Sermon Tone Analysis

Adapted from Church of the Highlands series Legacy - Part 4: Living Stones (2012)

GENEROUS 2017_pt3: Living Stones

[QUESTION] - Have you every heard: What do you want from me?

You may be asking yourself: what do I have to give?

This question uncovers a lack of VISION...

[STORY] – Bricks, wall, cathedral...

Three Builders (author unknown)

“A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks.

The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch.

When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, “I’m hammering this stupid rock, and I can’t wait ’til 5 when I can go home.”

”A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, “Well, I’m molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall.

It’s not bad work, but I’ll sure be glad when it’s done.”

”A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work.

He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do.

When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, “I…am building a cathedral!”

“Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job.”

[PAYOFF] - We’ve got LIFE to share! – That is what we have to GIVE!

But there is a price: Sacrifice!

The gift we’ve received as FREE!

But, sharing will cost us…

The Apostles laid the foundation…

Now, He’s using YOU to build!...

[PAYOFF] - What is He building?...

The materials we build with – US!

We are the stones, we are the temple, we are the body!

That’s why – see a need, fill a need!

[PAYOFF] - You aren’t here this morning because going to “church” is the right thing to do.

You are here because YOU ARE THE CHURCH.

We are united by our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for one another!

We have gathered this morning to...

worship Christ,

glorify our Heavenly Father

and serve!

Living stones

[SO] - How do we build?

1. Do what I should do.

[STORY] - Working in LA – labeling tapes after hours, off the clock…

Faithfulness

2. Do what I could do.

[STORY] - In Liberia, people giving offerings and dancing.

Sacrifice

3. Do what I would do.

[THIS] is purposing in your heart!

Faith

[PAYOFF] - This is the builder who see’s the cathedral.

What are you building in your life?

Your work (career)?

Your relationships?

Your religion?

Take Away

[Blessed are those who fear the Lord…]

[STORY] - Watching Taking Chance with the boys… “Dad, why does he salute the casket every time?...”

Do what I know is good.