Living stones shaped by grace and built together through Christ the Cornerstone.

Living and Leading Courageously

Living Stones Built on Christ the Cornerstone

Sermon Date: May 17, 2026
Preacher: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield
Scripture: Acts 7:55–60; 1 Peter 2:2–10
Church Season: Ascension Sunday

Opening Summary

On Ascension Sunday, Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield reminded us that God is still shaping ordinary lives into “living stones” for His kingdom. Using the image of childhood rock polishing kits, the sermon invited us to think about how rough stones can be cleaned, shaped, polished, and made beautiful.

Peter describes believers as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the Cornerstone. Stones are not meant simply to sit in a collection and be admired. They are meant to be used, placed, strengthened, and joined together for a greater purpose.

Stephen showed what it means to live courageously as a living stone. Even when rejected, threatened, and killed for his faith, he kept his eyes on Jesus and continued to witness faithfully.

“Stephen lived as a faithful living stone.”

Scripture References

Acts 7:55–60
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Even as he is being stoned, he prays for forgiveness for those killing him.

1 Peter 2:2–10
Peter calls believers to grow in faith, come to Christ the living stone, and become living stones built into a spiritual house. Christ is the Cornerstone, and God’s people are chosen to proclaim His light.

Sermon Reflection

Many who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s may remember rock polishing kits. Rough stones were placed into a tumbler, and over time the rough edges were smoothed away. Once the stones were cleaned and polished, their hidden colors and beauty could be seen.

Rev. Emily shared how looking for rocks as a child made her notice stones everywhere. Some rocks were ordinary. Some were colorful. Some were useful. Some were not right for polishing. In the same way, when building a stone wall, every stone has to be considered carefully. Builders look for stones of the right shape, size, and strength—stones that can help hold the wall together.

Peter uses this kind of image when he calls believers “living stones.” We are not lifeless rocks sitting on a shelf. We are people being shaped by God, placed by God, and used by God to build something holy.

Christ is the chief Cornerstone. He determines the direction, strength, and stability of the whole building. Some people reject Him, but those who trust Him are built together into God’s spiritual house.

Stephen lived as a faithful living stone. He courageously told the story of God’s work through Israel and pointed people to Jesus. His witness enraged the crowd, but Stephen did not turn away. Even as he was being killed, he saw Jesus, trusted Jesus, and prayed with mercy.

The sermon asked us to consider: Are we walking with courage or compromise? Are we building others up or causing them to stumble? Are we allowing God to polish us, place us, and use us?

Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield reflects on what it means to become living stones built on Christ the Cornerstone

Worship Table Reflection

Symbols of worship, courage, service, and spiritual growth reflected the Ascension Sunday message

The worship table helped tell the sermon visually.

Cross and Flame
A reminder that Christ is the Cornerstone and that we live as Spirit-filled people in the Wesleyan tradition.

Wooden Figure with Raised Hands and Pebbles
A picture of worship, surrender, and lives being shaped by God. The stones remind us that we are called to become living stones.

Bowl and Pitcher
A symbol of humble service. Living stones are not meant only to be admired; they are called to serve.

Living stones are called not only to believe, but to serve with humility and love.

Flowers and Paraments
Signs of beauty, worship, and the church gathered in the presence of God.

Watch the Sermon

Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield’s Ascension Sunday message, “Living and Leading Courageously,” explores what it means to become living stones built on Christ the Cornerstone. Through the story of Stephen’s courageous witness and Peter’s teaching in 1 Peter 2, this sermon encourages believers to live boldly, serve faithfully, and allow God to shape their lives for His kingdom.

GROW Framework

Ground in Scripture

“You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house.” — 1 Peter 2:5

Stephen’s story reminds us that faithful witness may come with rejection, but Christ is present with His people.

Reasons We Believe

Christ is the Cornerstone. He is the foundation that holds the church together. God is still building His kingdom through ordinary people who trust Him, serve Him, and witness to His grace.

Obedience in Action

We are called to live as stones that build up rather than tear down. Our words, choices, service, and witness should help others stand stronger in faith.

Walk It Out

Ask yourself this week:

Where is God still polishing me?

Am I walking with courage or compromise?

Am I helping others stand stronger in faith?

How can my gifts and service help build God’s kingdom?

Living the Message

This week, look for ways to live as a living stone:

Encourage someone who feels weak.

Serve quietly where help is needed.

Speak truth with grace.

Refuse to crush someone’s hope or dreams.

Let Christ shape your words and actions.

Remember that you are not called to build alone. God joins His people together so the church can become a living witness to His grace.

What Kind of Stone Are We Becoming?

Smooth stones stacked together along the shoreline at sunrise reflect the biblical image of believers being shaped, strengthened, and built together through Christ. Each stone symbolizes faith, encouragement, support, love, and spiritual growth. The warm light across the water reminds us that Jesus, our Cornerstone, calls His people to become living stones that build hope, unity, and grace in the world around us.

Living Stones — Built Together in Christ
“you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house…” — 1 Peter 2:5

As we reflect on the image of “Living Stones,” Scripture reminds us that stones can either help build or cause harm. Some stones become strong foundations, cornerstones, and memorials of God’s faithfulness. Others become stumbling stones, shifting gravel, or even small pebbles in a shoe—tiny irritations that slowly affect our walk. Words, attitudes, bitterness, division, and unresolved hurt can become like loose stones that create spiritual rock slides, damaging relationships and communities. Yet through Christ, God continues shaping and refining us into living stones—people who encourage, strengthen, support, and help build His Kingdom together.

May we choose to become stones that build rather than stones that wound. In a world quick to throw stones through anger, criticism, and division, the Church is called to reflect the grace of Christ. Jesus, our Cornerstone, calls us to help carry one another, speak words that give life, and stand firmly together in faith. As living stones, we are being built into a spiritual home where hope, truth, love, and healing can grow.

Music Reflection — Crown Him with Many Crowns

This Ascension Sunday hymn reminds us that Christ reigns in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. As Stephen looked into heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, the church continues to worship the risen and reigning Christ who strengthens His people to live courageously in faith.

Watch the Hymn:

Crown Him with Many Crowns — Ascension Sunday Worship

Closing Invitation

A wooden figure lifting hands in praise surrounded by pebbles and stones on the worship table at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church during Ascension Sunday worship. The image reflects the sermon theme “Living and Leading Courageously” based on Acts 7:55–60 and 1 Peter 2:2–10, reminding believers that God shapes His people into living stones for His kingdom.

God is still polishing lives, building His kingdom, and shaping living stones through faith.

God is still polishing lives.
God is still building His kingdom.
God is still using living stones.

As followers of Jesus, may we be shaped by grace, built together in faith, and sent into the world to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church is a Beacon of Light in Pleasant Grove and western Birmingham.

Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.

Continue the Journey

God is still polishing lives, building His kingdom, and shaping living stones through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.

Learn more at PGUM.org