Podcasts about living stones

A letter to those who are suffering and facing persecution for their faith. One of Jesus' closest disciples gives us encouragement and insight on how to live for Jesus- no matter what our circumstances are.

Peter calls us living stones, built together into a spiritual house. We trace God's presence from Eden, to the temple veil, to the cross, to the Spirit in His people... and ask what it means that YOU are part of that house.

Scripture declares that God has laid a tested and precious cornerstone in Zion—a sure foundation for all who rely on Him. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that Jesus Christ is that cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church is built. In the ancient world, the cornerstone determined the strength, shape, cohesion, and symmetry of the entire building. If the cornerstone was wrong, the structure would eventually collapse. In the same way, every life, home, ministry, and church must be built in relationship to Christ. He is the Living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him. Peter also tells believers something remarkable: those who come to Christ are living stones, being built into a spiritual house. That means Christians are not meant to live detached from the Church. A stone is made for building, and a “rolling stone Christian” is not fulfilling God's purpose. It is in the gathered, Gospel-shaped community of the Church that believers become effective witnesses for God's Kingdom. Dr. Youssef reminds us that every person who receives Jesus as Savior and Lord becomes part of a holy priesthood and a royal priesthood—related to God by redemption, calling, and adoption. When you grasp the magnificence of this identity, you will never see yourself as average again. Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting my role in Your Church. Use me in Your living temple for its strengthening and Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon I Belong, I Belong in Fellowship: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What if freedom is something you have to be taught — and what if the church is the greatest classroom? In "The Apprenticeship of Liberty," Pastor Ron unpacks why every generation must choose courage over apathy. Your one takeaway: Engage — vote, pray, disciple, and show up. Don't let someone else carry what God placed in your hands.

Today we celebrate the sacred fire of liberty that, by God's grace, has burned brightly in America for 250 years. This freedom is not man-made—it is a gift from our Creator, entrusted to us and sustained only through virtue, courage, and constant vigilance. In this episode, we take a sobering look at the recent White House Religious Liberty Commission Report, which reveals a clear and concerning pattern: religious freedom—the very first liberty our founders enshrined—is under increasing pressure in our nation. We also reflect on the eleven-year experiment of redefining marriage, and what we are now witnessing are not just cultural shifts, but real and devastating consequences. This is a moment for the Church to stand firm, speak truth in love, and contend for the timeless biblical foundations that have long anchored both faith and freedom.

Peter reminds believers that they have been called to much more than simply escaping judgment—they have been called into God's eternal purpose. Centered on 1 Peter 2:4–10, Pastor John Carter reveals in this message, Jesus as the rejected yet chosen Chief Cornerstone and explains how every believer has become a living stone in God's spiritual temple, called to proclaim His glory and build their lives upon Christ alone.

In this powerful message, Pastor Ron reminds us that liberty is a sacred gift from God — not granted by governments, but endowed by our Creator — and it's our responsibility as believers to guard it. Are you actively protecting the freedoms that were bought at such a great cost by those who came before us? Listen to the full sermon and share it with someone who needs this reminder today!

What do people see when they look at Christians? In 1 Peter 2, we're reminded that Jesus is the Living Stone and that we are being built together into God's spiritual house as a holy priesthood. This message challenges us to stop asking, "Will people reject me?" and instead ask, "When people encounter me, will they encounter Jesus?" Message: Living Stones Speaker: Jordan Carter Passage: 1 Peter 2:2-8

Pastor Ronnie reminds us that godly men are called to both the altar and the armor — and without a personal, surrendered relationship with God, the weight of leadership will eventually crush you. What does your personal altar look like, and is it at the center of your home? Watch the full sermon and share it with the man in your life who needs this word today!

The stones that built the temple in Jerusalem point to believers who are called “living stones.” And God is building His people up for an eternal inheritance.

Following Jesus makes you different. That difference most commonly and brilliantly shows up when life gets hard.This week, we'll be studying 1 Peter 2:4-10 under the theme “You're Not Doing Life Alone.” From the moment we're born, we crave connection—and in Christ, God gives us something better than independence: he makes us part of a living family, built together on a living Savior.Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Brother Ivan reveals the shocking truth about three types of believers - and why most Christians stay stuck for decades without knowing it. In this powerful message, he exposes the difference between Egyptian Christians (still slaves to the world), Wilderness Christians (going in circles), and Promised Land Christians (walking in true freedom).

Living Stones | BUILT TO LAST

Ever wonder why some prayers seem to get answered while others don't? Pastor Ron reveals the secret of "heaven's pipeline" - a powerful biblical principle that shows how what we send up in prayer directly impacts what God sends down in response. Using Jacob's ladder vision and Jesus' own prayer life, discover how worship, faith, and intentional prayer create a flow of angelic activity over your life.  One takeaway: Start each morning by "seeding the heavens" with praise and prayer before you need the harvest. 

Weekly devotion

Ever feel like quitting when prayers seem unanswered? Pastor Ron unpacks Jesus' parable about a persistent widow who refused to give up—and how her relentless faith changed everything. Discover why delay doesn't mean God's ignoring you, but preparing something powerful. The widow had no power, influence, or leverage—just persistence. And that's exactly what moved an unjust judge to action. How much more will our loving Father respond to our faithful prayers? One takeaway: Start each morning acknowledging God's presence before grabbing your phone. Make prayer your first conversation, not your last resort.

Good morning. Those attending the National Cathedrals Conference in Bristol this week were asked a simple question: what is the role of a cathedral today? They reflected on a specially commissioned report Living Stones which offered some sobering conclusions about the future of English cathedrals. There was some good news. 77% of adults have visited a cathedral in the past three years. This suggests that many people still see cathedrals as “thin places” where they can glimpse heaven on earth and, as one of the Psalms says, “be still and know”. But the more worrying statistic is that three quarters of England's 42 Anglican cathedrals are in debt. The growing gap between income and repair costs is difficult to ignore. In his book How Buildings Learn, the American writer Stewart Brand argues that buildings survive by adapting to the people who use them. Cathedrals have done this for centuries. And, in a noisy digital age, they face a new challenge: how once again to reimagine themselves. Many cathedrals now rely on admission charges, concerts, exhibitions, cafés and other attractions to help cover their costs. . For some, this feels like an attack on the essential quality of what is after all a sacred building. It's a fine balancing act to be sure. My experience of cathedrals has shaped much of my ministry. York Minster was my home cathedral. I studied near Durham, I was ordained in Ripon, and now serve as an Honorary Canon of St Albans Cathedral. This has given me a closer understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing cathedral clergy and their lay colleagues today. Perhaps the real question isn't how cathedrals can survive, but why they still matter. When in the Cathedral, I often notice that many visitors still come looking for a moment - to pause, to light a candle to pray. I see people of all ages — including many young adults — wanting to stop, to rest, to listen to the silence, if only for a little while. The medieval builders of these vast places — vividly imagined in Ben Hopkins' novel Cathedral — could never have foreseen the technologies that now shape almost every aspect of modern life. But I'm pretty certain they understood that people would always seek out their wonderful creations: as a calm sanctuary in stark contrast to the world outside. That, perhaps more than anything else, is what our cathedrals are still for today and why we need them to survive.

Ever feel spiritually starving while your life looks completely full? Pastor Ronnie tackles the soul-level hunger we all face in this powerful message about finding true satisfaction. He unpacks how the Israelites in the wilderness teach us that dependence isn't weakness—it's reality. Through the story of manna and Jesus declaring "I am the bread of life," discover why your deepest cravings point you toward daily communion with God. One takeaway: Start each morning acknowledging your need for God's provision, just like gathering daily manna. #dailybread #goodsermon

Eastertide 2026

Support the show

Each rock that makes up St. Hyacinth Church is a unique shape, size, and color. Every stone is special! In a similar way, each and every person has a special vocation. To live it well, you have to avoid one dangerous trap.

The Rev. Cindi Fong on 1 Peter 2:2-10, recorded for virtual worship on Sunday, May 3, 2026. https://www.seventhavenuechurch.org/

What does it mean to belong to something larger than yourself? In this week's sermon from 1 Peter, we turn to the image of living stones. Faith after Easter is not something we carry alone. We are being built together, shaped into something steady, shared, and full of purpose. This message explores what it means to find your place in a community that is still being formed. A life where identity is not self-made, but discovered in relationship with others. Faith is not just personal. It is communal. Something we are becoming together. Part of the Eccentrics: Keeping It Real After Easter series.

“living stones/spiritual house” (v.4-5)We are the temple of God built on Christ, the cornerstone.1 Peter 2:4-8, 1 Corinthians 3:16 “holy priesthood/royal priesthood” (v.5,9)We are living sacrifices to God through Christ.1 Peter 2:5,9, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:10 “chosen race” (v.9)We are adopted children of God in Christ.1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 1:5, John 1:12, Galatians 3:26 “holy nation” (v.9)We are citizens of heaven and co-heirs with Christ.1 Peter 2:9, Philippians 3:20-21, Romans 8:16-17 “sojourners and exiles” (v.11)We are ambassadors for Christ.1 Peter 2:9-12, Acts 13:48, 2 Corinthians 5:20--------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

Erik continues our sermon series on 1 Peter, "Stand Firm In True Grace", with a sermon on 1 Peter 2:4-10. (May 3, 2026)

Send us Fan Mail

The post Becoming Living Stones appeared first on Faith Community United Methodist Church - Xenia, OH.

1 Peter 2:2-10

Our church will no doubt be a reflection of God's building us up into a spiritual house, but He has left space for us to contribute, too. Let's work to assure that the church really is an authentic reflection of our life of faith. Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter and our annual Discipleship Renewal.

1 Peter 2:2-10

St. Peter speaks of the Church as Living Stones.  It is through our lives that we give praise and glory to God.  (One Bread, One Body - St. Louis Jesuits)The homilies of Msgr. Stephen J. AvilaPastor, St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth, MAThanks for listening! May God's Word find a home in you.

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter— including the ordination of the first deacons and St. Peter's reflection on ‘living stones.'This week's episode is brought to you by Catholic International University. Supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillarAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:05.Reading 1 - Acts 6:1-7Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19Reading 2 - 1 Peter 2: 4-9Gospel - John 14: 1-12 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Recorded live in front of an audience at the 19th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC, Jacob and Aaron unpack the readings for the fifth Sunday in Easter, which are Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, and John 14:1-14.

Dr. David Hughes brings the word this week from 1 Peter 2:2-10.

This week, Pastor John explores the themes of spiritual growth and community found in 1 Peter 2:2-10. He teaches that believers are like living stones who must continually grow in their faith, anchoring their identity in Jesus as the firm foundation and precious cornerstone. He emphasizes that Christians are not meant to stand in isolation but are instead called to be built together as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house that actively reflects God's mercy to the world.

This week, Pastor Chima explores the call for believers to live as Living Stones set apart for God's purposes. He emphasizes the importance of preparing our minds, cultivating a posture of reverent fear, and intentionally aligning our daily lives with the holiness of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages us to radiate God's love and grace in our communities as a heartfelt response to our redemption.

What if your life—every piece of it, even the broken parts—was meant to be part of something sacred? In this powerful episode of A New Level Awaits You, we step into the truth of 1 Peter 2:4–5 and discover what it means to come to Jesus, the Living Stone, and be formed into something far greater than ourselves.Betrayal and rejection can make you feel discarded, overlooked, or out of place. But Scripture reveals a different story: the very One who was rejected became the cornerstone—and in Him, you are not cast aside. You are chosen. You are being built.In this episode, we explore how God takes what feels fractured and fits it into His divine design. You'll be encouraged to: Come again to Jesus, even after seasons of hurt or disconnection  See your story through the lens of being chosen and valued by God  Understand how brokenness does not disqualify you—it prepares you  Embrace your role as a “living stone” in God's unfolding purpose This is more than a message—it's an invitation to belong, to be restored, and to take your place in what God is building.✨ You are not just surviving the aftermath—you are being shaped into something eternal.For more resources go to www.loisflewelling.com.

This message from Ephesians 3:14–21 reminds us that God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. Looking at Living Stones' journey toward a building, we're encouraged to remember that God is active—but the building is not the mission.Throughout Scripture, God consistently does the impossible, showing His power at work in and through His people. In the same way, He is still working today—not just in projects, but in hearts.The real mission is people experiencing the full love of Christ—its height, depth, length, and width—not just knowing it, but living in it. God uses ordinary things, even us, to bring that love to life.So the call is simple: trust that God is working, join Him in it, and keep the focus on what matters most—His love at work in and through His people.

This week Pastor John begins a new sermon series based on the book of First Peter titled Living Stones. He explores how the resurrection of Jesus gives believers a living hope, which anchors them through life's trials. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity as resurrection people—those who persevere with faith, cultivate deep joy, and trust in God's presence even amidst life's challenges.

Walk across the sea with me. From ancient legends of angels and giants, to a mysterious ley line known as 'the dragon line'... to a bizarre discovery made inside the chapel... let's explore the history and folklore of Cornwall's most iconic landmark.

Study 1 Peter 2:4-8 with Pastor Mark Fontecchio on Return to the Word. Teaching God's Word and advancing the message of His amazing grace one verse at a time. Visit our ministry at: ReturntotheWord.com Watch the video of this podcast at: ReturntotheWord.com/Videos Get our Free App at: ReturntotheWord.com/Grace Support this podcast at: ReturntotheWord.com/Donate Listen to the Ask a Bible Teacher Podcast: ReturntotheWord.com/Ask Listen to the Studies in the Scriptures Podcast: ReturntotheWord.com/Scriptures Help us tell others by leaving a positive review wherever you listen. Return to the Word is the teaching ministry of author and Bible teacher Mark Fontecchio. There is a famine in the land for the teaching of God’s precious Word and His message of grace. Return to the Word exists to call individuals back to the simplicity of God’s Word for all matters of our faith. Through God’s Word His clear offer of eternal life and plan for mankind can easily be understood. Join us on the path to growing in His grace.Support this Podcast and Ministry: https://www.ReturntotheWord.com/DonateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Estuary work weekend  7pm: Friday March 13 Estuary session at Living Stones 9am Work day begins. Go until 3 or 4 or 5, whenever.  9am Sunday March 15 Everyweek Estuary at Living Stones 11am Worship Service