Spare Change - April
Our family's new favorite show is Lego Masters. First, because we love to see the awesome creations that the contestants come up with. Second, it’s a show that the whole family can watch, and third, we just love Lego! The fact that you can create anything you can imagine, you can follow the directions, or you can go off script and create something original. If you have never played with Lego, I would strongly encourage you to get in touch with your inner builder.
This reminded me about a great truth that I felt was very appropriate for this time. God is the greatest builder and one of His greatest builds is the church. We see this in Ephesians 2:18-22.
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:18-22
We all know the church is not a building, it is the people of God. God has built the church through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has collected people, His children, creating a great structure called the church. We see the foundation of this is the apostles and prophets. The great teaching from these two groups of men forms our foundation of God’s Word and points to the greatest part of the structure…Jesus. Jesus is the cornerstone. This is the perfect stone that keeps the foundation in line, the walls straight, and makes the whole thing work. This structure, the church, is a holy temple created to bring glory to God. He brings this all together by joining all His children in the Holy Spirit.
This truth points to the fact that we are all united because we have believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we become believers, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives to help us, guide us, convict us, and strengthen us. All believers throughout all time have had the Holy Spirit on them. This is a great uniting factor that helps us to know we are a part of God’s family.
What a timely admonition, especially as we are under a Stay-At-Home order from our governor. Even though we can’t meet in person for worship or Bible study we are still one in Christ, bound by the Holy Spirit. Remember the church does not exist because we have a brick and mortar building. Don’t get me wrong, buildings are nice. We can provide a ton of ministry for our church and community because we have a building; however, we are reminded that the church is more than a building. We have had to find new ways to connect through old and new technology. Our staff is actively seeking to keep connecting, teaching, and discipling even though we are not physically together.
The truth that we are united in Christ should be a great encouragement to all believers. God still wants to use us during this difficult season. He is still building the church! Just because we do not get to be together does not mean we should not be looking for ways to grow the church. I would encourage all our families to connect with teaching opportunities that the church is offering through worship, and teaching. We should all be looking for ways to connect with others during this time. Call them on the phone, write letters, send emails, text, or video chat with each other. While we are sitting at home, possibly bored, use that time to do something for the Lord. Grow your relationship or encourage someone else. Don’t let this time be wasted! God is going to continue to build the church, be a part of what He is doing!
