Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to GOD by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of GOD: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1Pe 2:5-10)
We who are in Christ by repentance and faith in Him and His Word, from Peter and John, to Luther and Calvin, to today's saints, are little stones, living sacrifices fitly placed in His building, not the campus or meetinghouse, for that is not the church, but the living organism GOD has placed us in, and indwelt with His Spirit, that we might do His will and accomplish His Work during our sojourn in this broken and dying world. What we build for Him and by His power will remain, what we try to accomplish on our own will crumble, for the arm of flesh will fail us, but He never will. He will never leave us nor forsake us and faithful is He who has called us, who will do it.
We have His Word, inspired by the Spirit, written by the prophets and apostles, to hear, read, study, memorize, meditate and obey that we might be profitable servants in ministry to those around us who are hurting and in need, as His ambassadors and children of the King. We have His Salvation and a covenant relationship with the GOD of the universe, making us who are in Him brothers and sisters, and members one of another in fellowship and relationship with our Heavenly Father as we disciple one another in His Word that we may grow thereby. We have the indwelling Spirit of GOD to empower us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and direct us as we go into this lost and dying world, and as we go at His command, we tell all who will hear the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son that they might repent and believe in Him, and in believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet