Living Stone Sermons

In our journey of faith, we often encounter suffering that can shake our foundations. This message delves into 1 Peter 4:12-14, reminding us that as followers of Christ, we should expect and even embrace suffering. Rather than being surprised by trials, we're called to rejoice in them, understanding that they allow us to participate in Christ's sufferings. The key lesson here is that our suffering has purpose - it refines us, draws us closer to God, and equips us for ministry to others who are hurting. Just as Jesus suffered, we too will face challenges, but these difficulties can be transformed into blessings. We're encouraged to find hope in suffering, recognizing that God uses our pain to shape us and bring glory to Himself. This perspective shift can radically change how we approach life's hardships, seeing them not as obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth and service. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reconsider God's design for marriage in a world that often rebels against it. The central scripture, 1 Peter 3:1-7, presents a counter-cultural view of wives submitting to their husbands. But far from oppressing women, this teaching emphasizes equal worth and different roles within marriage. We're reminded that both spouses are 'heirs of the grace of life.' The message draws fascinating parallels between the changing times of Wyatt Earp and our need to adapt while holding firm to biblical truths. As we reflect on our culture's struggles with marriage and family, we're invited to consider whether God's plan might actually be the key to thriving relationships and stronger families. This isn't about power struggles, but about partners working together to reflect God's glory and pass it on to future generations. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider our place as Christians in a world that often feels foreign to our values. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:11-17, we're reminded that as believers, we're called to live as 'exiles' in this world. This doesn't mean isolation, but rather living with a different set of priorities and values. The key spiritual lessons revolve around two main actions: abstaining from sinful desires and submitting to earthly authorities. We're urged to 'stop it' when it comes to sin, recognizing that even small indulgences can lead to destructive outcomes. This abstinence isn't just about personal holiness, but about living lives so admirable that even those who oppose us can't help but see the goodness of God. The message draws interesting parallels between our struggle with sin and keeping wild animals as pets - both seem manageable at first, but can quickly spiral out of control. As we navigate this world as 'foreigners and exiles,' we're called to live in a way that silences critics

In this powerful message, we're challenged to rethink our identity and purpose as followers of Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9, we're reminded that we are a chosen people, God's special possession, called to be a light in the darkness. This isn't just about personal identity, but about our collective role as the Church in a post-Christendom world. We're encouraged to see ourselves as exiles, not fully belonging to this world, but representing a greater kingdom. This perspective shift invites us to live with intentionality, viewing every person we encounter as an opportunity for ministry. The message emphasizes the importance of small acts of love and service, reminding us that while we can't reach everyone, we can impact the person God places in front of us. As we navigate our changing cultural landscape, we're called to trust God with the big things through prayer, while focusing on tangible ways to serve our community and declare God's praises. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org T

In this Family Day message, we explore the profound concept of being 'living stones' in God's spiritual house. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:4-5, we're reminded that just as Jesus is the Living Stone, we too are called to be living stones in His kingdom. This imagery beautifully illustrates our role in God's grand design. We may face rejection from the world, but like Christ, we are chosen and precious to God. As living stones, we're not meant to stand alone, but to be built together into a spiritual house. This challenges us to consider: How are we allowing God to position us for His purposes? Are we actively participating in building His kingdom? The message encourages us to embrace our identity as part of God's living structure, reminding us that our true purpose is found in serving others and creating a space where people can encounter God. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

As Christians, we're called to live as exiles in this world, with our true citizenship in heaven. This powerful message from 1 Peter reminds us that we're not immigrants trying to make a permanent home here, nor tourists seeking a five-star experience. Instead, we're ambassadors of Christ, building lives of beauty and grace while remembering our ultimate destination. The concept of 'living hope' is central to our journey. This hope isn't based on our circumstances or efforts, but on God's unchanging mercy, renewed every morning. It's a hope that's alive, growing, and transforming us daily. As we embrace this living hope, we're challenged to live differently - to be 'holy' or set apart. This doesn't just mean avoiding sin, but cultivating a distinct culture that reflects our heavenly citizenship. Let's courageously live out our faith, even when it makes us uncomfortable, knowing that our hope is secured in Christ. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.f

In this message, we're reminded of our true identity as 'elect exiles' in this world. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:1-2, we explore the profound concept of Trinitarian salvation and how it shapes our entire lives. As followers of Christ, we're called to live as sojourners, recognizing that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. This perspective radically changes how we approach life's challenges and interact with the world around us. The Father's foreknowledge secures our future, the Spirit's sanctifying work transforms our hearts, and Jesus' sacrifice defines our purpose. This Trinitarian understanding offers us hope, guidance, and meaning as we navigate the complexities of life. We're encouraged to trust God's plan, even when the path seems difficult, knowing that He is shaping us for His glory. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In this exploration of stewardship, we're challenged to reconsider our relationship with God's resources. The story of the Rich Young Ruler from Mark 10 serves as a stark reminder that our attachment to worldly possessions can hinder our spiritual growth. Jesus' interaction with this man reveals a profound truth: it's not about what we have, but how we hold onto it. We're called to examine our hearts, asking God to reveal any 'idols' that may be keeping us from fully embracing His kingdom. The message reminds us that true wealth isn't found in material possessions, but in our willingness to surrender everything for Christ. As we reflect on our own lives, we're encouraged to loosen our grip on the things of this world and trust in God's promise of abundant blessings - both in this life and the next. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In this powerful message, we explore the parable of the talents from Matthew 25, drawing profound insights into stewardship and our relationship with God. The story of servants entrusted with their master's wealth serves as a metaphor for how we manage the resources God has given us. We're challenged to consider: Are we good stewards, multiplying what we've been given, or are we like the wicked servant who buried his talent? This parable reminds us that our management of resources - especially money - reflects our heart's position towards God. It's not just about the amount we give, but the attitude behind it. We're called to trust God fully, even when it seems difficult, and to give generously as an act of faith and obedience. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This sermon explores the concept of stewardship, focusing on the importance of having a sacrificial heart as a key characteristic of a good steward. The pastor emphasizes that generosity is not about the amount given but the heart behind the giving. He contrasts the greed symbolized by dragons in literature with the sacrificial nature of true stewardship, using the biblical story of the widow's mite to illustrate selfless giving. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their own hearts and actions regarding generosity, encouraging planned, percentage-based, and progressive giving of time, talents, and resources. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This sermon explores the concept of stewardship as a fundamental aspect of Christian life, rooted in God's creation of humanity. Pastor Whitney Clayton emphasizes that stewardship goes beyond financial matters, encompassing our entire lives as representatives of God. The sermon highlights the importance of having a transformed mind to be an effective steward, using the story of Adam and Eve as an example of failed stewardship due to distorted desires and minimizing God's blessings. Whitney encourages listeners to practice Sabbath rest as a means to cultivate trust in God and recognize His gifts. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The sermon explored the life of King David, a man after God's own heart, who faced immense challenges and heartache. Through David's example, we learn the importance of finding strength in the Lord during our own trials and tribulations. Pastor Clayton emphasized the need to preach the truth about God to ourselves, rather than listening to the lies of our own deceitful hearts. Takeaways: In times of sorrow and suffering, turn to God and preach His truth to your own heart. Remind yourself of His goodness, faithfulness, and the benefits He has bestowed upon you. Focus on surrendering to God's will and trusting in His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. God is using your current situation to work in you and through you. Surround yourself with a community of believers who will support and encourage you, even dragging you along when needed, as you walk the path God has laid before you. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The Church as a Base Camp: Just like a base camp provides for the needs of hikers, the church is meant to offer spiritual sustenance and rest for our souls. We're called to be a place of refreshment for weary travelers on their faith journey. Ecclesia – More Than a Building: The New Testament term 'ecclesia' refers to the people, not a structure or event. It emphasizes that we, as followers of Jesus, are the church, called to actively participate in each other's lives. Active Membership: Being part of a church isn't about passive attendance but about engaging in community and ministry. It's crucial to identify ourselves as part of this body to be known, supported, and to contribute meaningfully. Living for Jesus: True submission to Jesus goes beyond merely using His name. It involves aligning our lives and our church's mission with His teachings and acting with the authority He entrusted to us. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Join us as we continue our exploration of the family with a focus on the sacred bond of marriage. We peel back the layers of why marriage is so often portrayed as a battleground and reveal the true, God-intended potential for it to be a transformative union. Let's unpack the biblical vision of two becoming one, confronting the pervasive culture of individualism with the scriptural call for unity. Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

"A submissive heart in marriage seeks to raise up your spouse, reflecting the selfless love of Christ." - Whitney Clayton #SubmissiveHeart #ReflectingChrist Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Join Whitney Clayton this Palm Sunday! Dive deep into the moments Jesus chose to reveal His divine nature and those He kept shrouded in mystery. Witness the transformative conversation with Nicodemus and reflect on the powerful symbolism of the cross. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the layers of Jesus's mission and how it calls us to radical change. Let your heart be stirred by the majesty of our King revealed. #PalmSunday #KingRevealed #Sermon Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Living Stone Community Church https://www.livingstonecc.org This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm