Look with me, please, in Matthew, Matthew 13.

The last time I was with you, we were talking about loves sacrifice.

And I want us to continue, as the Lord would enable us.

I tell you, before you look at Matthew, go to 1. Peter.

This is the text we've read repeatedly, 1 Peter 2.

1. Peter 2.5 says, you also as lively stones, another translation would say living

stones, are built up a spiritual house.

God's building a building.

You are one of the living stones in this great structure.

Hallelujah.

All of us are.

Built up a spiritual house, also, not only are we God's house, we're also his priests.

A holy priesthood and priests offer sacrifices to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ.

Verse 9 says you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.

Folks have done all kind of weird things with that peculiar word.

But it means rare precious.

He's talking about like a gem, like a jewel, like an emerald or a diamond. We are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a rare, beautiful, precious people to him. We're the apple of his

eye. We're the apple of his eye. We're the sparkle in his universe. I believe we are.

I believe there's numerous scriptures that say that, indicate that. Why do we exist? Why are we this?

That we should show forth the praises of him we offer up sacrifices

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