrawn. but then it was withdrawn. but then it was withdrawn. So episodically he comes back as it were So episodically he comes back as it were So episodically he comes back as it were his presence appears but then through his presence appears but then through his presence appears but then through the mediation of Moses the mediation of Moses the mediation of Moses giving you by the way a survey of the giving you by the way a survey of the giving you by the way a survey of the whole Bible so I hope you're taking whole Bible so I hope you're taking whole Bible so I hope you're taking notes the and just in like 3 minutes you notes the and just in like 3 minutes you notes the and just in like 3 minutes you know it'll save you so much time just know it'll save you so much time just know it'll save you so much time just listen so through the mediation of Moses listen so through the mediation of Moses listen so through the mediation of Moses and the covenant of God with the people and the covenant of God with the people and the covenant of God with the people of Israel at Mount Si he says I'm of Israel at Mount Si he says I'm of Israel at Mount Si he says I'm entering into a covenant relationship entering into a covenant relationship entering into a covenant relationship with you if you are faithful to me I with you if you are faithful to me I with you if you are faithful to me I will dwell in in your midst. I will put will dwell in in your midst. I will put will dwell in in your midst. I will put my name in your midst. And they built my name in your midst. And they built my name in your midst. And they built the tabernacle and later the temple. And the tabernacle and later the temple. And the tabernacle and later the temple. And in the middle of the tabernacle, in the in the middle of the tabernacle, in the in the middle of the tabernacle, in the Holy of Holies, Holy of Holies, Holy of Holies, there God's name, his face, his presence there God's name, his face, his presence there God's name, his face, his presence dwelt. There was a glory there. It was dwelt. There was a glory there. It was dwelt. There was a glory there. It was called the Shikina glory. It looked like called the Shikina glory. It looked like called the Shikina glory. It looked like a cloud in the light. It looked like a cloud in the light. It looked like a cloud in the light. It looked like fire in the daytime. It was his actual fire in the daytime. It was his actual fire in the daytime. It was his actual presence, presence, presence, his face. But no one could go back there his face. But no one could go back there his face. But no one could go back there because we can't bear it. Moses at one because we can't bear it. Moses at one because we can't bear it. Moses at one point said, "Lord, let me see your point said, "Lord, let me see your point said, "Lord, let me see your glory." God said, "You can't bear it. It glory." God said, "You can't bear it. It glory." God said, "You can't bear it. It would destroy you." Only the high priest would destroy you." Only the high priest would destroy you." Only the high priest went back there once once a year, went back there once once a year, went back there once once a year, Yamapor, after weeks of purification. It Yamapor, after weeks of purification. It Yamapor, after weeks of purification. It was still something we couldn't bear.

was still something we couldn't bear. was still something we couldn't bear. But there it was. And it was it was the But there it was. And it was it was the But there it was. And it was it was the presence of God was in the midst of this presence of God was in the midst of this presence of God was in the midst of this people. It's what made Israel unlike any people. It's what made Israel unlike any people. It's what made Israel unlike any other people on the face of the earth. other people on the face of the earth. other people on the face of the earth. And yet, there were prophecies. And yet, there were prophecies. And yet, there were prophecies. Prophecies like this. Isaiah 4. Listen Prophecies like this. Isaiah 4. Listen Prophecies like this. Isaiah 4. Listen to this. Isaiah chapter 4 says, "In that to this. Isaiah chapter 4 says, "In that to this. Isaiah chapter 4 says, "In that day, the branch of the Lord will be day, the branch of the Lord will be day, the branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and all in beautiful and glorious, and all in beautiful and glorious, and all in Jerusalem will be holy. Jerusalem will be holy. Jerusalem will be holy. Then the Lord will create over all those Then the Lord will create over all those Then the Lord will create over all those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by who assemble there a cloud of smoke by who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a flaming fire by night over all day and a flaming fire by night over all day and a flaming fire by night over all the glory." the glory." the glory." That's a prophecy that someday That's a prophecy that someday That's a prophecy that someday the holiness of God, the very presence the holiness of God, the very presence the holiness of God, the very presence of God, the face-to-face relationship of God, the face-to-face relationship of God, the face-to-face relationship with God will break out of that little with God will break out of that little with God will break out of that little confined space and all the people, all confined space and all the people, all confined space and all the people, all believers will have it in their very believers will have it in their very believers will have it in their very lives. They'll be able to bear it. They lives. They'll be able to bear it. They lives. They'll be able to bear it. They it won't be fatal to them anymore. it won't be fatal to them anymore. it won't be fatal to them anymore. That's the prophecy. When when the That's the prophecy. When when the That's the prophecy. When when the branch of the Lord branch of the Lord branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious. Who is will be beautiful and glorious. Who is will be beautiful and glorious. Who is the branch of the Lord? the branch of the Lord? the branch of the Lord? When Jesus Christ died on the cross, When Jesus Christ died on the cross, When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the veil in the temple ripped from top the veil in the temple ripped from top the veil in the temple ripped from top to bottom.

to bottom. to bottom. The veil, that's what protected the The veil, that's what protected the The veil, that's what protected the world world world from the glory of God. It was the veil from the glory of God. It was the veil from the glory of God. It was the veil was was the thing that was the barrier was was the thing that was the barrier was was the thing that was the barrier between the Holy of Holies and the between the Holy of Holies and the between the Holy of Holies and the people outside. It's what protected us people outside. It's what protected us people outside. It's what protected us from the presence of God, the face of from the presence of God, the face of from the presence of God, the face of God, which we couldn't bear. But the God, which we couldn't bear. But the God, which we couldn't bear. But the moment that Jesus Christ died on the moment that Jesus Christ died on the moment that Jesus Christ died on the cross, the veil was ripped. And when you cross, the veil was ripped. And when you cross, the veil was ripped. And when you believe in him, because your sins are believe in him, because your sins are believe in him, because your sins are forgiven, the Bible says you receive the forgiven, the Bible says you receive the forgiven, the Bible says you receive the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Second Peter 1:3, you become partakers Second Peter 1:3, you become partakers Second Peter 1:3, you become partakers of the divine nature. And 1 Peter 2 of the divine nature. And 1 Peter 2 of the divine nature. And 1 Peter 2 says, you become a spiritual house. The says, you become a spiritual house. The says, you become a spiritual house. The Holy Spirit's in you. You're the temple. Holy Spirit's in you. You're the temple. Holy Spirit's in you. You're the temple. The cloud of glory is upon you. Moses says, "Can I see you? Can I see Moses says, "Can I see you? Can I see your face?" God says, "No, you can't. your face?" God says, "No, you can't. your face?" God says, "No, you can't. It'll destroy. You can't bear it." And It'll destroy. You can't bear it." And It'll destroy. You can't bear it." And yet the Bible says, "The word became yet the Bible says, "The word became yet the Bible says, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory. Glory as of the only begotten his glory. Glory as of the only begotten his glory. Glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth."

of the father, full of grace and truth." of the father, full of grace and truth." 2 Corinthians 3 says that in the face of 2 Corinthians 3 says that in the face of 2 Corinthians 3 says that in the face of Jesus Christ, we actually see the glory Jesus Christ, we actually see the glory Jesus Christ, we actually see the glory of God. Partly 1 Corinthians say it's of God. Partly 1 Corinthians say it's of God. Partly 1 Corinthians say it's sort of like in a, you know, in a m, you sort of like in a, you know, in a m, you sort of like in a, you know, in a m, you know, we're like in a mirror darkly, know, we're like in a mirror darkly, know, we're like in a mirror darkly, Paul says. And then at the end of time, Paul says. And then at the end of time, Paul says. And then at the end of time, we'll see him face to face. But even we'll see him face to face. But even we'll see him face to face. But even now, even now by faith into your life now, even now by faith into your life now, even now by faith into your life comes the presence of God in a way that comes the presence of God in a way that comes the presence of God in a way that would have staggered Moses, would have would have staggered Moses, would have would have staggered Moses, would have staggered any of the Old Testament staggered any of the Old Testament staggered any of the Old Testament believers. believers. believers. We are now we have the Holy Spirit. We We are now we have the Holy Spirit. We We are now we have the Holy Spirit. We have that very glory presence. We have have that very glory presence. We have have that very glory presence. We have access to a relationship with God that access to a relationship with God that access to a relationship with God that those folks did not have at all. those folks did not have at all. those folks did not have at all. Now, what does that mean? Well, it means Now, what does that mean? Well, it means Now, what does that mean? Well, it means a couple things, by the way. One thing a couple things, by the way. One thing a couple things, by the way. One thing it means, we've already talked about it means, we've already talked about it means, we've already talked about when we looked at second Peter 2, uh, 2 when we looked at second Peter 2, uh, 2 when we looked at second Peter 2, uh, 2 Peter chapter 1:3, you're now partakers Peter chapter 1:3, you're now partakers Peter chapter 1:3, you're now partakers of divine nature. We've talked about of divine nature. We've talked about of divine nature. We've talked about this in earlier weeks recently. this in earlier weeks recently. this in earlier weeks recently. The fact is that because you have the The fact is that because you have the The fact is that because you have the Holy Spirit in you, there is nothing in Holy Spirit in you, there is nothing in Holy Spirit in you, there is nothing in you that can't be fixed.

you that can't be fixed. you that can't be fixed. There's no wound that can't be healed. There's no wound that can't be healed. There's no wound that can't be healed. There is no sin that can't be you can't There is no sin that can't be you can't There is no sin that can't be you can't be cleansed from. There is no bad habit be cleansed from. There is no bad habit be cleansed from. There is no bad habit that can't be broken. There's nothing that can't be broken. There's nothing that can't be broken. There's nothing that can't be fixed. But we've talked that can't be fixed. But we've talked that can't be fixed. But we've talked about that before. What I'd like you to about that before. What I'd like you to about that before. What I'd like you to see tonight is it says here, you like see tonight is it says here, you like see tonight is it says here, you like living stones are being built into a living stones are being built into a living stones are being built into a spiritual house. That's an interesting spiritual house. That's an interesting spiritual house. That's an interesting process word. And the word built into process word. And the word built into process word. And the word built into means fit together. It it means as as means fit together. It it means as as means fit together. It it means as as living stones, living stones are put living stones, living stones are put living stones, living stones are put together, one on top of the other, one together, one on top of the other, one together, one on top of the other, one beside the other. You're being like a beside the other. You're being like a beside the other. You're being like a brick layer, you know, puts them brick layer, you know, puts them brick layer, you know, puts them together. You're being fit together. And together. You're being fit together. And together. You're being fit together. And the Holy Spirit dwells in us as we are the Holy Spirit dwells in us as we are the Holy Spirit dwells in us as we are fit together. And we're talking fit together. And we're talking fit together. And we're talking therefore about something extremely therefore about something extremely therefore about something extremely important here. It is as a community important here. It is as a community important here. It is as a community that we have access to this glory. One that we have access to this glory. One that we have access to this glory. One commentator Karen Jobes wrote a commentator Karen Jobes wrote a commentator Karen Jobes wrote a commentary on first Peter. She's a New commentary on first Peter. She's a New commentary on first Peter. She's a New Testament scholar, teaches at Wheaten Testament scholar, teaches at Wheaten Testament scholar, teaches at Wheaten College. And this is what she said is College. And this is what she said is College. And this is what she said is the meaning of this these verses. She the meaning of this these verses. She the meaning of this these verses. She says, "The imagery of the living stones says, "The imagery of the living stones says, "The imagery of the living stones being built into a single unit implies being built into a single unit implies being built into a single unit implies that the significance and purpose of that the significance and purpose of that the significance and purpose of individual Christians cannot be realized individual Christians cannot be realized individual Christians cannot be realized apart from community with other apart from community with other apart from community with other believers.

I'll read that again in a minute. What I'll read that again in a minute. What this means is it's together that we're this means is it's together that we're this means is it's together that we're inhabited by the Holy Spirit. It's inhabited by the Holy Spirit. It's inhabited by the Holy Spirit. It's together, fitted together, we have together, fitted together, we have together, fitted together, we have access to something that just would have access to something that just would have access to something that just would have shocked our forebears. shocked our forebears. shocked our forebears. We've got a power. We've got a glory. We've got a power. We've got a glory. We've got a power. We've got a glory. We've got an access to him. But we have We've got an access to him. But we have We've got an access to him. But we have it together. What does that mean? It it together. What does that mean? It it together. What does that mean? It means in a community. So, for example, means in a community. So, for example, means in a community. So, for example, it's typical for Americans because it's it's typical for Americans because it's it's typical for Americans because it's very typical for Americans to to hear a very typical for Americans to to hear a very typical for Americans to to hear a sermon like this or get this kind of sermon like this or get this kind of sermon like this or get this kind of idea and we say, "This is great. idea and we say, "This is great. idea and we say, "This is great. I want to change. I got power to I want to change. I got power to I want to change. I got power to change." So, what you do is you go to change." So, what you do is you go to change." So, what you do is you go to God and you say, "Lord, please change me God and you say, "Lord, please change me God and you say, "Lord, please change me in the privacy of my own apartment." church, you know, well, church, you know, well, you know, I've been hurt by the church you know, I've been hurt by the church you know, I've been hurt by the church and the church every the churches are so and the church every the churches are so and the church every the churches are so flawed and all that, but I just would flawed and all that, but I just would flawed and all that, but I just would you please change me? I see all this you please change me? I see all this you please change me? I see all this stuff. I heard Tim Keller talk about all stuff. I heard Tim Keller talk about all stuff. I heard Tim Keller talk about all this incredible stuff about how we now this incredible stuff about how we now this incredible stuff about how we now have the glory that Moses couldn't have have the glory that Moses couldn't have have the glory that Moses couldn't have and you know it's in us and all that.

and you know it's in us and all that. and you know it's in us and all that. Great. Change me in the privacy of my Great. Change me in the privacy of my Great. Change me in the privacy of my own apartment. Here's the problem. First own apartment. Here's the problem. First own apartment. Here's the problem. First of all, if you are screwed up, of all, if you are screwed up, of all, if you are screwed up, don't think that you did it all by don't think that you did it all by don't think that you did it all by yourself. Don't give yourself that much yourself. Don't give yourself that much yourself. Don't give yourself that much credit. credit. credit. You can say, "Well, it was my bad You can say, "Well, it was my bad You can say, "Well, it was my bad choices that screwed me up." Well, to choices that screwed me up." Well, to choices that screwed me up." Well, to some degree, it's true. But we're some degree, it's true. But we're some degree, it's true. But we're screwed up because of our relationships. screwed up because of our relationships. screwed up because of our relationships. No, we didn't do it ourselves. No, we didn't do it ourselves. No, we didn't do it ourselves. Our family that we were part of, our Our family that we were part of, our Our family that we were part of, our society that we're part of. There's it's society that we're part of. There's it's society that we're part of. There's it's through our relationships that our lives through our relationships that our lives through our relationships that our lives are distorted. You didn't become messed are distorted. You didn't become messed are distorted. You didn't become messed up all by yourself. So, you can't up all by yourself. So, you can't up all by yourself. So, you can't possibly be fixed all by yourself. possibly be fixed all by yourself. possibly be fixed all by yourself. You were hurt through relationships You were hurt through relationships You were hurt through relationships and through distorted relationships. And and through distorted relationships. And and through distorted relationships. And you can only be healed through whole you can only be healed through whole you can only be healed through whole relationships. And therefore, it's only relationships. And therefore, it's only relationships. And therefore, it's only inside the church that you access this inside the church that you access this inside the church that you access this power as we're fitted together. Or let power as we're fitted together. Or let power as we're fitted together. Or let me give you another example, just me give you another example, just me give you another example, just another one, one of my favorite another one, one of my favorite another one, one of my favorite examples. Uh you often know many of you examples. Uh you often know many of you examples. Uh you often know many of you know that I often quote David Martin know that I often quote David Martin know that I often quote David Martin Lloyd Jones. He was a great British Lloyd Jones. He was a great British Lloyd Jones. He was a great British preacher. He preached in London in the preacher. He preached in London in the preacher. He preached in London in the 20th middle of the 20th century and I'm 20th middle of the 20th century and I'm 20th middle of the 20th century and I'm always quoting him because he's been a always quoting him because he's been a always quoting him because he's been a big influence on me. Now uh he was big influence on me. Now uh he was big influence on me. Now uh he was preaching in his 40s 50s and 60s and preaching in his 40s 50s and 60s and preaching in his 40s 50s and 60s and into the 70s and uh and of course in the into the 70s and uh and of course in the into the 70s and uh and of course in the early days of his ministry the early days of his ministry the early days of his ministry the technology to record his sermons uh technology to record his sermons uh technology to record his sermons uh became available and people said we want became available and people said we want became available and people said we want to tape you. we want to record your to tape you. we want to record your to tape you. we want to record your sermons. And Lloyd Jones for a long time

sermons. And Lloyd Jones for a long time sermons. And Lloyd Jones for a long time resisted that and said, "No, I don't resisted that and said, "No, I don't resisted that and said, "No, I don't want you to do that." Now, eventually he want you to do that." Now, eventually he want you to do that." Now, eventually he agreed. And by the late 50s, we've got agreed. And by the late 50s, we've got agreed. And by the late 50s, we've got his sermons. And I'm awfully glad uh I'm his sermons. And I'm awfully glad uh I'm his sermons. And I'm awfully glad uh I'm extraordinarily glad that he did that extraordinarily glad that he did that extraordinarily glad that he did that because we have these things recorded. because we have these things recorded. because we have these things recorded. In fact, you ought to be glad, too, In fact, you ought to be glad, too, In fact, you ought to be glad, too, because it's been a big influence on me. because it's been a big influence on me. because it's been a big influence on me. I listen to dozens of his sermons, maybe I listen to dozens of his sermons, maybe I listen to dozens of his sermons, maybe hundreds of his sermons. So, I'm really hundreds of his sermons. So, I'm really hundreds of his sermons. So, I'm really glad he did that. But he had a good glad he did that. But he had a good glad he did that. But he had a good reason to be reticent for that to reason to be reticent for that to reason to be reticent for that to happen. And here was what his reason happen. And here was what his reason happen. And here was what his reason was. He says, "When you listen to a was. He says, "When you listen to a was. He says, "When you listen to a sermon in the privacy of your own home sermon in the privacy of your own home sermon in the privacy of your own home or in your car or walking somewhere, he or in your car or walking somewhere, he or in your car or walking somewhere, he says there's no way that that's going to says there's no way that that's going to says there's no way that that's going to have the profoundly shaping impact on have the profoundly shaping impact on have the profoundly shaping impact on you that it will if you are listening to you that it will if you are listening to you that it will if you are listening to the sermon in the midst of the gathered the sermon in the midst of the gathered the sermon in the midst of the gathered people of God. people of God. people of God. When the people of God gather, you've When the people of God gather, you've When the people of God gather, you've been reading, you've been praying, been reading, you've been praying, been reading, you've been praying, you've been singing together, you've you've been singing together, you've you've been singing together, you've been seeking God, and then the sermon been seeking God, and then the sermon been seeking God, and then the sermon happens. When you're in the presence of happens. When you're in the presence of happens. When you're in the presence of the gather people of God, in the the gather people of God, in the the gather people of God, in the presence of the people of God, fit presence of the people of God, fit presence of the people of God, fit together, when all the living stones are together, when all the living stones are together, when all the living stones are here and we're fit together, here and we're fit together, here and we're fit together, God is present in a way because of the God is present in a way because of the God is present in a way because of the work of Jesus Christ, in a way that the work of Jesus Christ, in a way that the work of Jesus Christ, in a way that the Old Testament believers did not have.

Old Testament believers did not have. Old Testament believers did not have. and he's present here and he's present here and he's present here and you have access to him here. And and you have access to him here. And and you have access to him here. And when you hear a sermon in this setting when you hear a sermon in this setting when you hear a sermon in this setting here in the midst of the gathered here in the midst of the gathered here in the midst of the gathered people, it will shape you and it'll people, it will shape you and it'll people, it will shape you and it'll change you in a way it won't somewhere change you in a way it won't somewhere change you in a way it won't somewhere else. You can say, well, but but I guess else. You can say, well, but but I guess else. You can say, well, but but I guess it's psychological, right? In other it's psychological, right? In other it's psychological, right? In other words, if you're here, it has more of a words, if you're here, it has more of a words, if you're here, it has more of a psychological impact. Well, maybe that's psychological impact. Well, maybe that's psychological impact. Well, maybe that's part of it, but it's mainly theological. part of it, but it's mainly theological. part of it, but it's mainly theological. No, it's we're fitted together. No, it's we're fitted together. No, it's we're fitted together. It is only together. God inhabits us as It is only together. God inhabits us as It is only together. God inhabits us as a people. And you say, "Well, I can listen to the And you say, "Well, I can listen to the recording and then I can stop and and recording and then I can stop and and recording and then I can stop and and take notes and then I can I I get more take notes and then I can I I get more take notes and then I can I I get more out of when I listen to it that way." out of when I listen to it that way." out of when I listen to it that way." No, you don't. You're just thinking of No, you don't. You're just thinking of No, you don't. You're just thinking of information. information. information. You can't. You can't. You can't. The imagery of the living stones being The imagery of the living stones being The imagery of the living stones being built into a single unit implies that built into a single unit implies that built into a single unit implies that the significance and purpose of the significance and purpose of the significance and purpose of individual Christians cannot be realized individual Christians cannot be realized individual Christians cannot be realized apart from community with other apart from community with other apart from community with other believers. God is not going to fix you believers. God is not going to fix you believers. God is not going to fix you by yourself. God is not going to inhabit by yourself. God is not going to inhabit by yourself. God is not going to inhabit your life by yourself. He because it's your life by yourself. He because it's your life by yourself. He because it's only what we're being built together only what we're being built together only what we're being built together into a house of the Holy Spirit. That's into a house of the Holy Spirit. That's into a house of the Holy Spirit. That's what we have become. That's what's what we have become. That's what's what we have become. That's what's available to us. But it's available to available to us. But it's available to available to us. But it's available to us as a community.

us as a community. us as a community. Second point, Second point, Second point, what then are we called to do? If this what then are we called to do? If this what then are we called to do? If this is what we've become, what are we called is what we've become, what are we called is what we've become, what are we called to do? And the second part here, notice to do? And the second part here, notice to do? And the second part here, notice the metaphors are getting mixed. It says the metaphors are getting mixed. It says the metaphors are getting mixed. It says verse 5, you also like living stones are verse 5, you also like living stones are verse 5, you also like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be being built into a spiritual house to be being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual a holy priesthood offering spiritual a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through sacrifices acceptable to God through sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We are a holy priesthood offering We are a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Jesus spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Jesus spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Jesus Christ. What does that mean? Well, look, Christ. What does that mean? Well, look, Christ. What does that mean? Well, look, there's output and there's input. there's output and there's input. there's output and there's input. Okay, let's talk about the human body. Okay, let's talk about the human body. Okay, let's talk about the human body. Input, you're eating, you're sleeping. Input, you're eating, you're sleeping. Input, you're eating, you're sleeping. That's recharging your batteries. That's recharging your batteries. That's recharging your batteries. Output, you're exercising, you're Output, you're exercising, you're Output, you're exercising, you're working. You all know, of course, that working. You all know, of course, that working. You all know, of course, that if you exercise and work too much and if you exercise and work too much and if you exercise and work too much and you don't eat and sleep enough, you get you don't eat and sleep enough, you get you don't eat and sleep enough, you get sick. You know, it ruins your health. We sick. You know, it ruins your health. We sick. You know, it ruins your health. We also know if you eat and sleep all the also know if you eat and sleep all the also know if you eat and sleep all the time and you you never exercise, you time and you you never exercise, you time and you you never exercise, you never, you know, you never exert never, you know, you never exert never, you know, you never exert yourself. That's bad for you, too. You yourself. That's bad for you, too. You yourself. That's bad for you, too. You need to have both input and output to be need to have both input and output to be need to have both input and output to be a healthy organism. Same thing true a healthy organism. Same thing true a healthy organism. Same thing true spiritually. Input is you're ministered spiritually. Input is you're ministered spiritually. Input is you're ministered to. People encourage you. People to. People encourage you. People to. People encourage you. People minister to you. People teach you.

minister to you. People teach you. minister to you. People teach you. People preach to you. People support People preach to you. People support People preach to you. People support you. People counsel you. They're they're you. People counsel you. They're they're you. People counsel you. They're they're caring for you. They're with you. caring for you. They're with you. caring for you. They're with you. They're ministering. That's input. They're ministering. That's input. They're ministering. That's input. Output is you serve. Output is you serve. Output is you serve. You open your mouth. You talk to people You open your mouth. You talk to people You open your mouth. You talk to people about your faith. You encourage people. about your faith. You encourage people. about your faith. You encourage people. You get trained. You volunteer. You do. You get trained. You volunteer. You do. You get trained. You volunteer. You do. That's output. The fact here is that That's output. The fact here is that That's output. The fact here is that priest of the holy priesthood is an priest of the holy priesthood is an priest of the holy priesthood is an amazing statement about what happens now amazing statement about what happens now amazing statement about what happens now that we are a spiritual house. See in that we are a spiritual house. See in that we are a spiritual house. See in the old testament go back to the old the old testament go back to the old the old testament go back to the old testament and you'll see that when god testament and you'll see that when god testament and you'll see that when god was in a sense confined when his glory was in a sense confined when his glory was in a sense confined when his glory presence was confined to the holy of presence was confined to the holy of presence was confined to the holy of holies there was a priesthood holies there was a priesthood holies there was a priesthood and the priests did a lot of things but and the priests did a lot of things but and the priests did a lot of things but the people basically were rather the people basically were rather the people basically were rather passive. passive. passive. So the priest did all this sacrificing, So the priest did all this sacrificing, So the priest did all this sacrificing, very important, atoning for sins. But if very important, atoning for sins. But if very important, atoning for sins. But if you as a lay person, if you were not a you as a lay person, if you were not a you as a lay person, if you were not a priest or not a Levite, if you as a lay priest or not a Levite, if you as a lay priest or not a Levite, if you as a lay person decided in your backyard to build person decided in your backyard to build person decided in your backyard to build your own altar and offer sacrifices, your own altar and offer sacrifices, your own altar and offer sacrifices, you'd be executed. It's in the it's in you'd be executed. It's in the it's in you'd be executed. It's in the it's in the law of Moses. The people in a sense the law of Moses. The people in a sense the law of Moses. The people in a sense were passive. The the ministers did were passive. The the ministers did were passive. The the ministers did everything. You know, the the priests everything. You know, the the priests everything. You know, the the priests did everything. And now that's changed.

did everything. And now that's changed. did everything. And now that's changed. You are a holy priesthood, You are a holy priesthood, You are a holy priesthood, the priesthood of all believers. the priesthood of all believers. the priesthood of all believers. See, when Jesus Christ died on the See, when Jesus Christ died on the See, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, he became the priest to end all cross, he became the priest to end all cross, he became the priest to end all priests because he brings the presence priests because he brings the presence priests because he brings the presence of God right into our life. He became of God right into our life. He became of God right into our life. He became the sacrifice to end all sacrifices the sacrifice to end all sacrifices the sacrifice to end all sacrifices because he atoned for all of our sins. because he atoned for all of our sins. because he atoned for all of our sins. But there's a sense in which though he's But there's a sense in which though he's But there's a sense in which though he's the priest and all priests and the the priest and all priests and the the priest and all priests and the sacrifice to end all sacrifices, he also sacrifice to end all sacrifices, he also sacrifice to end all sacrifices, he also creates us, makes us all priests because creates us, makes us all priests because creates us, makes us all priests because we all have the presence of God. And now we all have the presence of God. And now we all have the presence of God. And now everything we do in ministry everything we do in ministry everything we do in ministry is like an acceptable sacrifice. What is like an acceptable sacrifice. What is like an acceptable sacrifice. What does that mean? Hebrews chapter 13, very does that mean? Hebrews chapter 13, very does that mean? Hebrews chapter 13, very important passage. Listen. Hebrews important passage. Listen. Hebrews important passage. Listen. Hebrews 13:15-16. 13:15-16. 13:15-16. Through Jesus, let us offer to God a Through Jesus, let us offer to God a Through Jesus, let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget that confess his name. And do not forget that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others. For to do good and to share with others. For to do good and to share with others. For with such sacrifices, God is pleased. with such sacrifices, God is pleased. with such sacrifices, God is pleased. Did you hear that? First of all, it says Did you hear that? First of all, it says Did you hear that? First of all, it says that when you confess his name, that's a that when you confess his name, that's a that when you confess his name, that's a sacrifice.

sacrifice. sacrifice. When you confess his name, what does When you confess his name, what does When you confess his name, what does that mean? Well, when you are teaching that mean? Well, when you are teaching that mean? Well, when you are teaching other people about Christ, when you're other people about Christ, when you're other people about Christ, when you're sitting with a hurting, grieving person sitting with a hurting, grieving person sitting with a hurting, grieving person and you're just talking about the truths and you're just talking about the truths and you're just talking about the truths of Christianity and the consolation of of Christianity and the consolation of of Christianity and the consolation of that, when you share your faith with that, when you share your faith with that, when you share your faith with somebody who doesn't believe, a friend somebody who doesn't believe, a friend somebody who doesn't believe, a friend of yours who doesn't believe, you're of yours who doesn't believe, you're of yours who doesn't believe, you're opening your mouth, you're confessing opening your mouth, you're confessing opening your mouth, you're confessing with your lips, that's not just a good with your lips, that's not just a good with your lips, that's not just a good deed, it's called a sacrifice. And it deed, it's called a sacrifice. And it deed, it's called a sacrifice. And it says when you share what you have, says when you share what you have, says when you share what you have, when you care for the poor, when you when you care for the poor, when you when you care for the poor, when you open your home for somebody else, when open your home for somebody else, when open your home for somebody else, when you do good and share what you have, you do good and share what you have, you do good and share what you have, that's a sacrifice. It means that when that's a sacrifice. It means that when that's a sacrifice. It means that when you spread the gospel in word and deed, you spread the gospel in word and deed, you spread the gospel in word and deed, it's not just a bunch of little good it's not just a bunch of little good it's not just a bunch of little good deeds. God is present to bless others deeds. God is present to bless others deeds. God is present to bless others with them. God is present to empower with them. God is present to empower with them. God is present to empower your priests. your priests. your priests. What this means is this. What this means is this. What this means is this. There cannot be any unemployed There cannot be any unemployed There cannot be any unemployed Christians. You must not only get input, Christians. You must not only get input, Christians. You must not only get input, you must do output. You must be in you must do output. You must be in you must do output. You must be in ministry. You need to open your mouth.

ministry. You need to open your mouth. ministry. You need to open your mouth. You need to open your wallet. You need You need to open your wallet. You need You need to open your wallet. You need to open your life. You need to not just to open your life. You need to not just to open your life. You need to not just take in. That's input. You need to be take in. That's input. You need to be take in. That's input. You need to be doing output. Output. Why? Because doing output. Output. Why? Because doing output. Output. Why? Because you're now all priests. That means you're now all priests. That means you're now all priests. That means number one, you've got a power to change number one, you've got a power to change number one, you've got a power to change other people's lives you don't know other people's lives you don't know other people's lives you don't know about. about. about. You may feel like, well, I don't You may feel like, well, I don't You may feel like, well, I don't understand. I don't look look there are understand. I don't look look there are understand. I don't look look there are specialists. It's even in the New specialists. It's even in the New specialists. It's even in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, people Testament. In the Old Testament, people Testament. In the Old Testament, people were passive. You had the priests. You were passive. You had the priests. You were passive. You had the priests. You had the prophets. In the New Testament, had the prophets. In the New Testament, had the prophets. In the New Testament, we're all priests. Now, it doesn't mean we're all priests. Now, it doesn't mean we're all priests. Now, it doesn't mean there aren't specialists. For example, there aren't specialists. For example, there aren't specialists. For example, okay, I'm a specialist in confessing okay, I'm a specialist in confessing okay, I'm a specialist in confessing Jesus' name. I'm a I'm a speaker, okay? Jesus' name. I'm a I'm a speaker, okay? Jesus' name. I'm a I'm a speaker, okay? I'm I'm encouraging. I hope I'm I'm I'm encouraging. I hope I'm I'm I'm encouraging. I hope I'm evangelizing. I'm I'm teaching. I'm evangelizing. I'm I'm teaching. I'm evangelizing. I'm I'm teaching. I'm instructing. It's my job. You know, I'm instructing. It's my job. You know, I'm instructing. It's my job. You know, I'm a specialist. And we have deacons and a specialist. And we have deacons and a specialist. And we have deacons and deaconesses. They're specialists in deaconesses. They're specialists in deaconesses. They're specialists in caring for the needy and caring for the caring for the needy and caring for the caring for the needy and caring for the poor. But we're all deacons. We're all poor. But we're all deacons. We're all poor. But we're all deacons. We're all deaconesses. We're all prophets. We're deaconesses. We're all prophets. We're deaconesses. We're all prophets. We're all priests. We're all kings. The Bible all priests. We're all kings. The Bible all priests. We're all kings. The Bible says that over and over again. says that over and over again. says that over and over again. Matthew 11:11, Matthew 11:11, Matthew 11:11, one of the most amazing statements in one of the most amazing statements in one of the most amazing statements in the Bible. Jesus is talking about John the Bible. Jesus is talking about John the Bible. Jesus is talking about John the Baptist and he says, "Until this the Baptist and he says, "Until this the Baptist and he says, "Until this day, he's talking about what did you do day, he's talking about what did you do day, he's talking about what did you do when you went when you went out to see when you went when you went out to see when you went when you went out to see John the Baptist preach? Were you did John the Baptist preach? Were you did John the Baptist preach? Were you did you think you were looking at a prophet?

you think you were looking at a prophet? you think you were looking at a prophet? He says, "Yes, I say and even more than He says, "Yes, I say and even more than He says, "Yes, I say and even more than a prophet." He says, "I say to you, a prophet." He says, "I say to you, a prophet." He says, "I say to you, Jesus said, there has not been anyone Jesus said, there has not been anyone Jesus said, there has not been anyone born of a woman greater than John the born of a woman greater than John the born of a woman greater than John the Baptist." Baptist." Baptist." Now, Jesus is saying, "Yeah, he's a Now, Jesus is saying, "Yeah, he's a Now, Jesus is saying, "Yeah, he's a prophet. Not only that, he's the prophet. Not only that, he's the prophet. Not only that, he's the greatest prophet. Not only that, he's greatest prophet. Not only that, he's greatest prophet. Not only that, he's the greatest person who's ever lived up the greatest person who's ever lived up the greatest person who's ever lived up till now." And then he says, "But till now." And then he says, "But till now." And then he says, "But verily, verily, I say to you, the least verily, verily, I say to you, the least verily, verily, I say to you, the least in the kingdom of God is greater than in the kingdom of God is greater than in the kingdom of God is greater than he." he." he." Do you have any idea what that means? Do you have any idea what that means? Do you have any idea what that means? Look, you It's possible, isn't it? Since Look, you It's possible, isn't it? Since Look, you It's possible, isn't it? Since you know there there are strong you know there there are strong you know there there are strong Christians, there are weak Christians. Christians, there are weak Christians. Christians, there are weak Christians. And it's very possible that somebody in And it's very possible that somebody in And it's very possible that somebody in this room, you might be the weakest this room, you might be the weakest this room, you might be the weakest Christian in history. Christian in history. Christian in history. I mean, somebody has to be. There's got I mean, somebody has to be. There's got I mean, somebody has to be. There's got to have been somebody, to have been somebody, to have been somebody, you know, and New York's a very special you know, and New York's a very special you know, and New York's a very special place. You know, everybody lives here. place. You know, everybody lives here. place. You know, everybody lives here. So, it's possible that you are the So, it's possible that you are the So, it's possible that you are the weakest, weakest, weakest, most marginal real Christian in the most marginal real Christian in the most marginal real Christian in the history of the Christian church. You're history of the Christian church. You're history of the Christian church. You're greater than John the Baptist. That's greater than John the Baptist. That's greater than John the Baptist. That's what Jesus Christ says. What do you what Jesus Christ says. What do you what Jesus Christ says. What do you mean? You have got the Holy Spirit in a mean? You have got the Holy Spirit in a mean? You have got the Holy Spirit in a way he didn't have. You have an way he didn't have. You have an way he didn't have. You have an understanding of the gospel in a way he understanding of the gospel in a way he understanding of the gospel in a way he didn't have. The least in the kingdom of didn't have. The least in the kingdom of didn't have. The least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. You have got a God is greater than he. You have got a God is greater than he. You have got a power to change people's lives.

power to change people's lives. power to change people's lives. That's one of the reasons why you have That's one of the reasons why you have That's one of the reasons why you have you can't be unemployed. You can't just you can't be unemployed. You can't just you can't be unemployed. You can't just do input. You can't just come and take do input. You can't just come and take do input. You can't just come and take and receive ministry. You've got to do and receive ministry. You've got to do and receive ministry. You've got to do ministry. You've got to volunteer. You ministry. You've got to volunteer. You ministry. You've got to volunteer. You got to get trained. You got to open your got to get trained. You got to open your got to get trained. You got to open your mouth. You got to serve. mouth. You got to serve. mouth. You got to serve. But here's the other reason. It's But here's the other reason. It's But here's the other reason. It's because it's only together that we're because it's only together that we're because it's only together that we're going back and forth between the going back and forth between the going back and forth between the metaphors here, but I know first Peter metaphors here, but I know first Peter metaphors here, but I know first Peter Peter does too. We're only It's fitted Peter does too. We're only It's fitted Peter does too. We're only It's fitted together that we're a spiritual house. together that we're a spiritual house. together that we're a spiritual house. And here's what that I think means. If And here's what that I think means. If And here's what that I think means. If you for example are in New York and you for example are in New York and you for example are in New York and you're coming to to Redeemer you're coming to to Redeemer you're coming to to Redeemer there are you have a gift and you have there are you have a gift and you have there are you have a gift and you have not only a gift you have a background not only a gift you have a background not only a gift you have a background you've got an experience that your your you've got an experience that your your you've got an experience that your your gender your race your age your national gender your race your age your national gender your race your age your national background also your experiences your background also your experiences your background also your experiences your sufferings the troubles you've had even sufferings the troubles you've had even sufferings the troubles you've had even you every single person is unique and you every single person is unique and you every single person is unique and when you turn to minister to other when you turn to minister to other when you turn to minister to other people because of your unique people because of your unique people because of your unique experiences and unique gifts that means experiences and unique gifts that means experiences and unique gifts that means that there's some hands that only pretty that there's some hands that only pretty that there's some hands that only pretty much only you can hold. much only you can hold. much only you can hold. There's some hearts that only you can There's some hearts that only you can There's some hearts that only you can comfort. There's some people that only comfort. There's some people that only comfort. There's some people that only you can reach. There's some needs that you can reach. There's some needs that you can reach. There's some needs that only you will really resonate to. And if only you will really resonate to. And if only you will really resonate to. And if you are here, this isn't an accident.

you are here, this isn't an accident. you are here, this isn't an accident. God is a God of providence. He arranges God is a God of providence. He arranges God is a God of providence. He arranges these things. If you're here in New York these things. If you're here in New York these things. If you're here in New York City coming to this church, it means City coming to this church, it means City coming to this church, it means that part of what redeemer is supposed that part of what redeemer is supposed that part of what redeemer is supposed to be doing is what you can do. And if to be doing is what you can do. And if to be doing is what you can do. And if you are either too you are either too you are either too busy or too timid or even too selfish busy or too timid or even too selfish busy or too timid or even too selfish to really put yourself out to serve to really put yourself out to serve to really put yourself out to serve other people if you're coming only to other people if you're coming only to other people if you're coming only to get ministered to and not to minister, get ministered to and not to minister, get ministered to and not to minister, then you are making redeemer less than then you are making redeemer less than then you are making redeemer less than what it ought to be. It hurts you. It what it ought to be. It hurts you. It what it ought to be. It hurts you. It hurts. It hurts the church. It hurts the hurts. It hurts the church. It hurts the hurts. It hurts the church. It hurts the city. It's only fitted together that we city. It's only fitted together that we city. It's only fitted together that we are the spiritual house that God wants are the spiritual house that God wants are the spiritual house that God wants us to be. It's only altogether that us to be. It's only altogether that us to be. It's only altogether that we're the particular priesthood God we're the particular priesthood God we're the particular priesthood God wants us to be. There are some things wants us to be. There are some things wants us to be. There are some things that you are supposed to be doing in that you are supposed to be doing in that you are supposed to be doing in this city this city this city through this church. And if you're too through this church. And if you're too through this church. And if you're too timid or you're too busy to let yourself timid or you're too busy to let yourself timid or you're too busy to let yourself be available, then you and the church be available, then you and the church be available, then you and the church and the city are all and the city are all and the city are all weaker for it. And one more thing before weaker for it. And one more thing before weaker for it. And one more thing before we get to the very very last and we get to the very very last and we get to the very very last and important point is where we get the important point is where we get the important point is where we get the power for this is let me say just power for this is let me say just power for this is let me say just something personally about redeemer.

something personally about redeemer. something personally about redeemer. Redeemer is a big church. You know this Redeemer is a big church. You know this Redeemer is a big church. You know this is of all the venues that we meet in on is of all the venues that we meet in on is of all the venues that we meet in on a Sunday we have eight services. We meet a Sunday we have eight services. We meet a Sunday we have eight services. We meet in three different places. This is the in three different places. This is the in three different places. This is the smallest one. We're a big church and one smallest one. We're a big church and one smallest one. We're a big church and one of the main problems of big churches is of the main problems of big churches is of the main problems of big churches is it very often has trouble helping its it very often has trouble helping its it very often has trouble helping its people practice the priesthood of all people practice the priesthood of all people practice the priesthood of all believers. You know why? because you believers. You know why? because you believers. You know why? because you come to the church, you hear terrific come to the church, you hear terrific come to the church, you hear terrific programs, you got talented people up programs, you got talented people up programs, you got talented people up front that do a lot of great things and front that do a lot of great things and front that do a lot of great things and uh you see all the programs and you see uh you see all the programs and you see uh you see all the programs and you see all the stuff going on and and it's all the stuff going on and and it's all the stuff going on and and it's perfectly natural for you to think when perfectly natural for you to think when perfectly natural for you to think when you come to a big church like Redeemer, you come to a big church like Redeemer, you come to a big church like Redeemer, you don't really need me. you don't really need me. you don't really need me. You don't really need me. You don't really need me. You don't really need me. You don't need my money. Really, You don't need my money. Really, You don't need my money. Really, probably you've got a lot of people who probably you've got a lot of people who probably you've got a lot of people who give. you don't need my talents because give. you don't need my talents because give. you don't need my talents because I see a lot of people around me who are I see a lot of people around me who are I see a lot of people around me who are more talented than me at at the things more talented than me at at the things more talented than me at at the things that I do. Uh you don't really need me. that I do. Uh you don't really need me. that I do. Uh you don't really need me. And that is just not true. And that is just not true. And that is just not true. Not true at all. And let me just say Not true at all. And let me just say Not true at all. And let me just say about Redeemer. Redeemer, as big about Redeemer. Redeemer, as big about Redeemer. Redeemer, as big churches go, is actually quite good at churches go, is actually quite good at churches go, is actually quite good at getting people involved. But the fact is getting people involved. But the fact is getting people involved. But the fact is we still have a big problem with it.

we still have a big problem with it. we still have a big problem with it. Like all big churches, lots of people Like all big churches, lots of people Like all big churches, lots of people who get input but don't do output. And who get input but don't do output. And who get input but don't do output. And in the future, Redeemer is moving. It's in the future, Redeemer is moving. It's in the future, Redeemer is moving. It's transitioning in the TW that we're going transitioning in the TW that we're going transitioning in the TW that we're going to have a 25th anniversary time in to have a 25th anniversary time in to have a 25th anniversary time in September and it'll be a time for us to September and it'll be a time for us to September and it'll be a time for us to look back and look ahead and you need to look back and look ahead and you need to look back and look ahead and you need to know that the old redeemer was all built know that the old redeemer was all built know that the old redeemer was all built around one big show on a Sunday and it around one big show on a Sunday and it around one big show on a Sunday and it was a wonderful show and everybody came. was a wonderful show and everybody came. was a wonderful show and everybody came. It was kind of a spectacle. But the It was kind of a spectacle. But the It was kind of a spectacle. But the future redeemer is going to be a number future redeemer is going to be a number future redeemer is going to be a number of churches all reaching their of churches all reaching their of churches all reaching their neighborhoods. And the ministry, the neighborhoods. And the ministry, the neighborhoods. And the ministry, the priesthood of all believers is going to priesthood of all believers is going to priesthood of all believers is going to be much more crucial to the future be much more crucial to the future be much more crucial to the future redeemer than it was in the past. Point redeemer than it was in the past. Point redeemer than it was in the past. Point three, where do you get the power to do three, where do you get the power to do three, where do you get the power to do this? H this? H this? H where do you get the confidence? Where where do you get the confidence? Where where do you get the confidence? Where do you get the motivation? Where do you do you get the motivation? Where do you do you get the motivation? Where do you get the power to be what you're called get the power to be what you're called get the power to be what you're called to be? here the answer is pretty simple to be? here the answer is pretty simple to be? here the answer is pretty simple and I can give it to you in three parts and I can give it to you in three parts and I can give it to you in three parts but here's what it says it's it tells but here's what it says it's it tells but here's what it says it's it tells you right in verse four look at it as you right in verse four look at it as you right in verse four look at it as you come to the living stone you come to the living stone you come to the living stone so you also like living stones are being so you also like living stones are being so you also like living stones are being built into a spiritual house there it is built into a spiritual house there it is built into a spiritual house there it is if you come to the living stone you'll if you come to the living stone you'll if you come to the living stone you'll be a living stone if you come to the be a living stone if you come to the be a living stone if you come to the cornerstone rejected by humans chosen by cornerstone rejected by humans chosen by cornerstone rejected by humans chosen by God and precious to him you also will be God and precious to him you also will be God and precious to him you also will be living stones built into a a spiritual living stones built into a a spiritual living stones built into a a spiritual house.

house. house. There it is. Let me break it down for There it is. Let me break it down for There it is. Let me break it down for you. If by if this is saying if you want you. If by if this is saying if you want you. If by if this is saying if you want this power to change your own life and this power to change your own life and this power to change your own life and to change other people's lives, you have to change other people's lives, you have to change other people's lives, you have to relate to Jesus as your cornerstone. to relate to Jesus as your cornerstone. to relate to Jesus as your cornerstone. You have to come to him and relate to You have to come to him and relate to You have to come to him and relate to him as a cornerstone. You say, "How do I him as a cornerstone. You say, "How do I him as a cornerstone. You say, "How do I do that?" Just three things. Number one, do that?" Just three things. Number one, do that?" Just three things. Number one, first of all, Jesus can't be just first of all, Jesus can't be just first of all, Jesus can't be just somebody you believe in. somebody you believe in. somebody you believe in. He's got to be the very foundation of He's got to be the very foundation of He's got to be the very foundation of your life. That's the idea behind a your life. That's the idea behind a your life. That's the idea behind a cornerstone. The cornerstone was in a cornerstone. The cornerstone was in a cornerstone. The cornerstone was in a sense the foundation of the foundation. sense the foundation of the foundation. sense the foundation of the foundation. The cornerstone uh was the strength of The cornerstone uh was the strength of The cornerstone uh was the strength of the foundation. It had to be strong. If the foundation. It had to be strong. If the foundation. It had to be strong. If it if if that cornerstone uh crumbled, it if if that cornerstone uh crumbled, it if if that cornerstone uh crumbled, then the whole foundation crumbled. If then the whole foundation crumbled. If then the whole foundation crumbled. If the cornerstone was not chiseled the cornerstone was not chiseled the cornerstone was not chiseled perfectly right, then the whole perfectly right, then the whole perfectly right, then the whole foundation was off because it was all foundation was off because it was all foundation was off because it was all built off the lines of the cornerstone. built off the lines of the cornerstone. built off the lines of the cornerstone. The cornerstone was the foundation of The cornerstone was the foundation of The cornerstone was the foundation of the foundation. And to for Christ to be the foundation. And to for Christ to be the foundation. And to for Christ to be your cornerstone is not just to believe your cornerstone is not just to believe your cornerstone is not just to believe in him in some general way. in him in some general way. in him in some general way. It means he's the very foundation of It means he's the very foundation of It means he's the very foundation of your life. You say, "What does that your life. You say, "What does that your life. You say, "What does that mean?" Well, that's what I'd like. Let mean?" Well, that's what I'd like. Let mean?" Well, that's what I'd like. Let me press you on this. In many cases, me press you on this. In many cases, me press you on this. In many cases, there's a lot of people who believe in there's a lot of people who believe in there's a lot of people who believe in Christianity and believe in Jesus in Christianity and believe in Jesus in Christianity and believe in Jesus in some general way, but Jesus has not some general way, but Jesus has not some general way, but Jesus has not become your foundation. My grandfather become your foundation. My grandfather become your foundation. My grandfather was an Italian immigrant was an Italian immigrant was an Italian immigrant and uh I never met him. I he died before and uh I never met him. I he died before and uh I never met him. I he died before I was born, but I was told he was very I was born, but I was told he was very I was born, but I was told he was very proud of being Italian and he had a lot proud of being Italian and he had a lot proud of being Italian and he had a lot of different jobs. He was a mushroom of different jobs. He was a mushroom of different jobs. He was a mushroom grower. He was a butcher. He was a pipe grower. He was a butcher. He was a pipe grower. He was a butcher. He was a pipe fitter. Did a bunch of different things.

fitter. Did a bunch of different things. fitter. Did a bunch of different things. But what uh in his mind his uh his But what uh in his mind his uh his But what uh in his mind his uh his identity, the low that you might say the identity, the low that you might say the identity, the low that you might say the foundational layer of his identity was foundational layer of his identity was foundational layer of his identity was his being Italian. And he had other his being Italian. And he had other his being Italian. And he had other things that were part of his identity, things that were part of his identity, things that were part of his identity, but the foundation was he was an but the foundation was he was an but the foundation was he was an Italian-American. Now, my mother came Italian-American. Now, my mother came Italian-American. Now, my mother came along along along and my mother knew she was Italian. Of and my mother knew she was Italian. Of and my mother knew she was Italian. Of course, that was part of her identity, course, that was part of her identity, course, that was part of her identity, but she was a nurse. She went to nurses but she was a nurse. She went to nurses but she was a nurse. She went to nurses training and she became a licensed training and she became a licensed training and she became a licensed registered nurse. She was extremely registered nurse. She was extremely registered nurse. She was extremely proud of that uh with warrant that she proud of that uh with warrant that she proud of that uh with warrant that she was a professional and uh she had that was a professional and uh she had that was a professional and uh she had that job and she could do that and see that job and she could do that and see that job and she could do that and see that was crucial. That was much more was crucial. That was much more was crucial. That was much more foundational. See you have layers do you foundational. See you have layers do you foundational. See you have layers do you not to your identity and that was not to your identity and that was not to your identity and that was foundational for her much more foundational for her much more foundational for her much more foundational than her national origin. foundational than her national origin. foundational than her national origin. Much more foundational now let me let me Much more foundational now let me let me Much more foundational now let me let me switch. I promise I'll get back. You're switch. I promise I'll get back. You're switch. I promise I'll get back. You're going to say where is he going? Just going to say where is he going? Just going to say where is he going? Just give me 90 seconds. At the beginning of give me 90 seconds. At the beginning of give me 90 seconds. At the beginning of the second of the L three Lord of the the second of the L three Lord of the the second of the L three Lord of the Rings movies, do you remember how the the second of do you remember how the the second of the three Lord of the Rings movies the three Lord of the Rings movies the three Lord of the Rings movies starts? Gandalf falling off a precipice starts? Gandalf falling off a precipice starts? Gandalf falling off a precipice with this awful evil with this awful evil with this awful evil monster, the Balro, and they fall into monster, the Balro, and they fall into monster, the Balro, and they fall into this abyss and they go down down down this abyss and they go down down down this abyss and they go down down down and they're fighting with each other.

and they're fighting with each other. and they're fighting with each other. It's it's really it's really a It's it's really it's really a It's it's really it's really a remarkable scene. But they down and down remarkable scene. But they down and down remarkable scene. But they down and down and down they go. How how deep is this and down they go. How how deep is this and down they go. How how deep is this thing? thousands of miles thing? thousands of miles thing? thousands of miles deep. They're going down and down and deep. They're going down and down and deep. They're going down and down and down and finally they get to the very down and finally they get to the very down and finally they get to the very bottom. And Tolken himself in the book bottom. And Tolken himself in the book bottom. And Tolken himself in the book calls it the uttermost foundation of calls it the uttermost foundation of calls it the uttermost foundation of stone. stone. stone. See the earth has an uttermost See the earth has an uttermost See the earth has an uttermost foundation as a bedrock of the bedrock foundation as a bedrock of the bedrock foundation as a bedrock of the bedrock is the bottom of the bottom of the of is the bottom of the bottom of the of is the bottom of the bottom of the of the earth. And that's where they fall the earth. And that's where they fall the earth. And that's where they fall and that's where they have their epic and that's where they have their epic and that's where they have their epic battle. battle. battle. Your heart has a foundation, an Your heart has a foundation, an Your heart has a foundation, an uttermost foundation. It has a bottom of uttermost foundation. It has a bottom of uttermost foundation. It has a bottom of the bottom. Your heart has a part of it the bottom. Your heart has a part of it the bottom. Your heart has a part of it that is the most foundational to who you that is the most foundational to who you that is the most foundational to who you are and your identity. And Jesus Christ, are and your identity. And Jesus Christ, are and your identity. And Jesus Christ, an experience of sin and of grace and of an experience of sin and of grace and of an experience of sin and of grace and of his love has to go there. And if it his love has to go there. And if it his love has to go there. And if it does, it changes everything. It changes everything. So, for example, It changes everything. So, for example, if you're African and you become a if you're African and you become a if you're African and you become a Christian, that doesn't make you Christian, that doesn't make you Christian, that doesn't make you Chinese. I know some of you were Chinese. I know some of you were Chinese. I know some of you were wondering about that. And then I want wondering about that. And then I want wondering about that. And then I want you to say, don't hold back. I can just you to say, don't hold back. I can just you to say, don't hold back. I can just promise you if you become a Christian promise you if you become a Christian promise you if you become a Christian and you're African, it will not make you and you're African, it will not make you and you're African, it will not make you Chinese. And if you're Chinese, uh, and Chinese. And if you're Chinese, uh, and Chinese. And if you're Chinese, uh, and you become a Christian, you're still you become a Christian, you're still you become a Christian, you're still Chinese, but you're a Chinese Christian.

Chinese, but you're a Chinese Christian. Chinese, but you're a Chinese Christian. And I'm white. Really white. And many of And I'm white. Really white. And many of And I'm white. Really white. And many of you constantly tell me about it. Uh, and you constantly tell me about it. Uh, and you constantly tell me about it. Uh, and when I become a Christian, I'm I'm still when I become a Christian, I'm I'm still when I become a Christian, I'm I'm still a white Christian, but the fact of the a white Christian, but the fact of the a white Christian, but the fact of the matter is I'm white second and I'm a matter is I'm white second and I'm a matter is I'm white second and I'm a Christian first. I'm a Christian first Christian first. I'm a Christian first Christian first. I'm a Christian first and I'm white second. and I'm white second. and I'm white second. What's happened is it's come in What's happened is it's come in What's happened is it's come in underneath my whiteness. my whiteness is underneath my whiteness. my whiteness is underneath my whiteness. my whiteness is not as important to me. If you're proud not as important to me. If you're proud not as important to me. If you're proud of being a lawyer or proud of making of being a lawyer or proud of making of being a lawyer or proud of making money, you become a Christian. It comes money, you become a Christian. It comes money, you become a Christian. It comes in underneath and now the making money in underneath and now the making money in underneath and now the making money isn't as important. The being a lawyer isn't as important. The being a lawyer isn't as important. The being a lawyer isn't as important. You're you're isn't as important. You're you're isn't as important. You're you're Christian first and you're white or Christian first and you're white or Christian first and you're white or you're black or you're Hispanic or you're black or you're Hispanic or you're black or you're Hispanic or you're Asian second. you're Asian second. you're Asian second. What does that do? Oh, it does a whole What does that do? Oh, it does a whole What does that do? Oh, it does a whole lot. lot. lot. What it means is your whiteness or your What it means is your whiteness or your What it means is your whiteness or your blackness or your Asianness is not as blackness or your Asianness is not as blackness or your Asianness is not as important. And you can deal with people important. And you can deal with people important. And you can deal with people in a way that people that have their in a way that people that have their in a way that people that have their national identity at the bottom of the national identity at the bottom of the national identity at the bottom of the bottom of the uttermost foundation of bottom of the uttermost foundation of bottom of the uttermost foundation of stone cannot. stone cannot. stone cannot. And if you're in law or you're in you're And if you're in law or you're in you're And if you're in law or you're in you're making money or something and something making money or something and something making money or something and something goes wrong with your career now because goes wrong with your career now because goes wrong with your career now because Jesus is at the bottom now you can Jesus is at the bottom now you can Jesus is at the bottom now you can handle that in a way that you couldn't handle that in a way that you couldn't handle that in a way that you couldn't have before. He is more foundational have before. He is more foundational have before. He is more foundational than who than than your ethnicity. He's than who than than your ethnicity. He's than who than than your ethnicity. He's more foundational than your job. He's more foundational than your job. He's more foundational than your job. He's more foundational than you being an more foundational than you being an more foundational than you being an abused child.

abused child. abused child. If you were abused and that's I mean If you were abused and that's I mean If you were abused and that's I mean that's all you know is that this is I that's all you know is that this is I that's all you know is that this is I must hurt abused person and Jesus Christ must hurt abused person and Jesus Christ must hurt abused person and Jesus Christ comes in under the underneath that and comes in under the underneath that and comes in under the underneath that and now you're a Christian first and you're now you're a Christian first and you're now you're a Christian first and you're an abused child second. You're a an abused child second. You're a an abused child second. You're a Christian first and you're this or Christian first and you're this or Christian first and you're this or you're that second. That changes you're that second. That changes you're that second. That changes everything. That gives you a freedom and everything. That gives you a freedom and everything. That gives you a freedom and that's what it means to have Jesus as that's what it means to have Jesus as that's what it means to have Jesus as your cornerstone. And so you say your cornerstone. And so you say your cornerstone. And so you say okay okay okay but how do you get him down that far? I but how do you get him down that far? I but how do you get him down that far? I think some of you know that Jesus is think some of you know that Jesus is think some of you know that Jesus is kind of in my life, but he is not down kind of in my life, but he is not down kind of in my life, but he is not down there. He has not reached the uttermost there. He has not reached the uttermost there. He has not reached the uttermost foundation of stone. foundation of stone. foundation of stone. Well, here's the second point. He's got Well, here's the second point. He's got Well, here's the second point. He's got to become precious to you. He'll never to become precious to you. He'll never to become precious to you. He'll never be your cornerstone until he's precious. be your cornerstone until he's precious. be your cornerstone until he's precious. It says, "Now to you who believe It says, "Now to you who believe It says, "Now to you who believe the stone is precious." That word is a the stone is precious." That word is a the stone is precious." That word is a really strong word. And here's a story I really strong word. And here's a story I really strong word. And here's a story I learned from Charles Spurgeon. I believe learned from Charles Spurgeon. I believe learned from Charles Spurgeon. I believe the great Baptist preacher the 19th the great Baptist preacher the 19th the great Baptist preacher the 19th century tells a story about this term. century tells a story about this term. century tells a story about this term. He says, "Imagine that you are dying.

He says, "Imagine that you are dying. He says, "Imagine that you are dying. The doctors have told you you've got The doctors have told you you've got The doctors have told you you've got this fatal disease and you're dying. this fatal disease and you're dying. this fatal disease and you're dying. You're dying." And then suddenly, you You're dying." And then suddenly, you You're dying." And then suddenly, you know, your family's all around you and know, your family's all around you and know, your family's all around you and we're weeping because you're, you know, we're weeping because you're, you know, we're weeping because you're, you know, you're being cut off in the midst of you're being cut off in the midst of you're being cut off in the midst of life. You haven't lived to a good old life. You haven't lived to a good old life. You haven't lived to a good old age and we're all this is this is so age and we're all this is this is so age and we're all this is this is so tragic. Then somebody comes and says, tragic. Then somebody comes and says, tragic. Then somebody comes and says, "Guess what? They've just discovered a "Guess what? They've just discovered a "Guess what? They've just discovered a drug. If you take this drug, you will be drug. If you take this drug, you will be drug. If you take this drug, you will be cured. Hooray. Everybody's However, it's cured. Hooray. Everybody's However, it's cured. Hooray. Everybody's However, it's very expensive. And to raise the money very expensive. And to raise the money very expensive. And to raise the money for the drug, you're probably going to for the drug, you're probably going to for the drug, you're probably going to have to sell your home, the home you have to sell your home, the home you have to sell your home, the home you love, and move into a little apartment. love, and move into a little apartment. love, and move into a little apartment. You might not want to do that. And you You might not want to do that. And you You might not want to do that. And you and you would go, "Wait a minute. Wait a and you would go, "Wait a minute. Wait a and you would go, "Wait a minute. Wait a minute. As much as I love my home, and minute. As much as I love my home, and minute. As much as I love my home, and I've always loved my home, that medicine I've always loved my home, that medicine I've always loved my home, that medicine is so important to me that what the is so important to me that what the is so important to me that what the heck, okay, move into apartment, but heck, okay, move into apartment, but heck, okay, move into apartment, but I'll have the rest of my life with my I'll have the rest of my life with my I'll have the rest of my life with my loved ones." And Spurgeon says, "See, loved ones." And Spurgeon says, "See, loved ones." And Spurgeon says, "See, when the that medicine gets so precious when the that medicine gets so precious when the that medicine gets so precious to you that everything else that used to to you that everything else that used to to you that everything else that used to be valuable becomes expendable." be valuable becomes expendable." be valuable becomes expendable." Now to you who believe he is precious, Now to you who believe he is precious, Now to you who believe he is precious, which means that Jesus Christ becomes which means that Jesus Christ becomes which means that Jesus Christ becomes more precious to you more precious to you more precious to you in such a way than anything else so that in such a way than anything else so that in such a way than anything else so that everything else in life becomes everything else in life becomes everything else in life becomes eternally and utterly expendable. And eternally and utterly expendable. And eternally and utterly expendable. And only when he's that precious to you can only when he's that precious to you can only when he's that precious to you can he be your cornerstone. You say, "Well, he be your cornerstone. You say, "Well, he be your cornerstone. You say, "Well, how does he get that precious?

how does he get that precious? how does he get that precious? See how he was rejected. See how he was rejected. See how he was rejected. As you come to him, the living stone, As you come to him, the living stone, As you come to him, the living stone, you see he's rejected by who? Everybody. by who? Everybody. Look at the end of his life. Rejected by Look at the end of his life. Rejected by Look at the end of his life. Rejected by his friends, rejected by the people, his friends, rejected by the people, his friends, rejected by the people, rejected by the crowd crucify him, and rejected by the crowd crucify him, and rejected by the crowd crucify him, and in the end rejected by his father. My in the end rejected by his father. My in the end rejected by his father. My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? Why would he become that despised and Why would he become that despised and Why would he become that despised and and rejected? Why did he go that way? and rejected? Why did he go that way? and rejected? Why did he go that way? Why was he willing to do that? You know Why was he willing to do that? You know Why was he willing to do that? You know why? why? why? Because to him, you must have been Because to him, you must have been Because to him, you must have been precious. precious. precious. I must have been precious. Why would he I must have been precious. Why would he I must have been precious. Why would he do that for us? do that for us? do that for us? Everything else was eternally expendable Everything else was eternally expendable Everything else was eternally expendable to him. He gave up his glory. He gave up to him. He gave up his glory. He gave up to him. He gave up his glory. He gave up his place in heaven. He gave up his his place in heaven. He gave up his his place in heaven. He gave up his life. Why would he do that? You and I life. Why would he do that? You and I life. Why would he do that? You and I must have been that precious to him that must have been that precious to him that must have been that precious to him that he was willing to let everything else he was willing to let everything else he was willing to let everything else go. Everything else was expendable. So, go. Everything else was expendable. So, go. Everything else was expendable. So, he was willing to be rejected. When you he was willing to be rejected. When you he was willing to be rejected. When you see him taking that rejection see him taking that rejection see him taking that rejection because you are precious to him, when because you are precious to him, when because you are precious to him, when you see that you're that precious to you see that you're that precious to you see that you're that precious to him, that will make him precious to you.

him, that will make him precious to you. him, that will make him precious to you. And then he will slide to the bottom, And then he will slide to the bottom, And then he will slide to the bottom, the uttermost foundation of stone. He'll the uttermost foundation of stone. He'll the uttermost foundation of stone. He'll become your cornerstone. The building block that was rejected The building block that was rejected became the cornerstone of a whole new became the cornerstone of a whole new became the cornerstone of a whole new world. world. world. Go to the end of the book of Revelation. Go to the end of the book of Revelation. Go to the end of the book of Revelation. See, we've done the whole Bible. Go to See, we've done the whole Bible. Go to See, we've done the whole Bible. Go to the end of the book of Revelation and the end of the book of Revelation and the end of the book of Revelation and you'll see what coming out of heaven, you'll see what coming out of heaven, you'll see what coming out of heaven, the new Jerusalem, the city of God, and the new Jerusalem, the city of God, and the new Jerusalem, the city of God, and it's coming down and it takes over the it's coming down and it takes over the it's coming down and it takes over the whole world and there's no suffering and whole world and there's no suffering and whole world and there's no suffering and every tear is wiped away and the whole every tear is wiped away and the whole every tear is wiped away and the whole world becomes the city of God and world becomes the city of God and world becomes the city of God and there's no temple in it because Jesus there's no temple in it because Jesus there's no temple in it because Jesus Christ is the light and is the temple Christ is the light and is the temple Christ is the light and is the temple which means he has become the which means he has become the which means he has become the cornerstone of a whole new world. He's cornerstone of a whole new world. He's cornerstone of a whole new world. He's on his way to being that. on his way to being that. on his way to being that. Be part of that. be in that. Let's pray. Be part of that. be in that. Let's pray. Be part of that. be in that. Let's pray. Our father, we thank you that Our father, we thank you that Our father, we thank you that we can come to the living stone, be we can come to the living stone, be we can come to the living stone, be built up into a spiritual house, built up into a spiritual house, built up into a spiritual house, experience your presence in this experience your presence in this experience your presence in this community, and we ask that you would community, and we ask that you would community, and we ask that you would teach us how to become more one, how to teach us how to become more one, how to teach us how to become more one, how to give ourselves more to you in that way, give ourselves more to you in that way, give ourselves more to you in that way, even as we partake of the Lord's supper even as we partake of the Lord's supper even as we partake of the Lord's supper together right now. We pray this in together right now. We pray this in together right now. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Gospel Thank you for listening today. Gospel Thank you for listening today. Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported by and Life's Ministry is supported by and Life's Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because the for your generous support because the for your generous support because the gospel really does change everything.