Living Stones in 1 Peter: How Jesus the Cornerstone Builds a United Church Community

In this episode, we slow down in 1 Peter to unpack the powerful image of the church as a “spiritual house” made up of living stones. The conversation highlights Jesus as the cornerstone, both the foundation and the standard that holds everything in alignment. If Christ is removed, the structure doesn’t stay steady for long, which raises a personal and practical question: is Jesus truly the load-bearing center of your life and faith?

We also explore how easily good things (buildings, preferences, familiar practices) can become ultimate things. When traditions take the place of obedience, we start paying attention to the wrong measurements. But when Christ is central, God uses the distinct “shape” of each believer to build something stronger than uniformity could ever produce: a Spirit-led community where differences drive us back to Scripture, deepen love, and strengthen the witness of the church.

Finally, the episode turns outward to the purpose of this house: proclamation. Peter’s language reminds us that we were shown mercy, brought from darkness into light, and now sent to declare God’s excellencies. Not for our reputation, but so others might see the cornerstone clearly. The church gathered becomes the church scattered, carrying hope into everyday life wherever God has placed us.