How does this verse inspire you to contribute to your church community? The Quarrying Command “Then the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.” (1 Kings 5:17) Timeless Truths Unearthed from the Stones • The event is historical—actual men cut actual stones at Solomon’s order. • Foundations come first; every visible part of the temple will rest on what is laid in secret. • Only “large, costly” stones were selected—nothing second-rate entered God’s house. • The king initiated and organized the work; the people supplied skill, sweat, and cooperation. Applying the Verse to Church Life Today • Christ, the greater King, still calls His people to build (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:9). • The local congregation is a present-day dwelling of God (Ephesians 2:19-22). • My gifts, resources, and time become “foundation stones” when offered for the church’s good. • Excellence matters; giving my best mirrors the “costly stones” chosen for the temple. Practical Ways to Bring Your Best Stones • Give skill: volunteer in areas that match God-given talents—music, teaching, carpentry, tech. • Give time: arrive early to set up, stay late to clean, visit members who can’t attend. • Give resources: support missions, benevolence, facility needs with intentional generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Give mentorship: disciple younger believers, strengthening the spiritual framework (Titus 2:3-7). • Give prayerful support: uphold leaders and ministries, anchoring every effort (Colossians 4:12). Supporting Scriptures to Cement the Lesson • 1 Peter 2:5 — “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” • 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 — “Each one should build with care… For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” • Haggai 1:8 — “Go up into the hills and bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored…” • Exodus 35:21 — “Everyone whose heart stirred and whose spirit moved him came and brought an offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting…” Final Thoughts: Laying the Next Stone Solomon’s builders met the king’s directive with costly stones shaped for a lasting foundation. Taken literally, that moment now urges me to quarry the best of my abilities and lay them, piece by piece, into the life of my church so that God’s dwelling in our midst stands strong, beautiful, and ready for His glory. |
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