Love Your Church—Jesus Does! – Part 2

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. 1 Peter 2:5

We don’t go to church, we are the church! If we met for worship in the parking lot, we’d still be the church! Consider Solomon’s temple. It was planned by David the father, built by Solomon the son, and at its dedication filled with the Holy Spirit. Here are three ways your church is just like Solomon’s temple: 1) It was built on redemption ground! Mount Moriah, the scene of Solomon’s temple, is where Abraham took his son Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice. Guess what? Two thousand years later God led His only begotten Son up that same mountain to die for our sins. As G. D. Boardman said, ‘The cross is the only ladder high enough to touch Heaven’s threshold.’ 2) It was the most unique building ever constructed. It was built from stones made ready before they were brought together. They were washed, then fashioned, then fitted together. And that’s our story too, isn’t it? ‘You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.’ 3) The building materials came from many nations. We aren’t saved by race, but by grace. It’s not the blood that flows in your veins that saves you; it’s the blood that flowed from Christ’s veins that makes you righteous and accepted before God. Two unique phrases are used to describe Solomon’s temple: ‘exceeding magnifical’ (1 Chronicles 22:5); ‘famous everywhere for its greatness and beauty’ (v. 5). That’s how God feels about His church, and you should too! But remember – God’s church is His people and not the building!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be accepting and supportive and work with those in my church so that unity and growth for your Kingdom can be achieved. In Jesus’ Name, Amen