As a child I had the impression the church building was an important place. It was place for keeping your voice down and walking only. It was a place where it was polite to remove your hat and treat with respect. It was "God's house," after all. Thinking back, however, I can't recall a single occasion when I actually met with God by virtue of being in a particular building or room. Tradition sanctifies a room or location over another when God seeks to meet with people who love and trust Him wherever they might be.
The church is God's house in one sense, but not the way you might expect. When the tabernacle and temples stood in Israel, the presence of God dwelt within the most holy place. But after the veil was rent, Jesus ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit was sent, God makes His dwelling place in each person who comprises the church - the Body of Christ. The church is not a building but people! Paul proclaimed to an idolatrous culture in Acts 17:24, "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." Paul incredulously asked believers in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" We are the temple of God not made with hands. Jesus affirmed the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:31).
Now there is nothing wrong in itself to set aside dedicated places or times to worship God, being mindful to walk in love towards others who have come away to seek fellowship with God and followers of Jesus. But God's presence is no nearer to you in the "sanctuary" in a church building than in a public toilet at a park. If we will humble ourselves to draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us. James 4:8 exmphasises the need for repentance and purity in seeking the LORD: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." By faith we love and trust God. In Israel today it is said God's presence never leaves the Western Wall, and that is why many go there to pray. Jesus said He is the Way, Truth, and Life, and when we choose to believe and obey God will come to us. It is written in John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
Isn't it remarkable Jesus comes to us and stands and knocks at the door of our hearts? Our belief and obedience is the key which opens to the door to fellowship and intimate relationship with God. Jesus will not summon a divine S.W.A.T. team to smash the door in. He calls your name because He knows you, loves you, and wants to spend time with you. Out of respect for a salesman we will open the door and tell him we are not interested: shouldn't we open the door to Christ and let Him take possession of the home He joyfully paid for with His own blood?
The church is God's house in one sense, but not the way you might expect. When the tabernacle and temples stood in Israel, the presence of God dwelt within the most holy place. But after the veil was rent, Jesus ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit was sent, God makes His dwelling place in each person who comprises the church - the Body of Christ. The church is not a building but people! Paul proclaimed to an idolatrous culture in Acts 17:24, "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." Paul incredulously asked believers in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" We are the temple of God not made with hands. Jesus affirmed the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:31).
Now there is nothing wrong in itself to set aside dedicated places or times to worship God, being mindful to walk in love towards others who have come away to seek fellowship with God and followers of Jesus. But God's presence is no nearer to you in the "sanctuary" in a church building than in a public toilet at a park. If we will humble ourselves to draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us. James 4:8 exmphasises the need for repentance and purity in seeking the LORD: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." By faith we love and trust God. In Israel today it is said God's presence never leaves the Western Wall, and that is why many go there to pray. Jesus said He is the Way, Truth, and Life, and when we choose to believe and obey God will come to us. It is written in John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
Isn't it remarkable Jesus comes to us and stands and knocks at the door of our hearts? Our belief and obedience is the key which opens to the door to fellowship and intimate relationship with God. Jesus will not summon a divine S.W.A.T. team to smash the door in. He calls your name because He knows you, loves you, and wants to spend time with you. Out of respect for a salesman we will open the door and tell him we are not interested: shouldn't we open the door to Christ and let Him take possession of the home He joyfully paid for with His own blood?
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