The Spirit says to us by the Apostle Paul:
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
I can’t find the quote (maybe I read to many books) but I was reading somewhere about the argument that our current churches are built like entertainment venues. In other words they aren’t built like the old churches that honor God. Things like Pulpits, and organs and other such things, like pews and stained glass windows were missing. The brother in Christ was pretty much saying that we are too contemporary in the way we build our “churches.
I however want to make a case against most of our buildings. The case I want to make is found in the verses provided above. Paul also says:
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man
God’s beauty is displayed in a temple. The problem is that temple isn’t built with brick and mortar. It doesn’t have 100’s of thousands of dollars invested in audio equipment and satellites. It doesn’t have pulpits and pews and stages. The temple that God built has “living stones”. These stones have feet and hands, and eyes, and ears, and noses, and hearts. This temple puts everyone on eye level with one another. This temple has a living “cornerstone” and a foundation dipped in blood. This temple is still being built and God will not rest until it is complete. This temple is a church but is much more glorious than the one Solomon erected and the one Ezra commissioned (the one that the priest wept over Ezra 3) This temple is us and God dwells there and moves there and shows Himself strong there. This temple is being built as we speak and the most beautiful thing about this temple is that the enemies of the “True Israel” can’t come and destroy it like the one’s that Solomon built, Ezra under the authorization of Darius built and Herod renovated.
This temple was erected in heaven and came to earth in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While all the other temples were bound to be destroyed by weather, foreign enemies or natural disasters, this temple is secured by the heavenly hosts. This is awe inspiring architecture. But what is funny is that we must leave the building for others to be awe inspired. People don’t stand an watch but this temple actually serves instead of needing to be served. This temple is to be a light to the world, salt of the earth, God embodied. The stones in this temple are to love one another and others.
So the next time you drive by a “church” remember that the Chief Architect didn’t erect that one. However there are living stones (or at least it should be) that are inside and for people to really gasp for breath due to a building’s beauty these living stones have to leave it. God is building a building that will cause others to faint at it’s beauty the problem is we hide in buildings so that others can’t see us. Let’s put God’s temple on the move, because that is where He resides. Not multimillion dollar infranstructure that will be destroyed at the second coming of our Lord Jesus.
What is this True Israel Madness about? you must be one of the New Covenant guys, silly dude. Good post-reading the first paragragh got me amped!! People love dem building boi-don’t quit get it. Though they are beautiful like the picture you posted-but still we are far from the scriptures on this one! Thanks God Bless
Wow,
Another sacred cow has just been shot! These buildings are not churches. So that means we need to stop staying the following:
1. Welcome to the house of God
2. Please do not eat in the sanctuary
3. This is the house of prayer
4. This is the temple of the Lord
It is almost as if we want to have Old Covenant Judaism all over again. They had the shadow, the temporal. We have the substance and He that is eternal.
We have so much to repent of, it is only the grace of God He has opened our eyes to these traditions that have influenced so many Christians.
Hooah Lionel!
hi lionel, i’m glad to see you’re up on what the Church is and isn’t. back in ‘06 when i first became familiar with pulpit pimps, i would try to emphasize this point but it always got shot down. man-made traditions are hard to break and we all become defensive when we feel someone is “attacking” our belief systems.
mind you, i was never attacking people personally, but their idea that these bricks and mortar were “churches”. dee and i subscribe to the voice of the martyrs and we would just shake our heads whenever they reported that a “church” was bombed, or set on fire by those opposing Christianity. we knew that they just didn’t get it. a building was bombed. a building was burnt down but the Church of God can never be destroyed!!! i long to see many things in this life and one of them is that saints eyes would be open to the truth that we, the people of God ARE the Church and we don’t need to have a building to prove that. many mentally assent to this fact but in practice they’ve got to have that edifice to feel secure. but when you’ve got to get a 501c3 from the government to feel “official” then they can have a say so in what goes on in your assemblies.
folk are free to live by the dictates of their own consciences and that’s why for me and dee, we will never support financing a structure again.
Do you think scripture provides any guidance for local church congregations seeking to build places for worship and fellowship?
Incredible post Lionel, this is so basic, and yet so mind-blowing to anyone who’s been reared in the mindset of church being a place instead of the people. (myself included…) I was so thrilled when you mentioned that we are the true Israel, because even among so many that understand many things about the what the bible says in regards to his church, it seems like most of them still don’t get that one. It amazes me how that’s even possible because the scripture is so crystal clear on this, it’s not like we have to read it into some obscure verse somewhere, it is talked about specifically and repeatedly throughout the New Testament! And that’s why it should be so significant to us as the Real Israel that God destroyed the original temple, and that it has remained in ruins for two centuries. What modern church building or cathedral could be more impressive or more awe-inspiring than the one in which God’s presence dwelt? A temple which was so holy that anyone but the high priest would die if they entered? One that must have shined like sun it was covered in so much gold… God built and then destroyed that temple (through enemy invaders…) in order to demonstrate that even that temple was inferior to the temple he was going to build, a temple who’s high priest is superior to the ones who used to serve. Like you said, it’s a temple that cannot be destroyed, because every one of it’s living stones will be raised to live forever. Why would we then even consider building anything else that functioned as some sort of replacement temple? Why would we allow ourselves to mimic the priests of old who were but a shadow of the messiah to come? Why?
Daniel
Hey SmithBaptist,
I love your one-liners! LOL!!!! And thanks for stopping by again. I will give my opinion then we can work through it if you like.
1. I see no prescription to erect a temple. My personal opinion is that if the Holy Spirit wanted us to do it, then He would have at least implied that once all of the dust settles make sure we build some buildings to meet in.
2. Our buildings are set up like movie theaters. They are not remotely intimate, nor conducive for any type of mutal edification. As many of the House Church fellas have rightfully observed. We are busy pulpit and back of the head watching. No way can we interact with one another.
3. I don’t even see a description of a building meeting. The only descriptions I see are homes. We see the the first year or so the church receiving favor and meeting in the temple courts (a public place) but as soon as the Jews got wind of what they were teaching that was shut down like McCain at an NAACP rally!
4. A lot of the time we talk about stewardship brother Smith. And though the others are good reasons, this is my real struggle brother. We have brothers and sisters in Ethiopia, Sudan, China, Honduras, Mexico, Dominican Republic and South America who don’t have clean drinking water my friend. They are dying because they can’t get the basic neccessicties. In turn we build upward to $50 million dollars in buildings some taking close to a half of a million dollars to maintain. Why we take the offerings and “tithes” of the people we don’t build a storehouse as it erroneously exposited, we build Vison Houses, with state of the art equipment and the like. The stats that if all Christians would tithe what we could do is garbage. If all churches did what the bible calls them to do with the resources invested to them maybe people would give more. So while we build $25 million dollar buildings we in turn, turn our backs to those who need us the most. Our family. I am troubled by this the most. So some ones “vision” is to do what the bible never describes or prescribes all the while what the bible does prescribe (giving to the poor and needy) goes ignored unless another fund raiser is instituted.
Hey Phillip,
We are trying to get some sacred T-Bones down in texas you know we like our steaks. LOL!!!!
It is funny that we run to the Old Covenant many times to build our ecclisiology when I believe the New Covenant gives us enough information and is diametrically opposed to the Old Covenant. One being the fulfillment of God’s temple and the funcition of priest. But that is a differnt post altogether.
Hey Mrs. Mav,
I am almost there with your last statement. As I begin to focus more on an organic ecclisology, this is one thing that I will have to work through. I love my current body and we are supported by a pretty big church (size and finanical impact) the teaching pastor is a monster theologically and has done some great things for the community and abroad. I do disagree with some things but for the most part I love them dearly. But you are right my commitment there will have to change in the near future. Tell Dee I said hello.
Hey Daniel,
Whats good in your world? I agree. I think until we see who we are in Christ and how we are to function as a body we will hold on to remnant of the Old Covenant and try to force that ecclisology (or institution) into the New Covenant and what is created is a theological frankenstine.
I also want to applaud the fact of your observation. We have seen what God thought of every temple ever erected. Until the very last one which was the temple erected before eternity, hidden in Christ and birthed on Pentecost. How glorious is that brother?
A question that has come to my mind is “does God really desire us to meet in this big church buildings?” The church we’re at now, has had a problem paying the building fund. The pastor recently said “I am not going to seek God for a miracle, but His will may be to move us out of this place.” They have little house groups now, but the church may move to meeting with the home. I have thought, Lord did you ever want us to meet in these buildings paying high mortgages etc? Can we return to the days when they met in houses?
Great post Lionel, and I think I will be mailing you a Cowboy jersey just so you can have something that reminds you of a real football team.
To all,
KM will be banned from posting if he keeps talking about the Cowgirls! There are only 5 real sports teams
1. Detroit Lions
2. Detroit Pistons
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Detroit Red Wings (can I say they have been cited for being in the possession of the Stanley Cup to frequently)
5. The Michigan Wolverines (the winningest team in CF history)
Now unless you can full agree with me. Our friendship stops there! LOL
Thanks for the kind words brother. And I concur I believe God is more pleased with proper stewarship of resources and His people. But many may disagree.
Churches defaulting on loans they took out is nothing new; it is a very big problem and a very poor testimony.
Even property managers do their best to rent store front office space to anyone but a “church plant”-no, not because church plants are being discriminated against or being persecuted for their faith, but because statistically church plants end up defaulting on their lease agreements-costing the landlord thousands of dollars in lost/stolen rent and build out costs!
When someone be it an individual or group borrows money or occupies a lease space and does not pay what they agreed, they are stealing.
Churches really need to stop dragging the name of Christ through the mud by sinning in this fashion.
I like the churches that push Dave Ramsey encouraging their membership to get out of debt so they can help pay off the $5,000,000 loan on the church building! Priceless.
Another interesting post. A simple question, if 50-60 Christians needed a place to worship, what would you say?
I once overheard the following conversation in a church building:
Person 1: Young people are so disrespectful today. Can you believe that they are chewing gum in the sanctuary?
Person 2: Actually, the young people who are chewing gum are the sanctuary.
I almost started laughing out loud… but they would have known that I was eavesdropping.
-Alan
Hutch,
That is why I don’t want to bring Crown Financial nowhere near my church. While they are screaming “get out of debt” they take the whole church into it with them. Indeed Priceless
Hey RC,
Make 3 groups of 20 or 2 groups of 25 or 4 groups of 15 or any other quotient that keeps them out of a permanent building.
Hey Alan,
What do you guys do?
Alan,
Because I am a bit goofy, I probably would have been caught in the sin of eavesdropping.
Lionel,
We rent a reception room for our meetings. I’ve found that reception halls are rarely used on Sundays, so you can usually get a pretty good deal. Its still very expensive – in my perspective. Community rooms are also a good meeting location. Unfortunately, all the community rooms in our area were already being used.
By the way, you can easily get 30-40 people in a home.
-Alan
oh… and sometimes we meet at a park, or by the lake, or (last Sunday) at the beach!
-Alan
hi cushie,
i’m not getting this whole 50 or 60 (or more) in a group thing. i’m all for fellowshipping and doing one another ministry, so i don’t see how that is effectively accomplished in such large group settings.
ps. what do you mean by worship?
Brother Woods,
Ha Ha! Sorry for the one-liner.
I asked you in an earlier blog if you thought the house-church model was the only biblical model. At that time, you said “no.” Did I misunderstand because you seem to say that here?
To your earlier points:
1. I agree that building construction is not “prescribed” in the NT. I was just wondering if you thought scripture (OT/NT) gives us any insight into corporate-worship places that glorify God?
2. I agree that many “churches” are poorly situated for fellowship and community. Again, that’s why I’m wondering if there are any clues in scriptures OR are building for corporate-worship a bad/wrong thing.
3. So you think it is biblical to meet in “public places” but we should not build our own places? Not assuming, just asking.
4. Hey, I am 100% percent with you on the need for local churches to consider stewardship issues, especially spending priorities and the matter of DEBT.
Is “fellowshipping and one another ministry” the only acceptable model? (Mrs. Maverick) What happens if God “adds to the church?” Has the Church always been wrong on buildings? Or is that a recent development due to poor stewardship, in light of missions and burdensome debt?
Hey Smithbaptist,
1. I would definitely say no to any (I do mean any) OT models to adapt for a New Covenant Church. This could be due to other views but I don’t think we are to model anything under the Old Covenant as it relates to gathering of New Covenant believers. The only conclusion from the New Testament would be that they met in homes primarily and secondary (Council of Jerusalem) to discuss weighty matters. Other than that they were in homes and that is how the New Testament Church always functions as far as I can read.
2. I honestly believe that what we see today is a detriment. I haven’t seen all buildings but ALL the ones I have seen are not conducive for mutual efication or fellowship. I am talking throughout the entire gathering, not for special classes and eating.
3. I believe there are times where it would be neccessary. For example the church makes a decision to bring on a new elder. That may take the entire church (depending on how you define church) meeting to make such a decision. Sometimes we need to bring in teachers to help on certain issues. Something like Egalitarianism/Complementarianism. We may need to bring in a gifted teacher in this area for a few weeks to handle and work through this issue. I believe we can rent out a public place for such a meeting. There are times where a monologue then open for questions is acceptable. But this is the exception not the rule which is radically opposed to what I see every Sunday.
4. Brother Smith. When 80% never leaves the congregation we have a problem when 100% left Corinthian and Phillipi.
hi smithbaptist,
i’m not sure what you’re asking by saying, “what if God adds to the church?” so i will just answer it according to the way i think you may be asking it, ok?
God is always adding to the Church, the Church being the body of Christ worldwide. now as far as local assemblies go, i don’t see where the NT advocates the Church acquiring any property of their own for the sole purpose of having a meeting place- their homes were sufficient.
my question is why should a home fellowship outgrow its space? this, i believe, is where people have a hard time letting people go- and where people don’t want to move on. we become clannish. so instead of us branching out when the assembly begins to grow, we start to look for a larger edifice that will hold everyone. alas, the numbers business begins again.
i think the model going on in the majority of congregations today is wrong on so many levels from the way money is gathered and dispersed, to choosing elders, to Church discipline.