We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng. – Psalm 55:14
Some of the world’s most beautiful buildings are churches. Many are a glorious celebration of creativity, displaying humankind’s God-given talents in stone and glass. However, a Biblical understanding of “church” has nothing to do with the physical building.
The Greek word you find translated in most modern Bibles as church is ekklesia, meaning “an assembly” or “called out ones.” In the places where “the called-out ones” of God gather, the magnificent treasures found there have nothing to do with the art or structure! The most important aspect of God’s house, “the Church,” is relationship.
The highest priority relationship in God’s church is its relationship with Jesus Christ. “He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 1:22-23). Only complete dedication to going God’s way by following His Son will keep a modern church healthy and well.
A functioning body of believers is more beautiful than any collection of art. There you will notice leaders are kind servants guiding seekers into greater knowledge and love of Jesus. Active disciples use their gifts to point all to Christ, not to themselves. And while people are not perfect, harmony blesses those who gather in Christ’s name, even in difficult situations, because the Holy Spirit keeps the peace when storms rage.
Pray for the houses of worship in America to be grounded in their identity with Jesus Christ above all other things. Ask that God’s people will walk together in sweet unity presenting His gospel of hope as an offering to a hurting nation.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 55:14
We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 7:24-28
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
