"Living Stones"
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame (1 Peter 2:4-6).’”
Jesus has been called “the living Stone (1 Peter 2:4)” and “chief cornerstone (Eph 2:20)” as we are told we are “like living stones…being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5)” and we are “God’s temple (1 Cor 3:16)” in Scripture. In Biblical times, the gods were worshipped in temples – in Greek and Roman times they built beautiful structures from stone. The difference for God’s people? God is stating that His real temple is made up of His people, with Jesus being the main foundation. If we are each a stone then we begin to realize that other stones are needed to build a beautiful temple structure therefore the church is made up of multiple people worshipping God and the Holy Spirit indwells our fellowship.
In the American culture we celebrate individualism and the idea of making it on our own. This counters the Eastern concept, the Hebrew culture is a part of, in which the focus is to work as a group or a team. The New Testament shows the church as powerful when we fellowship and work together (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12). I know several Christians who declare they love Jesus, but refuse to be a part of the Church. I understand no church is perfect because it is made up of people…however, it is important to realize that we are stronger together…
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 9-12).
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matt 18:20)
In Hebrews 10:25 the Biblical author encourages the church, “not [to neglect] to meet together, as is the habit of some, but [encourage] one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
There is something powerful about worshipping with other people in the same room. In today’s culture we can watch services on tv or online and keep informed and yet there is something missing when we are not connecting with others. I am not against televising and recording services for those who cannot make it – but there is a temptation to simply watch and not participate. My husband and I are now a part of a church that broadcasts the services online and they have special pastors ready to chat online with those attending. This is great that there is pastoral care available online and that we can watch the service from the comfort of home and not miss out…but I find the worship to be more powerful when we are actually at the church worshipping with those around us. In these settings, it is my hope that those watching online also have an opportunity to meet in small groups to fellowship with other Christians. We all need to be a part of God’s Body, to find strength to battle spiritual things together – the lone sheep is more susceptible to the lion! We have all heard there is strength in numbers…just something to think about.
Think about what amazing things could happen if we all worked together to accomplish them? If Christians came together to use their skills and talents to better the world? What group of dreamers are you apart of? Do you have people to encourage you to be the best person you can be? Are you a part of something amazing? So consider finding a group of Christians to live life with – fellowship together and see what God can do in and through you!