From "If...Then" to "Ye Are"

Summary

The sermon contrasts the Old Testament's conditional "if...then" covenant with the New Testament's assured identity in Christ, emphasizing that believers are no longer striving to earn God's favor but are declared chosen, royal priests, and a holy nation through Jesus' finished work. It highlights 1 Peter 2's depiction of Jesus as the living cornerstone and believers as living stones forming a spiritual house, the church, where each member is vital and called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The message encourages believers to embrace their identity, live sacrificially for Christ, and find joy and fulfillment in their relationship with Him. It also addresses unbelievers for whom Christ is a stumbling block, contrasting their rejection with the preciousness of Christ to believers.