Now wait a minute! How can you say there’s one true church? It’s impossible!! If so, where is it? I want to know and what it looks like! Well, let’s go visit it!
Although buildings are often used as church-gathering places, Jesus changed the format forever! The original gathering place where God met with Israel, the Tabernacle, allowed His presence to fill it while the people gathered outside of it on all four sides.
Throughout the centuries, churches have been built, both to honor God, and for Him to dwell in. Some are simple structures while others may be elaborate with cathedral ceilings, pipe organs, and story-telling stained-glass windows.
My wife and I love stained glass windows. Some depict Biblical scenes and stories, and others display nature, animals, or everyday life. As light enters, it gets diffused bathing an area with wonderful colors.
Let’s eavesdrop on what Jesus said to a Samaritan woman.
“The time is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-25).
The Tabernacle had two room: the Holy Place, and The Most Holy Place (also known as the Holies of Holies). A thick, heavy curtain (veil) separated them. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy place (room where God dwelt) once a year on the Day of Atonement. The priest, however, could enter the Holy Place every day. When Christ died, “Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom” (Matthew 27:51). Removing the veil allows us to come on our own (without the aid of a priest) with confidence into His presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). The gist??
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; Therefore, honor God with your bodies (1Corinthians 6:19, 20)? “As God has said, I will dwell in them; and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2Corinthians 6:16).
YOU are the church! Your life is that stained glass window displaying God’s story, God’s life! He dwells in you, not in a building. When His light shines through you, His glory is displayed to everyone around in radiant colors! What an honor to be His house! Before His death, He cleansed the temple; are you cleaning yours on the inside? You’re the true church! Living for God makes a difference and matters more when we understand we’re His temple and that He’s living within us.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14).
God Bless!
Sam
Finding Laughter In Difficult Times
My life experiences in the good times and in very difficult times will hopefully inspire, encourage, and motivate others to take time to laugh, reflect, and seek God when difficulties in life arise.