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Living Stones
Shalom from Israel! I have been thinking of you often as I walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples. I have had many hours of reflection as I hike in the hot sun and I am convicted by the Spirit because of my lack of zeal for God.
This week in the In the Dust of the Rabbi series you saw how Jesus, our master stone craftsman, is chisselling away at you as well as so many other living stones. You are being built into a house from the presence of God.
Look back on your life and see how God has been at work chisselling away all these years to shape you into who you are today. Do not be dismayed, His work is not complete (Phillipians 1:6). Reflect upon these questions below this week:
1. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? How does your life demonstrate obedience to this commandment?
2. Are you involved in the community that God indwells by His Spirit?
3. What are some specific actions you can take to be a stronger support for other believers who face difficult situations because they seek to live out their faith?
To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:
From Galilee to Asia
The Ark of God
He Went to the Synagogue
Temple of the Spirit
The Gods of This World
Hide these verses in your heart:
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16 – 17
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:19 – 22
“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.” – 1 Peter 2:4-5
To prepare for next week's lesson please read:
Be sure to bring your Bible to next weeks class. Everyone will need their own copy of the Text for an activity we will do.
I look forward to seeing you all very soon. You are all living stones being built up into a spiritual house.
