Sermon

The White Stone

Theme

Being faithful and courageous in our Christian life.

Object

White Stones

Scripture

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

Have you ever played with rocks in the driveway? Have you ever found a stone that was pure white? It is pretty hard to find one, isn't it? I have one to show you.

A long, long time ago, when a Roman gladiator was especially brave and had fought a good fight, he was given a white stone with some special letters on it. When this special stone was given to a gladiator, it allowed him to retire so that he would not have to continue to risk his life as he was getting older. It was a great reward.

In the Bible it says,"To him who overcomes I will give a share of the hidden manna; and I will give him a WHITE STONE, and written on the stone a new name, which no one but him who receives it knows."

Just think! Wouldn't you like to get white stone from JESUS? A stone with a name written on it that is known only by you and HIM because you are His beloved? I know I would! (I gave each child a white stone to help remember passage.)

Father, help us to be faithful and courageous in our service to you so that we may receive the white stone. Amen.