Stephen spoke from 1 Pet 2:4-5 this morning at Cherry Tree Court, commenting on the fact that Jesus is the cornerstone, chosen by God, and we are living stones being built into God’s house. Each one of us has a talent and are able to build in God, from the oldest to the youngest. As we serve God in love, we lay down stones, and we can use our gifts to love and encourage one another (see Rom 15:2, 1 Thess 5:11.)
Eph 4:16 reminds us that the whole body is joined together and grows and builds itself up as each member does its part. What matters in this work of building is that we are building on the rock (see Matt 7:24), secure in our foundations, but hearing the word of God and putting it into practice. We are rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in faith and overflowing with thankfulness (Col 2:7) and we all have a responsibility to build ourselves up in the most holy faith by praying in the Spirit (Jude 1:20). As we use our skills to show love, encourage each other and pray, we can set our stones upon the solid rock and allow the Master Builder to build His house.