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The Story of Love - Mark Sayers
Sermon Summary
Mark encourages us to see ourselves as pillars in God's living temple, living lives of love and service that build His kingdom, rather than seeking fleeting experiences or living on platforms of self-interest.
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In Revelation 3:12, we are given a vision of what it means to be victorious in Christ: to become a pillar in the temple of God, never to leave His presence, marked with His name and the name of His city. This image was given to a church reeling from the loss of the physical temple in Jerusalem, a place they believed was the very center of God’s presence on earth. Yet, Jesus reveals that He Himself is the new temple, and that God’s dwelling is no longer confined to stone and mortar, but is now found in His people. We are called to be living pillars—steadfast, supportive, and enduring—within the living temple of God.
Our culture, however, urges us to live not as pillars, but as platforms—seeking to elevate ourselves, to curate experiences, and to chase after the next emotional high. The world has become disenchanted, stripped of mystery and meaning, and so we are pressured to fill the void with ever more intense experiences. This pursuit, whether through relationships, travel, or even spiritual highs, leaves us restless and dissatisfied, always searching for the next thing to make us feel alive. Even our faith can become a quest for the next feeling, rather than a deep relationship with God Himself.
Yet, the true richness of life is not found in the accumulation of experiences, but in the slow, faithful building of relationships and community. The story of Mark's parent's dinner table—simple meals shared over decades, conversations that shaped lives, hospitality extended to the lonely and the lost—illustrates what it means to be a pillar. It is not the spectacular or the novel that forms the foundation of God’s kingdom, but the ordinary, hidden acts of love, service, and steadfastness. Pillars are not always seen, but they hold up the whole structure.
To be a pillar is to pour out love selflessly, to create spaces where others are welcomed and known, to endure through seasons of difficulty and change. Whether you are a parent under pressure, a young person tempted by the allure of endless experiences, or someone who has faithfully served for years, the invitation is the same: see your life as God sees it. Choose to be a pillar, rooted in Christ, building up others, and carrying the presence of God into the world. This is the hidden strength that sustains the church and reveals the kingdom of God in our midst.
Key Takeaways
1. The New Temple Is Living and Personal
God’s presence is no longer confined to a physical building, but is now found in His people. Each believer is called to be a pillar in this living temple, supporting and embodying the presence of God in the world. This redefines our identity—not as spectators or consumers, but as essential, enduring parts of God’s unfolding story.
2. The World’s Platform vs. God’s Pillar
Modern culture urges us to build platforms for ourselves, seeking recognition, experiences, and self-fulfillment. In contrast, God calls us to be pillars—steadfast, supportive, and often unseen—who hold up others and create spaces of belonging. True greatness in the kingdom is found not in self-promotion, but in self-giving love and faithfulness.
3. The Danger of Chasing Experiences
Our society’s obsession with experiences—whether through travel, relationships, or even spiritual highs—can leave us restless and dissatisfied. When faith becomes a pursuit of feelings rather than a relationship with God, we risk missing the depth and stability He offers. The call is to move beyond the pursuit of the next “hit” and to root ourselves in the enduring love and presence of Christ.
4. The Power of Ordinary, Faithful Love
The most transformative moments often happen not in spectacular experiences, but in the ordinary, repeated acts of love and hospitality. A family table, faithfully set over decades, can become a place where the kingdom of God is made tangible. These hidden acts of service and steadfastness are what truly build up the church and shape lives for generations.
5. Choosing to Be a Pillar in a Changing World
In a time when old structures are fading and the pressure to chase novelty is intense, the invitation is to choose a different path. Whether young or old, we are called to live as pillars—rooted in Christ, loving others sacrificially, and building up the community of faith. This hidden strength is what will sustain the church and reveal God’s kingdom in our world.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Becoming Pillars in God’s Living Temple
Scripture:
Revelation 3:12
'The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
To be a pillar in God’s temple is to become a living vessel for His presence, not through grand gestures or public acclaim, but by faithfully standing firm in faith and love, supporting the community and carrying the name of God wherever you go. In a world obsessed with platforms and self-promotion, God calls His people to a different architectural metaphor: not to elevate themselves, but to be strong, steady, and enduring supports in His spiritual house. This identity is not about being noticed, but about being foundational—allowing God to build His kingdom through ordinary, steadfast lives.
Reflection:
In what area of your life is God inviting you to be a steady, faithful presence for others, even if it goes unseen or uncelebrated?
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I feel like my presence doesn’t make a difference in our church. Help me to see that when I participate as much as I can, even the smallest act of faithful service is seen and valued by You, and You are the One Who really matters. Amen.
Day 2: Choosing Pillar Living Over Platform Living
Scripture:
Philippians 2:3-4
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Modern culture urges us to build platforms for ourselves, seeking experiences and recognition, but God’s way is to call us to be pillars—serving, supporting, and loving others without seeking the spotlight. The temptation to live for the next big moment or to curate a life of impressive experiences can leave us restless and dissatisfied, always searching for more. True fulfilment comes not from standing above others, but from quietly holding up the lives around us, investing in relationships and community for the long haul.
Reflection:
Where are you tempted to seek recognition or experiences for yourself, and how might you instead choose to serve and support others as a pillar?
Prayer:
Father, the world constantly tells me I need a ‘profile’, and recognition as an ‘influencer’. Help me to see how truly investing in others will bear the fruit that You value. Amen.
Day 3: The Power of Ordinary, Enduring Relationships
Scripture:
Romans 12:10-13
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
While our world prizes extraordinary experiences, it is the ordinary, repeated acts of love and hospitality—like gathering around a family table—that shape lives and reveal the kingdom of God. The most meaningful moments are often not the spectacular ones, but the faithful presence, the shared meals, the conversations in hard times, and the open doors to those in need. These simple, enduring relationships become the foundation for faith, healing, and belonging, far outlasting fleeting experiences.
Reflection:
Who in your life needs the gift of your faithful presence or hospitality this week, and how can you offer it in a simple, tangible way?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to see the opportunities You give me to build relationships with others, and help me go out of my way to be present with those around me in meaningful ways. Amen.
Day 4: Resisting the Pressure of Experience-Driven Living
Scripture:
Galatians 5:22-23
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The relentless pursuit of new experiences and constant stimulation can erode our ability to focus, deepen relationships, and find contentment in God’s presence. Our culture’s obsession with the next thrill or emotional high—even in spiritual life—can leave us anxious, distracted, and spiritually shallow. Instead, God invites us to a life of depth, rootedness, and meaning that comes from being present, practicing self-control, and finding joy in the ordinary rhythms of faithfulness.
Reflection:
What is one distraction or “experience” you can set aside this week to be more present to God and those around you?
Prayer:
Father God, I want to genuinely seek after ways to be present and faithful. Please show me one thing I can put way this week, in order to focus on what really matters. Amen.
Day 5: Loving Like Jesus—The Heart of Pillar Living
Scripture:
John 13:34-35
' “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
To live as a pillar in the Church is to love others not for what they can give us, but because Jesus is at the centre of all relationships, calling us to pour out His love selflessly and sacrificially. This love is not about chasing feelings or the idea of love, but about choosing to serve, forgive, and care for others—whether they are family, friends, strangers, or those who seem difficult to love. When we root our lives in Christ’s love, we become vessels through which His kingdom quietly expands, one relationship at a time.
Reflection:
Who is one person you find difficult to love right now, and what is one practical step you can take to show them Christ’s love this week?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, is there someone You want me to serve, forgive or care for this week? Please bring that person to mind, and show me the best way to move toward them in love. Amen.
Day 6: Living as Pillars in God's Temple
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:5
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Just as Mark's sermon reminds us, we are called to be living pillars in God's temple—not just individual stones, but living, loving, serving pillars that uphold His presence in the world. Each act of love, service, and faithfulness contributes to building a strong, enduring spiritual house. When we live as pillars, we reflect God's strength and stability to those around us, showing that His presence dwells within us.
Reflection:
How can you see your life as a living pillar in God's temple, building up His Kingdom through love, service, and selflessness, rather than living on a platform driven by personal desires and experiences?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see myself as a pillar in Your temple. Strengthen me to stand firm in love and faith, and to be a living testimony of Your presence. May my life be a pillar that upholds Your kingdom and points others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Day 7: Seeing Life Through God's Lens
Scripture:
Colossians 3:2
'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Mark's sermon challenges us to view our lives differently—to see beyond the fleeting experiences and superficial pursuits that the world promotes. Instead, we are invited to see life through God's perspective, recognising the deep, eternal significance of relationships and living as pillars of His love. When we focus on what truly matters—God's kingdom and His love—we find purpose and stability amid a world obsessed with constant experiences.
Reflection:
Are you intentionally choosing to live as a pillar of faith and love in your community, especially in a culture that emphasises fleeting experiences over lasting relationships? How might this perspective transform the way you approach your relationships and purpose?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to see my life through Your eyes. Shift my focus from temporary pleasures to eternal truths. Teach me to build my life on Your foundation, so I can be a pillar of love and faith in this world. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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