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Chosen To Be . . . A Living STONE! (Sermon Audio)
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Chosen To Be . . . A Living STONE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 14, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be A Living STONE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 2

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — 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 2:4-5 (NIV)

This morning’s message continued a series through 1 & 2 Peter with a theme of “Chosen To Be . . . “.  As God works the miracle of revival in our life, we discover He does so as the God who chooses us!  This is an important message to all who feel distant from God for whatever reason.  To those believers who are scattered around the known world, God communicates a message that they are known by Him, loved, by Him, and chosen by Him.  As we gaze into God’s Word and examine what it means to be chosen by God, we find that we have been chosen to be a living . . .

  • Sacrifice:  1 Peter 2:1-5

    • Chosen to be a living stone involves our choosing to be a living sacrifice.  God calls us to live a life that is first given to Him so that our giving to others is meaningful.  It is when we offer our self as a living sacrifice that we engage in the worship of God which is both reasonable and spiritual.  As building blocks for a living kingdom, we must willingly sacrifice our desires to the will of the Builder.

  • Testimony:  1 Peter 2:9-10

    • Chosen to be a living stone involves our choosing to be a living testimony.  Every person has a story to tell and our story is the opportunity to testify to the goodness and power of God.  As God shapes us and forms us into the living stones of His kingdom, our testimony can help others seek and experience the power of God working in them.  As building blocks in the kingdom of God, we give testimony when we tell our story and give God the credit.

  • Occupant:  1 Peter 2:11-12

    • Chosen to be a living stone involves our choosing to be a living occupant.  While we do live on this earth as kingdom citizens, we still live as occupants of this world.  We must continually draw on the help of God’s Spirit to know how to effectively live in the world but not of it.  God has us each occupying a unique combination of home, school, workplace, recreation areas, and so many other places so that together the light of Jesus shines in ways it never could if it depended on any of us individually.  As building blocks in the kingdom of God, we are His living occupant wherever we are.

  • Nation:  1 Peter 2:13-17

    • Chosen to be a living stone involves our choosing to be a living nation.  We have been called out of darkness into the light of Christ so that we have a new citizenship that is not of this world.  While I don’t take lightly the benefits and privileges of living in the great nation I call home here on this earth, I must constantly be mindful of the living nation of God’s kingdom to which I belong.  When I live as a foreigner, I respect the ways of my temporary home while not losing sight of my true citizenship.  As building blocks in the kingdom of God, we are a living nation as His holy people.

  • Example:  1 Peter 2:23-25

    • Chosen to be a living stone involves our choosing to be a living example.  There is an old phrase that says, “you can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?”.  It is important that we rid our lives of all things which are sinful and that set a bad example for those who observe us.  People tend to watch what we do long before they seriously listen to what we say.  Our lives ought to be lived as such an example that people will not only “see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”, but they would also see those works and have reason to “ask about the hope which lies within you”.  As building blocks in the kingdom of God, we are to be a living example to everyone around us.

Today, how will you live as one chosen to be a living STONE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Expectations! (7/12/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Expectations! (7/12/24)

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This is the audio from the July 12, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
2 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray for the courage to do the things you know you ought to do.  Pray for a sense of urgency in living a holy life as you await the return of Jesus.  Pray that your holiness would help others seek Jesus.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Peace! (7/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Peace! (7/11/24)

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This is the audio from the July 11, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray that you would seek peace “as far as it depends upon you.”  Pray that you would have the wisdom to pursue holiness in a way that promotes peace.  Pray that your holiness would prepare you for the ultimate peace — eternity with God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Work! (7/10/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Work! (7/10/24)

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This is the audio from the July 10, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray that you would be cleansed of the things that keep you from the noble purposes God has designed for you.  Pray that your pursuit of a life of holiness would prepare you for whatever good works God puts before you to do.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Prayer! (7/9/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Prayer! (7/9/24)

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This is the audio from the July 9, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”
1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Ask God to help you practice prayer in a holy manner.  Pray that you would have God’s help in examining the motives behind what you pray about.  Pray that God’s Spirit would use your conversations with God to bring resolution to any anger or disputes that exist in your life.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Purity! (7/8/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Chosen To Holy Purity! (7/8/24)

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This is the audio from the July 8, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray that God would help you identify, and remove, even the hints of impurity that creep into life.  Pray for the courage to gaze intently into God’s Word for instruction on what is proper for God’s holy people.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Chosen To Be . . . HOLY! (Sermon Audio)
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Chosen To Be . . . HOLY! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 7, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be HOLY!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 1

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This morning’s message began a series through 1 & 2 Peter with a theme of “Chosen To Be . . . “.  As God works the miracle of revival in our life, we discover He does so as the God who chooses us!  This is an important message to all who feel distant from God for whatever reason.  To those believers who are scattered around the known world, God communicates a message that they are known by Him, loved, by Him, and chosen by Him.  But it is not just a generic choosing that allows us to be whatever we want to be, rather it is a reminder from God that we are chosen to be holy just as He is holy.  As we gaze into God’s Word and examine what it means to be chosen by God to be holy, we find that we have been chosen to be . . .

  • Hopeful:  1 Peter 1:1-5

    • Chosen to be holy begins with a recognition that the God who chooses us has the power and desire to make our holiness possible.  While is ought to be apparent that holiness is not possible on our own, we can live with confident hope in a God who chooses us to be His and transforms us by the power of His Spirit so that we can be holy as He is holy.

  • Obedient:  1 Peter 1:13-15

    • Chosen to be holy should lead us in a growing desire to be obedient to Christ in all things.  When we obey in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, our obedience usually ebbs and flows based on whether or not we think our disobedience will be noticed.  When we live with the realization that God chooses us, our obedience ought to grow from a position of desire to honor the One who has chosen us.

  • Loving:  1 Peter 1:22

    • Chosen to be holy is not only about how we relate to God and respond to His love, but it also shows us how we ought to love others.  When we view holiness as a sacred purity devoted to God, the way we love others should begin to reflect the way God loves them.  It is in this act of loving others sacrificially that we live out the instructions of Jesus who says the world will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.

  • You:  1 Peter 1:23-25

    • Chosen to be holy should remind us of the great value each person has to God simply by being you.  But this isn’t you as defined by self, or by the world.  No, this is you as created and defined by God and made new by the power of His Spirit.  Chosen to be you doesn’t mean you can continue in sin with the excuse that it is simply who you are — God makes it clear that you are chosen to be holy just as He is holy which means being you must be defined by the purity and righteousness of His Word.

Today, how will you live as one chosen to be HOLY?

Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Praying! (7/5/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Praying! (7/5/24)

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This is the audio from the July 5, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for others.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom