The New Rock Altar
Before going to the altar (Chapel) tell participates to pick up a rock.
Being part of the Kairos ministry at this moment is both exciting and deeply humbling—exciting because of our recent outreach successes, and humbling as we witness lives being transformed right before our eyes.
-Before we begin, you should have had the chance to borrow one of my rocks—or maybe you picked out your own favorite from the pile. Don’t get too attached—these rocks have a way of finding their way back home! Trust me, you’ll want to return them by the end, but for now, let’s see what we can learn together.
This activity is called: The Rock Alter.
Let’s talk about distractions. The definition of a distraction is anything that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
For example, in scripture of how a burden became a distraction:
Distractions take various forms and are commonly defined as anything that diverts our attention from a primary focus or objective.
Distractions of life can be a tool that Satan uses to take the focus off God‘s work.
Proverbs 4:25-27 is a powerful passage that highlights the importance of maintaining focus and discipline in our lives. It advises us to “let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you,” encouraging unwavering focus and commitment to a set purpose. The proverb further emphasizes considering the path of your feet and avoiding deviation to the right or left, turning away from evil. In everyday life, this could mean setting clear goals and avoiding distractions that might lead you away from your values or objectives.
Now, let the Holy Spirit do his work!
What kinds of distractions or burdens are you currently facing that keep your heart from focusing on what God desires for you right now?
To help consider your answers, here are some distractions that can hinder us while doing God’s work:
• The pursuit of status, material possessions, or recognition—seeking approval or personal gain can shift our focus away from spiritual growth.
• Relationships—consider whether your relationships support your spiritual journey, and gently reflect on how certain influences may affect your focus.
• Financial worries—concerns about money and security can occupy our thoughts and distract us from trusting in God’s provision.
• Social media and technology—continuous engagement can reduce time for prayer, reflection, and meaningful connection.
• Feeling responsible for others’ problems—letting others’ negativity or burdens affect your mindset can draw attention away from your own spiritual needs.
• Busy schedules and competing activities—filling our days with tasks and obligations can make it difficult to prioritize faith practices.
These distractions can make it challenging to focus on prayer, scripture reading, and other ways of connecting with God.
Take a moment to write down one distraction you want to address today, and ask God for guidance in overcoming it.
Now, let’s allow the rock you hold to symbolize all those distractions and burdens.
- We can throw rocks at others,
- 2. tuck our problems and concerns deep down in our pockets,
- or lay them on the altar at the feet of Jesus.
Throwing rocks at others means projecting our pain onto those around us.
Tucking them away means ignoring our struggles and pretending they don’t exist.
Laying them at Jesus’ feet means seeking spiritual support and healing, surrendering our burdens to a higher power.
Throwing rocks? We can throw rocks at each other both physically and spiritually. First, let’s consider what it means to throw rocks in a physical sense.
Now, what we’re about to do may seem a little unconventional, but it’s guided by a meaningful lesson. The demonstration will help us understand how our actions can impact others and why it’s important to be mindful of what we ‘throw’ at one another.
I need 4 volunteers who trust me and are willing to participate in this demonstration.
I hypothesize that heavier and sharper objects will cause more damage when thrown. To test this, we’ll begin with pebbles and progress to a brick—observing the effects at each stage. - First, a handful of small, smooth pebbles—lightweight and rounded, these stones are gentle and unlikely to shatter anything. Their impact may be felt, but it would leave little more than a faint sound or a minor scuff.
- Next, we try a solid, round stone. This one is larger and heavier, its surface cool and dense, capable of leaving a noticeable mark or perhaps denting a softer surface if thrown with force.
- Then, we move to a jagged stone—a chunk with rough edges and substantial heft. Its irregular shape and increased weight mean that, if hurled with intent, it could potentially crack glass or mar whatever it strikes.
- Finally, we test with a heavy brick. The brick’s mass and sharp angles almost guarantee a broken window or serious damage upon impact.
In each step, the potential for harm increases systematically, allowing us to observe how the object’s weight and shape directly influence the outcome.
But seriously, spiritually rocks can do internal damage to one’s psyche.
The idea that throwing pebbles can create a boulder in someone’s mind is a metaphor for how small, repeated negative actions can accumulate over time, building into a massive psychological burden. A single offense may be dismissed, but an endless barrage of “pebbles” can erode a person’s well-being and sense of self, creating a heavy and unshakeable psychological weight.
The ripple effect of small offenses
Each “pebble” represents a minor but hurtful action. This could be a small insult, a rude comment, a slight, or an act of disrespect. Individually, they may seem insignificant, but their repetitive nature is what makes them so destructive, mirroring how a pebble dropped in a pond sends out ripples that eventually affect the entire surface.
The accumulation of these small actions can:
• Erode resilience: A person’s ability to cope with minor setbacks is worn down, making them less able to tolerate even small stresses.
• Create chronic stress: The constant, low-level anxiety of anticipating the next “pebble” wears on the nervous system, leading to hypervigilance and a feeling of being under siege.
• Internalize shame: The recipient of the pebbles may begin to internalize the negativity, blaming themselves for the way they are being treated. This self-blame is a heavy weight to carry.
• Distort perception: Over time, the repeated negative actions can alter the victim’s perception of reality. The once-trivial issues begin to seem like major threats, as the mind over-prioritizes the cumulative damage.
The transition from pebble to boulder
As the pebbles accumulate, they go through a psychological transformation in the victim’s mind, turning from minor annoyances into a life-altering “boulder.”
This transformation typically occurs in stages:
- Initial annoyance: At first, the victim is merely irritated, shaking off the insult and thinking little of it.
- Frustration and exasperation: As the attacks continue, the victim becomes frustrated and starts to expend energy trying to stop the behavior.
- Physical and mental exhaustion: The effort to cope with the relentless attacks becomes exhausting. The victim’s focus is consumed by the abuse, and they can no longer concentrate on other aspects of life.
- Despair and overwhelming burden: Eventually, the victim reaches a state of desperation. The “pebbles” now feel like massive, damaging blows. The cumulative weight of the abuse becomes a permanent fixture in their mind—the boulder—that can lead to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD
Pastor Jessica how does this relate to Kaiors and our weekend? (Give this to question to someone to ask when prompted.)
during the time that Jesus walked the earth,
they actually stoned people to death, and it was legal. (Leviticus 20:10)
Scripture actually warns us about throwing stones at one another. Let’s look at another example,
John 8:7-11, where Jesus says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her.” This passage is about hypocrisy and judging others, suggesting that those who are also sinners should not condemn others.
Jesus’s response to the Pharisees is a direction to us today. We should be very careful not to point out the sins of others. When we do this, we are guilty of kicking our Christian family members while their down. We should be trying to love them like Jesus does.
God does not condone such behavior because it violates both the Golden Rule, and the Second Greatest Commandment:
- Matthew 7:12 [KJV]: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
- Matthew 22:39[KJV]: “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Everyone point at me!! How many fingers are pointing at you?
Luke 6:37, which says “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven
It suggests that the way we treat others, including the level of judgment and condemnation we offer, will be mirrored back to us, particularly in how we are treated by others and in the judgment we face from God.
In essence, the Bible teaches us to be merciful,
Teaches us to be forgiving,
and it also teaches us to be humble,
rather than focusing on the flaws of others.
Today, we can actually stone people to death with how we treat them,
with what we do to them,
with what we say to them or about them,
and even our facial and body actions can hurt others.
These kinds of distractions totally wreck what God has for us this season.
Especially when we cast stones at church. The stones that you throw at others cause broken relationships and hard feelings. We must be very careful with our words and expressions, because those words and expressions divide churches, they split families, and devour our communities.
The second thing that we could do with these rocks is that we could put them in our pocket and tuck them way down deep in our heart. (Show the canister of small pebbles.)
Let’s allow the jar to represent our bodies. In this jar I have small pebbles. If this was a real person we could see just how many burdens she holds in her heart.
These pebbles build into larger rocks (like your holding.) Carrying all these rocks (your burdens) around is problematic.
When we carry around our burdens and distractions, instead of giving them to God, it creates a rift and impacts the success of God’s plan.
Additionally, holding onto burdens can significantly impact the body’s various systems, leading to a range of physical and mental health problems.
• When I have a burden that has been harbored to long, I develop Chronic Muscle Tension especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. (Roll your neck and shoulders)
• I also suffer from vast Headaches and Migraines: (Place your hand on your head)
It’s important to acknowledge these burdens and allow God to carry them. He offers rest,
He gives you comfort,
and we hold onto the promises that God sustains those who trust in him.
Now let us consider a verse of scripture…
Matthew 11:28-29
English Standard Version
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
What does this verse in Scripture really say to you? Holy Spirit I ask you now to prick hearts and teach us the meaning of scripture.
Overall, Matthew 11:28-29 offers a message of hope and guidance to God’s Children: Let’s talk about the top 3 things God gave me here.
- This invitation is unthinkable in the mouth of anyone else but God, and woe to the men who call people to themselves instead of to Jesus!
- Jesus revealed His nature when He described Himself as gentle and lowly of heart. It is His servant’s heart, displayed throughout His ministry, making Him qualified to be the one who bears our burdens.
- Jesus described His gift to His followers as rest for your soul. This unmatchable gift – both powerful and profound – should be considered the birthright of those who come to Jesus and are His followers. They should believe that something is wrong if they don’t experience rest for your souls.
The third thing that I think that we could do with these rocks is actually to cast them on Jesus.
The word cast actually means to throw. This scripture asks us to throw our issues upon God because he will take care of them.
You might remember First Peter chapter 5:7? T
First Peter 5:7, which reads “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you,” encourages believers to relinquish their worries and trust in God’s care.
This is a call to action, encouraging believers to actively transfer their worries and concerns to God. The word “cast” implies a forceful action, like throwing a net, suggesting that anxieties should be released and not held onto.
Maybe the Holy Spirit has spoken to you about
Anxiety tonight?
How about all your Worries?
Do you harbor Burdens,
Do you harbor Problems,
Do you harbor Troubles,
Do you harbor Grief or Stress?
Maybe you’re in a place that you are frustrated.
The Holy Spirit gave you something tangible tonight! – A Rock
God continually cares for us. In fact, he loves us affectionately. We are his creation, and he knows us. He leads us, he feeds us, and he sustains us.
So, the spirit is asking us right now, of the three choices presented which ones or which one will we comfortable doing today?
- Will we throw rocks at others,
- will we tuck our problems and concerns back deep down in our hearts,
- or are you ready to lay them on the altar?
As for me, when I feel the weight of my burdens on my shoulders, I give my cares to the Lord.
He is powerful and all knowing.
He is our heavenly father.
He is here right now.
I ask you to answer his call today.
Take these rocks,
which symbolize
all our trials,
all our troubles,
ALL OF YOUR BURRDENS,
and all our anxieties and THROW them to God.
There is power in prayer. Prayer is our weapon against Satan ‘s evil darts. As I play this music, let’s have a quiet time with the Lord. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation with God.
Sometimes, we think that this altar is a place for sinners and a place for repentance!
This is not an altar of SHAME!!!!
but this altar is one place where God meets his people.
Won’t you come?
Lay your rocks down.
Have a talk with Jesus.
And then pray with some of your other brothers and sisters.
Then I will pray, collectively!
In fact, my pockets and my heart need to emptied tonight. Church, please allow me to be the first to cast my burdens on the Lord. (Place stones on the table.)
(Build the altar and cover with a cross)
Prayer and soft music. (Return to the pulpit)
Praying over congregation.
• “Heavenly Father, thank you for this church and for the members who make it up. Thank you for your love and grace that is poured out upon us.”
• “Lord, guide the leaders with wisdom and humility. Help them to lead your people with compassion and vision.”
• “Lord, for their families may you bless them with strength, healing, and peace. Help them to be a blessing to one another and to the community.”
• “God, I ask you that you fill our church with your Holy Spirit. Help each one of us to be filled with your power and your love, so that we may be a light in this community.”
• Thank you for making a way when there is no way.
• Thank you for hear and answering our pleas this evening/this morning.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS I PRAY! AMEN!
Wrap up: (What does the cross on top of the rocks mean to you?)
This symbolizes that “Christ has covered our sins.”
He holds are distractions!
He is working out our burdens.
• Substitution:
Jesus died in our place, acting as a substitute. He “bore our sins” on the cross, meaning he carried the weight and consequences of our sins.
• Justification:
Through faith in Christ, we are not only freed from the punishment of sin but also declared righteous, meaning we are considered just and acceptable in God’s eyes.
• Not Covering Up:
The idea of “covering” sins is not about hiding or ignoring sin, but rather about God’s grace and forgiveness provided through Christ.
• Cleansing and Forgiveness:
The blood of Jesus has cleansing power, allowing us to be free from the stain of sin and experience forgiveness.
• Walking in the Light:
While Christ’s sacrifice covers past sins, believers are also called to live a life of obedience and confess ongoing sins, continuing to experience the cleansing and forgiveness provided by the blood of Jesus.
