Jesus is the Living Stone and the Cornerstone. 

A cornerstone is something we align our lives with, so we must ask: Who is the cornerstone of my life? 

When Jesus is our cornerstone, we can live with confidence in who we are and in whose we are. 

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are…” 

» When you feel overlooked, remember you are chosen. 

» When you feel insignificant, remember you are part of a royal priesthood. 

» When you feel that you’ve made too many mistakes, remember you are set apart. 

» When you feel unwanted, remember you are God’s special possession. 

» When you feel alone, remember you are part of the people of God. 

» When you feel ashamed, remember you have received mercy.  

When the voices around you say one thing, listen for the voice of God saying, “But you are…” 

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 

1 Peter 2:2 

We are meant to grow in our relationship with Jesus. 

If Jesus has changed your future destination, He should change how you live in the present. 

Whatever has been handed down to you doesn’t have to be handed down through you. 

The blood of Jesus is more powerful than the brokenness of a family tree.  

Spiritual growth is a necessity for a believer. 

We should rid ourselves of sin and crave what nourishes our faith.  

Application: What is your next step toward Jesus? 

1 Peter 1:1-12

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.

-1 Peter 5:9

A hope that holds firm is a hope that is anchored in Jesus.

Here are a few things that Peter encourages us to do to have a hope that holds:

1. Turn our attention to Jesus.

Let’s not get so focused on earthly trials that we lose sight of an eternal Savior. 

2. Keep our faith in Jesus.

Our failures don’t have to become the end of our story.

3. Strengthen others.

Our trials can become testimonies of God’s grace and provision. 

Whatever you’re facing, don’t lose hope. Our trials are temporary, but our hope is eternal. 

Mark 5:18–20 NIV

Jesus has authority over the evil and darkness in our lives. 

Jesus changes us when he shows us mercy. 

Jesus tells us to share what he has done for us.

Your story matters.

“Your story, your insight, your revelation of God’s heart, is something the rest of us need.” - Andrew Peterson

You don’t tell your story alone. 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…”

Acts 1:8a NLT

Your story can help free someone from darkness.

What is your prayer for the Next Generation as they head into a new school year? 

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 

—John 4:28-29 

1. Jesus invites us to leave behind what cannot satisfy. 

2. Jesus fills us with His life.

3. Jesus sends us to overflow into the lives of others.

What's your story? Why do you follow Jesus?

How you tell your story is far less important than having the courage to share your story with those you are blessed to do life with.

One Simple Question to your friend: "What do you believe to be true about Jesus?"

Jesus’ instruction to Mary Magdalene at the Resurrection was simple: Go and tell what you have seen!

Mary of Magdala was:

* The first to see the empty tomb

* The first to see the resurrected Jesus

* The first to tell anyone that Jesus defeated death

All I desire is the courage to share why I follow Jesus with the people I’m blessed to do life with

“One thing I know. I was blind, but now I see.”

- John 9:25

1. When God Opens Our Eyes, It Changes Our Lives 

• Opens eyes to ________________________________

• Opens eyes to ________________________________

• Opens eyes to ________________________________

• Opens eyes to ________________________________

2. When God Opens Our Eyes, the Ultimate Benefit Is for Others 

• Jesus was light of the world while on earth

• Disciples are now light of the world (Matthew 5)

• Good works demonstrate what God is doing in our lives

• Light shines through us to others

We all have a story! We honor God and others when we choose to share our story. 

In John 1:35, we find John the Baptist teaching and baptizing in the Jordan River…   

The Setting:

» A Cave Dweller

» Common People

» Religious Elite

Jesus calls his first four followers in this exact setting! 

The very first thing the followers of Jesus did was find the person closest to them and say, “We found the Messiah!” 

When Jesus called his first disciples, he said, Follow Me! 

1. TRUST JESUS. 

2. HONOR JESUS. 

3. SHARE JESUS. 

God is not asking you to save anyone. You don’t possess the power or the persuasion to do that! 

All God is asking us to do is partner with Jesus as He reveals Himself to those who seek Him. 

Why do you follow Jesus? That’s a huge part of your story.

The main idea: The fruit Jesus produces in us was never meant to stop with us.

John 15 isn’t an effort-versus-no-effort conversation. It’s about working and putting in the effort for the right thing. Remaining requires effort. Fruit requires Jesus.

We remain connected to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we bear fruit.

What fruit are you spreading, and who is it reaching?

Here’s what we’ve answered over the last six weeks:

» Where does fulfillment come from? Jesus.

» How do we remain connected? By partnering with the Holy Spirit.

» What kind of fruit does the True Vine produce? Fruit that lasts.

» Who is the fruit for? Others.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

— John 15:13

» Love flows in and through us. (v.12)

» Love gives itself away. (v. 13)

» Love changes our relationship with Jesus. (v. 15)

What are we willing to lay down in ourselves to love others the way that Jesus has loved us?

This week’s challenge: Lay down what keeps you from loving like Jesus. 

Followers of Jesus should be known as the most loving people in the world because we’ve experienced the greatest love the world has ever known.