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Church Community

The Lausanne Covenant

The Lausanne Covenant

Introduction
We, members of the Church of Jesus Christ, from more than 150 nations, participants in the International Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne, praise God for his great salvation and rejoice in the fellowship he has given us with himself and with each other. We are deeply stirred by what God is doing in our day, moved to penitence by our failures and challenged by the unfinished task of evangelization. We believe the gospel is God’s good news for the whole world, and we are determined by his grace to obey Christ’s commission to proclaim it to all humankind and to make disciples of every nation. We desire, therefore, to affirm our faith and our resolve, and to make public our covenant.

1. The Purpose of God
We affirm our belief in the one eternal God, Creator and Lord of the world, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who governs all things according to the purpose of his will. He has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ’s body, and the glory of his name. We confess with shame that we have often denied our calling and failed in our mission, by becoming conformed to the world or by withdrawing from it. Yet we rejoice that even when borne by earthen vessels the gospel is still a precious treasure. To the task of making that treasure known in the power of the Holy Spirit we desire to dedicate ourselves anew. (Isa. 40:28; Matt. 28:19; Eph. 1:11; Acts 15:14; John 17:6,18; Eph. 4:12; 1 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:7)

2. The Authority and Power of the Bible
We affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness and authority of both the Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We also affirm the power of God’s word to accomplish his purpose of salvation. The message of the Bible is addressed to all humankind. For God’s revelation in Christ and in Scripture is unchangeable. Through it the Holy Spirit still speaks today. He illumines the minds of God’s people in every culture to perceive its truth freshly through their own eyes and thus discloses to the whole church ever more of the many-colored wisdom of God. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11; 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16; Matt. 5:17,18; Jude 3; Eph. 1:17, 18; 3:10, 18)

3. The Uniqueness and Universality of Christ
We affirm that there is only one Savior and only one gospel, although there is a wide diversity of evangelistic approaches. We recognize that all people have some knowledge of God through his general revelation in nature. But we deny that this can save, for people suppress the truth through their unrighteousness. We also reject as derogatory to Christ and the gospel every kind of syncretism and dialogue which implies that Christ speaks equally through all religions and ideologies. Jesus Christ, being himself the only God-man, who gave himself as the only ransom for sinners, is the only mediator between God and humanity. There is no other name by which we must be saved. All people are perishing because of sin, but God loves all people, not wishing that any should perish but that all should repent. Yet those who reject Christ repudiate the joy of salvation and condemn themselves to eternal separation from God. To proclaim Jesus as “the Savior of the world” is not to affirm that all people are either automatically or ultimately saved, still less to affirm that all religions offer salvation in Christ. Rather it is to proclaim God’s love for a world of sinners and to invite all people to respond to him as Savior and Lord in the wholehearted personal commitment of repentance and faith. Jesus Christ has been exalted above every other name; we long for the day when every knee shall bow to him and every tongue shall confess him Lord. (Gal. 1:6-9; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Tim. 2:5,6; Acts 4:12; John 3:16-19; 2 Pet. 3:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; John 4:42; Matt. 11:28; Eph 1:20,21; Phil. 2:9-11)

4. The Nature of Evangelism
To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord he now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent and believe. Our Christian presence in the world is indispensable to evangelism, and so is that kind of dialogue whose purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand. But evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Christ as Savior and Lord, with a view to persuading people to come to him personally and so be reconciled to God. In issuing the gospel invitation we have no liberty to conceal the cost of discipleship. Jesus still calls all who would follow him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and identify themselves with his new community. The results of evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorporation into his church and responsible service in the world. (1 Cor. 15:3,4; Acts 2:32-39; John 20:21; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2 Cor. 4:5; 5:11,20; Luke 14:25-33; Mark 8:34; Acts 2:40,47; Mark 10:43-45)

5. Christian Social Responsibility
We affirm that God is both the Creator and the Judge of all people. We therefore should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of people from every kind of oppression. Because humankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which each person should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. Although reconciliation with humanity is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of God and humanity, our love for our neighbor and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgment upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist. When people receive Christ they are born again into his kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead. (Acts 17:26,31; Gen. 18:25; Isa. 1:17; Psa. 45:7; Gen. 1:26,27; Jas. 3:9; Lev. 19:18; Luke 6:27,35; Jas. 2:14-26; John 3:3,5; Matt. 5:20; 6:33; 2 Cor. 3:18; Jas. 2:20)

6. The Church and Evangelism
We affirm that Christ sends his redeemed people into the world as the Father sent him, and that this calls for a similar deep and costly penetration of the world. We need to break out of our ecclesiastical ghettos and permeate non-Christian society. In the church’s mission of sacrificial service evangelism is primary. World evangelization requires the whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. The church is at the very center of God’s cosmic purpose and is his appointed means of spreading the gospel. But a church which preaches the cross must itself be marked by the cross. It becomes a stumbling block to evangelism when it betrays the gospel or lacks a living faith in God, a genuine love for people, or scrupulous honesty in all things including promotion and finance. The church is the community of God’s people rather than an institution, and must not be identified with any particular culture, social or political system, or human ideology. (John 17:18; 20:21; Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 20:27; Eph. 1:9,10; 3:9-11; Gal. 6:14,17; 2 Cor. 6:3,4; 2 Tim. 2:19-21; Phil. 1:27)

7. Cooperation in Evangelism
We affirm that the church’s visible unity in truth is God’s purpose. Evangelism also summons us to unity, because our oneness strengthens our witness, just as our disunity undermines our gospel of reconciliation. We recognize, however, that organizational unity may take many forms and does not necessarily forward evangelism. Yet we who share the same biblical faith should be closely united in fellowship, work and witness. We confess that our testimony has sometimes been marred by sinful individualism and needless duplication. We pledge ourselves to seek a deeper unity in truth, worship, holiness and mission. We urge the development of regional and functional cooperation for the furtherance of the church’s mission, for strategic planning, for mutual encouragement, and for the sharing of resources and experience. (John 17:21,23; Eph. 4:3,4; John 13:35; Phil. 1:27; John 17:11-23)

8. Churches in Evangelistic Partnership
We rejoice that a new missionary era has dawned. The dominant role of western missions is fast disappearing. God is raising up from the younger churches a great new resource for world evangelization, and is thus demonstrating that the responsibility to evangelize belongs to the whole body of Christ. All churches should therefore be asking God and themselves what they should be doing both to reach their own area and to send missionaries to other parts of the world. A re-evaluation of our missionary responsibility and role should be continuous. Thus a growing partnership of churches will develop and the universal character of Christ’s church will be more clearly exhibited. We also thank God for agencies which labor in Bible translation, theological education, the mass media, Christian literature, evangelism, missions, church renewal and other specialist fields. They too should engage in constant self-examination to evaluate their effectiveness as part of the church’s mission. (Rom. 1:8; Phil. 1:5; 4:15; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Thess. 1:6-8)

9. The Urgency of the Evangelistic Task
More than 2,700 million people, which is more than two-thirds of humanity, have yet to be evangelized. We are ashamed that so many have been neglected; it is a standing rebuke to us and to the whole church. There is now, however, in many parts of the world an unprecedented receptivity to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are convinced that this is the time for churches and para-church agencies to pray earnestly for the salvation of the unreached and to launch new efforts to achieve world evangelization. A reduction of foreign missionaries and money in an evangelized country may sometimes be necessary to facilitate the national church’s growth in self-reliance and to release resources for unevangelized areas. Missionaries should flow ever more freely from and to all six continents in a spirit of humble service. The goal should be, by all available means and at the earliest possible time, that every person will have the opportunity to hear, understand, and receive the good news. We cannot hope to attain this goal without sacrifice. All of us are shocked by the poverty of millions and disturbed by the injustices which cause it. Those of us who live in affluent circumstances accept our duty to develop a simple life-style in order to contribute more generously to both relief and evangelism. (John 9:4; Matt. 9:35-38; Rom. 9:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Mark 16:15; Isa. 58:6,7; Jas. 1:27; 2:1-9; Matt. 25:31-46; Acts 2:44,45; 4:34,35)

10. Evangelism and Culture
The development of strategies for world evangelization calls for imaginative pioneering methods. Under God, the result will be the rise of churches deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their culture. Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture. Because humanity is God’s creature, some of our culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because we are fallen, all human culture is tainted with sin and some of it is demonic. The gospel does not presuppose the superiority of any culture to another, but evaluates all cultures according to its own criteria of truth and righteousness, and insists on moral absolutes in every culture. Missions have all too frequently exported with the gospel an alien culture, and churches have sometimes been in bondage to culture rather than to the Scripture. Christ’s evangelists must humbly seek to empty themselves of all but their personal authenticity in order to become the servants of others, and churches must seek to transform and enrich culture, all for the glory of God. (Mark 7:8,9,13; Gen. 4:21,22; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Phil. 2:5-7; 2 Cor. 4:5)

11. Education and Leadership
We confess that we have sometimes pursued church growth at the expense of church depth, and divorced evangelism from Christian nurture. We also acknowledge that some of our missions have been too slow to equip and encourage national leaders to assume their rightful responsibilities. Yet we are committed to indigenous principles, and long that every church will have national leaders who manifest a Christian style of leadership in terms not of domination but of service. We recognize that there is a great need to improve theological education, especially for church leaders. In every nation and culture there should be an effective training program for pastors and laypeople in doctrine, discipleship, evangelism, nurture and service. Such training programs should not rely on any stereotyped methodology but should be developed by creative local initiatives according to biblical standards. (Col. 1:27,28; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5,9; Mark 10:42-45; Eph. 4:11,12)

12. Spiritual Conflict
We believe that we are engaged in constant spiritual warfare with the principalities and powers of evil, who are seeking to overthrow the church and frustrate its task of world evangelization. We know our need to equip ourselves with God’s armor and to fight this battle with the spiritual weapons of truth and prayer. For we detect the activity of our enemy, not only in false ideologies outside the church, but also inside it in false gospels which twist Scripture and put humanity in the place of God. We need both watchfulness and discernment to safeguard the biblical gospel. We acknowledge that we ourselves are not immune to worldliness of thought and action, that is, to a surrender to secularism. For example, although careful studies of church growth, both numerical and spiritual, are right and valuable, we have sometimes neglected them. At other times, desirous to ensure a response to the gospel, we have compromised our message, manipulated our hearers through pressure techniques, and become unduly preoccupied with statistics or even dishonest in our use of them. All this is worldly. The church must be in the world; the world must not be in the church. (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 4:3,4; Eph. 6:11,13-18; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 John 2:18-26; 4:1-3; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2; John 17:15)

13. Freedom and Persecution
It is the God-appointed duty of every government to secure conditions of peace, justice and liberty in which the church may obey God, serve the Lord Christ, and preach the gospel without interference. We therefore pray for the leaders of the nations and call upon them to guarantee freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom to practice and propagate religion in accordance with the will of God and as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned, and especially for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus. We promise to pray and work for their freedom. At the same time we refuse to be intimidated by their fate. God helping us, we too will seek to stand against injustice and to remain faithful to the gospel, whatever the cost. We do not forget the warnings of Jesus that persecution is inevitable. (1 Tim. 1:1-4; Acts 4:19; 5:29; Col. 3:24; Heb. 13:1-3; Luke 4:18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21)

14. The Power of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Father sent his Spirit to bear witness to his Son; without his witness ours is futile. Conviction of sin, faith in Christ, new birth and Christian growth are all his work. Further, the Holy Spirit is a missionary spirit; thus evangelism should arise spontaneously from a Spirit-filled church. A church that is not a missionary church is contradicting itself and quenching the Spirit. Worldwide evangelization will become a realistic possibility only when the Spirit renews the church in truth and wisdom, faith, holiness, love and power. We therefore call upon all Christians to pray for such a visitation of the sovereign Spirit of God that all his fruit may appear in all his people and that all his gifts may enrich the body of Christ. Only then will the whole church become a fit instrument in his hands, that the whole earth may hear his voice. (1 Cor. 2:4; John 15:26,27; 16:8-11; 1 Cor. 12:3; John 3:6-8; 2 Cor. 3:18; John 7:37-39; 1 Thess. 5:19; Acts 1:8; Psa. 85:4-7; 67:1-3; Gal. 5:22,23; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; Rom 12:3-8)

15. The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, in power and glory, to consummate his salvation and his judgment. This promise of his coming is a further spur to our evangelism, for we remember his words that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. We believe that the interim period between Christ’s ascension and return is to be filled with the mission of the people of God, who have no liberty to stop before the End. We also remember his warning that false Christs and false prophets will arise as precursors of the final Antichrist. We therefore reject as a proud, self-confident dream the notion that humanity can ever build a utopia on earth. Our Christian conscience is that God will perfect his kingdom, and we look forward with eager anticipation to that day, and to the new heaven and earth in which righteousness will dwell and God will reign for ever. Meanwhile, we rededicate ourselves to the service of Christ and of humanity in joyful submission to his authority over the whole of our lives. (Mark 14:62; Heb. 9:28; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8-11; Matt. 28:20; Mark 13:21-23; John 2:18; 4:1-3; Luke 12:32; Rev. 21:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:13; Matt. 28:18)

Conclusion
Therefore, in the light of this our faith and our resolve, we enter into a solemn covenant with God and with each other, to pray, to plan and to work together for the evangelization of the whole world. We call upon others to join us. May God help us by his grace and for his glory to be faithful to this our covenant! Amen, Alleluia!

Church Community Faith Mountain Leadership and Guidance Leadership and integrity Leadership Transitions The Future: Signs of the End Times Third Great Awakening Vine Seminars

Billy Graham, “God is tired of people like me getting credit for His work.”

Billy Graham was once asked a question about the next generation of great leaders. The question was, “Where are the people that are going to step up? Where’s the next George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, where’s the next Billy Graham?” In response, Billy Graham smiled and said, “God is tired of people like me getting credit for His work.” He went on to explain that this time, the way God would work would be different. He said that ordinary people would feel compelled to do small, perhaps even insignificant acts that they might not fully understand. These people might argue in their own minds, questioning the rationale behind their actions and doubting their impact. However, Graham emphasized that if everyone simply did what they felt they were supposed to do—nothing more, nothing less—and remained faithful to that calling, then a greater picture would emerge. He described it as a mosaic of God’s work, so astounding that everyone on Earth would recognize it as something only the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could have accomplished.

Image: Library of Congress

The Nature of True Apostleship

The Nature of True Apostleship

A Burden to Bear, not a Position to be Sought

It is Jesus Christ Himself, who calls certain people to be apostles. It’s His calling for His purposes. Ephesians 4:11-13 It is apostles who carry a weighty sense of purpose and responsibility. A comprehensive understanding of what it means to be an apostle can be drawn from 1 Corinthians 4, where the Apostle Paul outlines the core attributes and responsibilities of an apostle. This text serves as a foundational guide to understanding the nature of true apostleship.

Servants of Christ and Trustees of Mysteries

According to Paul, the first thing to understand about apostles is that they should be regarded as servants of Christ. They are not leaders in the conventional sense, where power and status are the primary indicators of leadership. Instead, their authority comes from their servitude to Jesus Christ. Moreover, they are entrusted with the revealed “mysteries of God.” This indicates that they are also keepers of sacred knowledge and wisdom, disseminating it responsibly.

Accountability and Judgment

An essential aspect of apostleship is accountability. As people entrusted with sacred mysteries, apostles must prove themselves faithful. However, this accountability is not as much to the human populace as it is to God. Paul states that he cares little for human judgment, adding that he doesn’t even judge himself. The implication here is that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord. Therefore, Paul suggests that one should refrain from judgment until the Lord comes and exposes the motives of the heart. This again underscores the heavenly orientation of an apostle’s duties and accountability.

Spiritual Fatherhood in Apostleship

^“Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:15-17

One of the most poignant elements of apostleship, as highlighted by Paul, is the role of the apostle as a spiritual father. In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul says, “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” This speaks volumes about the depth of relationship and responsibility that an apostle carries. Unlike a guardian, who may provide temporary guidance or protection, a spiritual father imparts enduring wisdom, moral guidance, and emotional support. This is evident in Paul’s relationship with Timothy and others to whom he provided spiritual guidance. He didn’t just disseminate knowledge or offer surface-level guidance; he nurtured, mentored, and invested in their spiritual growth. This dimension of spiritual fatherhood elevates the apostolic role to one of profound relational depth, underscoring the long-lasting impact that true apostles have on those they guide and mentor.

God’s Household: Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ Himself as the Chief Cornerstone

Builders: Apostles Build

Apostleship has additional depth of responsibility as stated in Ephesians 2:19-21, which articulates that the faithful are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” This beautifully illustrates how apostles serve as foundational elements in the spiritual architecture of God’s household. They are not merely servants and spiritual fathers, but also builders in collaboration with prophets, solidifying the structural integrity of the church.

The Danger of Factionalism

Paul warns against the divisive behavior that arises when people start to favor one apostle over another, saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” He cautions against being “puffed up” with pride for being a follower of a particular apostle. He argues that no one is fundamentally different from another in this context and that whatever gifts or wisdom one has are received from God. In doing so, he underlines the collective and united nature of the Christian community.

Apostles’ Authority: Your Own Field, Not Another’s Field

The role of an apostle is profound and encompassing in the body of Christ. The scriptures provide clarity on the scope of an apostle’s influence and jurisdiction. In Romans 15:20, Paul writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” This speaks to an apostle’s innate desire to evangelize and establish churches, ministries, and operate as an apostle but notably in areas where the foundation of Christ is yet to be laid.

The passage from 2 Corinthians 10:13-16 further underlines the apostle’s jurisdiction. Paul notes, “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us.” It’s evident that an apostle’s authority is designated by God to specific areas or groups. These groups can be thought of as their spiritual “tribe” or family – those born again through their ministry, discipled in their spiritual lineage, and those the Lord has led to relate to them apostolically, i.e., as a spiritual father in Christ Jesus.

An apostle’s tribe, then, serves as both their responsibility and testimony. As Paul puts it, “for you are my letter to others.” It is through the fruit of their ministry – the transformed lives and the growing faith of those related to them – that their apostolic authority is validated. But it is essential to note, echoing Paul’s sentiment, that this authority is not a blanket coverage over all believers. Apostles are stewards of specific fields. They are not called to exert authority or correction over another apostle’s designated territory unless explicitly invited, and even then, their role remains defined by the parameters of that invitation.

In their service, apostles might face rejection, even from those within their own sphere. Yet, this is not a testament against their calling. After all, even Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, faced rejection, and apostles, in their service, walk in His footsteps. As servants of God, their primary duty is to remain submitted to Him, to nurture and guide their assigned tribe, and to avoid overstepping into another’s domain. For in the divine design, every apostle has a field, a tribe, which they are called to shepherd. Their responsibilities, some of which are outlined in this article, are firmly anchored within the boundaries of that field.

Fatherly Warnings: Apostle and Prophets

Ephesians 4:11-16 further refines our understanding of the apostle’s role in Christ’s architectural design of His Church of which He is the head. Christ gave us apostles to equip the saints for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. The objective is to grow believers from spiritual infancy to unified, mature adults who are impervious to deceit and division.

Blow in, Blow up, Blow out: Blown Here and There by Every Wind

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14

Jesus clearly said, we’ll know a person by their fruit, especially focusing on those who “claim” to be His followers and doing “His will,” whose fruit doesn’t align with their profession of their claim.

Apostles act as spiritual architects who ward off the destructive impact of transient, divisive forces that can “blow in” and “blow up” communities with schisms and falsehoods. They help to identify those fly-by-night, shooting-star “ministers” who “blow in” to town with a big bang, “blow up” the family of God, bring division, and then “blow out” of town, leaving the household of God fragmented, divided, un-unified, split, with broken unity within the community, people filled with jealousy and envy among God’s household, who stoked His people to favor one minister over another leaving a trail of scattered sheep (people who Jesus died for) as their fruit. Apostles help the church to understand these “ministers” are held captive by satan to do his will of devouring, destroying, and dividing Jesus’ church, as Paul wrote to Timothy about in 2 Timothy 2:26 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

They help remind God’s household of how things were before those who caused division came among them. They recall how the Lord had blessed the community, and how members loved their brothers and sisters in Christ. They were united, thinking well of each other, rather than being led astray by divisive influences. They remind the church not to favor or be mesmerized by anyone’s gifts, especially if those gifts are being used to draw people away from God and from the teachings clearly stated in scripture. They encourage the church to pursue Jesus, assuring them that spiritual gifts and signs will follow all who believe, rather than having the believers chase after signs. This is in line with Mark 16:16-18 and Matthew 7:21-23, which emphasize the importance of genuine faith and obedience to God’s will.

“Remember where you were before you fell, turn from this sin, and do what you used to do before.” Revelation 2:5 (CJB)

They help to rebuild the broken parts of God’s household and restore relationships in the aftermath of the actions of such “ministers.” They remind the household of God that we all belong to the Lord and are called to walk in Christ-centered unity. This unity discourages favoring one member over another; instead, we collectively favor Christ and unify in our love for God and each other. By doing so, we affirm that our love and unity serves as our greatest witness to the world, demonstrating that God loves them as much as He loves His Son, Jesus. This aligns with John 17:23, which emphasizes the importance of divine love and unity as a testament to God’s love for humanity.

This doesn’t only apply to those who call themselves “ministers” of God, when in fact, they are “ministers of satan” disguised as “angels of light” and this is known to be true by the fruit they bear. “For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 It also applies to those who rise up among us who do the very same thing as these “ministers of darkness.”

Wolves Warnings

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” Acts 20:29-31

Misleading God’s Household: Identifying False Teachers

Apostles help to identify false teachers who are drawing God’s household to themselves, and away from God. “I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols… I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” Revelation 2:20, 22-23

Fruitless Wonders: True and False Prophets

Jesus tells us to “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

True and False Disciples

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:15-23

Identifying and Warning: Deceitful Schemes

The apostle nurtures and strengthens the community to reach “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,” so that they are not left as fragmented, vulnerable targets for the “deceitful schemes” mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:26. In this holistic view, the apostle’s role is not merely foundational but also continually active in the growth and unity of the Church, helping to safeguard it as a “holy temple in the Lord.”

The Reality of Apostolic Suffering

There’s no glamour in being an apostle. Paul describes apostles as those who have been made “a spectacle to the whole universe.” They are “fools for Christ,” often dishonored, hungry, thirsty, and brutally treated. This humbling description serves as a reality check against any illusions of grandeur that might be associated with apostleship. Paul insists that the nature of true apostleship involves hardship, self-sacrifice, and a daily cross to bear. This understanding is vital for the household of God; they need to be open to an apostle’s leadership in their lives and within their church. They should not “misjudge” the apostle, thinking they can’t be from God because of all they suffer. The truth is, apostles have a target on their backs. Satan comes against them in every way he can, “hard-pressing, perplexing, persecuting, and abandoning” them in attempts to disrupt the foundation of the church and wreak havoc. [2 Corinthians 4:7-9] The church—the household of God—must be able to see the anointing on an apostle’s life and accept them as such to receive the apostolic reward, which is the specific purpose for which God appointed them as apostles. Their very struggles and the public attacks they often endure could, paradoxically, serve as identifiers that they are who they claim to be. Sad to say, those who are held captive by satan to do his will of leading God’s people astray often use the attacks on the apostle as their wedge narrative to pry God’s people out of His household. This makes sense when you understand it is satan who is causing such suffering and they are satan’s captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26

A Fatherly Appeal and Warning

Finally, Paul speaks from a place of paternal concern, urging his followers to imitate him. He doesn’t do this to shame them, but to guide them as his spiritual children. He warns them against arrogance and reminds them that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. He even poses a stark question about how he should come to them—either with a rod of discipline or in love and with a gentle spirit.

Conclusion

The Apostle Paul’s discourse in 1 Corinthians 4 provides a compelling framework for understanding true apostleship. It’s a role steeped in divine responsibility, heavenly accountability, and earthly hardships. It calls for humility, wisdom, and a spirit of unity within the Christian community. At its core, apostleship is not a call to elevated status but to servant leadership, continual faithfulness, and enduring hardship for the sake of Christ.

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Church Church Community Faith Mountain GLM Original Intent of the Church Spiritual Growth Vine Seminars

God’s Building vs. Man’s Buildings: What does it mean to “build a church”?

Misconception: A “Church” Building vs. “Man’s Building” in Police Encounter

When I was in law enforcement, our shift needed to practice some arrest techniques and training. So, as we were a tactical unit on patrol, we saw a building where church meetings were held and pulled over to train on the open property. I have no doubt they referred to this building as “their church,” as you’ll soon find out. Later, we discovered it was actually a “man’s building.” As we began training, the man who was watching over his “church” building came running towards us – the local law enforcement – telling us that we had to leave. He said we couldn’t conduct our training on the “church” property because it was too risky for them if they saw someone getting hurt. It’s important to note that the building was empty and not in use at that time. The man had no understanding that we were all building material for God’s building. We were available for him to share the Gospel with us and to invite Jesus Christ into our hearts so that we could become part of the building of God. However, he chose “man’s building” over “God’s Building” and chased us away – “humans” who are created in the image and likeness of God. Christ died for us so that we could be saved. This was all done to protect a man-made building. I Corinthians 3:9, 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:19-22, Colossians 1:22-23, Galatians 3:28, I Peter 2:9, Genesis 1:26-27

Now, imagine with me that if this “Christian” had known he was the building of God, and that God wanted him to seek and save those who are lost so that they could become part of the building of God, he wouldn’t have seen it as a burden when someone was at “his building.” Instead, he would have considered it a blessing and would have joined and celebrated our presence. He would have asked if we needed something to drink, or if there was anything he could do to help us. He might have thought about thanking us for protecting him, his family and community. He would have shared with us what Jesus died to make known to us: His love, forgiveness, and His desire for us to become His Building. Unfortunately, this man ran the opportunity for a harvest away and refused to allow it on “his property.” A builder would say, “You just ran my lumber off, now, how can I build?”

Man’s Buildings

Numerous schemes and “plans” are devised by men to “build” God’s church. However, the word of God unequivocally tells us that God’s building, His temple, is not constructed by human hands. The only temple God desires is comprised of those who, through His power, earnestly seek and, by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, find salvation. It is within your heart that God desires to reside and establish His building, His abiding place.

Therefore, when someone approaches you and expresses a desire to “build a church,” it’s crucial to inquire by asking, “Can you elaborate on what you mean?” Why is this important? Quite often, they are referring to physical elements like bricks, mortar, wood, nails, or the conversion of a previous establishment, perhaps adorned with a cross, and then naming it “the Church.” However, Scripture instructs us that when discussing building the church, the focus should be on building people—strengthening their lives in Christ, aiding them in becoming disciples of Jesus. If you are in search of “building material” for the Building of God, you won’t find it at local stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Instead, you will find it at the local community park, your workplace, the marketplace—wherever people gather. This man, mentioned above, who ran the police off his property found building material for the Building of God on his property and ran it away. This is where the building material resides. Acts 17:24-25, I Corinthians 3:16-17, John 4:21-24, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22

If You Build It, They Will Come?

It’s amazing how many people who are called into the ministry make finding a building or building a building their first priority. They have no money, they have no followers, yet all they can think about is “I need a building, a band, a stage, some seats, and a sign…” God delivered them from the debt of their sin, called them to help Him Build His Building, His Church, and instead of doing that, they chose to build their own building and get into debt. Then they get angry with God because of the burden of the building and often end up blaming their choice to build their building on God. Remember this wisdom, it can save you a lot of heartache, “God doesn’t care how much money and time you have invested on building an idol, He just wants it out of your life.”

Oftentimes, individuals fall into the trap of embracing the notion, “If you build it, they will come.” Living and ministering with this perspective, they dedicate their lives to promoting the edifice, the building, they constructed, disregarding God’s building, He built. Rather than fearing the potential loss of souls—God’s Building—they dread the jeopardy of losing “their building” whether next month’s mortgage can be met or if another wing can be adding on to their building. Consequently, they pressure “God’s building” (His people) to toil and cater to “their building.” They instruct “God’s building” that their attention should be directed toward their building. Announcements, often concerning their structure, proliferate. Frequently, discussions revolve around expanding or acquiring new premises for their building.

Building, Success?

Inevitably, the people of God (who constitute His building) begin to gauge success—be it their own or that of their pastor—by man’s building, instead of God’s building, the people. Is it sufficiently grand? Is it overly modest? The inquiries echo: “How many are you running?” The unspoken code for all these queries is, “How many are you accommodating?” Regrettably, due to their fixation on their own structure (man’s building), those entangled in this human-made tradition scarcely acknowledge God’s incredible work of grace, love, and compassion in the lives of His people—as His true Building. Perhaps, they harbor apprehension that if God’s people realize their role as the Building of God, they might forsake them and their building? An intriguing contemplation indeed. Just so you know, “The average United States congregation sees 65 people gather each week, according to the 2020 FACT study.” It’s not what those who promote their building make it out to be.

We’re called to make disciples, which is building on God’s Building of which Jesus is the Cornerstone. God didn’t call His people to build buildings, He called us to build people, which are His building. Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22, I Corinthians 3:9, I Peter 2:4-5, I Corinthians 12:12-14

The Burden of Buildings

There was this one instance where believers gathered in homes, fostering fellowship as they followed the Lord’s directive to seek and save the lost. Their church experienced growth as a result as God added to their numbers those being saved. Acts 2:47 Over time, the congregation expanded, prompting them to move meetings to two houses due to space constraints in the first one. As the Building of God (comprising the saved individuals) continued to flourish, they extended their reach to more houses, creating a network of house churches.

In due course, a thought emerged collectively: while they cherished the ongoing transformation led by the Lord, they pondered organizing occasional communal gatherings or community-focused events in a dedicated space declaring “Let us build a building.” Astonishingly, five decades have elapsed since that day, and they remain entrenched in that building. Charles Simpson, the one who shared and experienced this, said one day they walked into the building, and they never came out. I’ve been trying to get them out of that building ever since. Curiously, the vibrant growth they witnessed, when the Lord was adding to their numbers daily when their focus wasn’t on constructing a human edifice, has since ceased. Regrettably, man’s buildings are where God’s building often goes to die. Exodus 20:4-6, Exodus 32:1-4

“”Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?'” Acts 7:48-50

You Know It All by Its Fruit, Right?

38% of pastors have thought about quitting full-time ministry in the past year… 4,000 churches closed and 20,000 pastors left the ministry in one year alone. In addition to those staggering realities, 50% of pastors say they would leave the ministry if they had another way of making a living. 50% of pastors feel unable to meet the needs of their job; 70% of pastors say they now have lower self-esteem today than they did when they first started ministry; 80% of pastors believe the pastoral ministry has affected their family negatively.

Here are some revealing statistics about the church and pastors:

1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.

4,000 new churches begin each year, but over 7,000 churches close.

50% of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.

80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.

70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.

80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

90%t of pastors said their seminary or Bible school training did only a fair to poor job preparing them for ministry.

90% of pastors said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.

80% of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.

80% of pastor’ wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.

80% of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.

70% of pastors constantly fight depression.

40% of pastors polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry.

80% of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.

Porn and Pastors:

Most pastors (57%) and youth pastors (64%) admit they have struggled with porn, either currently or in the past.
Overall, 21% of youth pastors and 14% of pastors admit they currently struggle with using porn.

About 12% of youth pastors and 5% of pastors say they are addicted to porn

87% of pastors who use porn feel a great sense of shame about it.

Many of these statistical realities, I believe, are caused by making church about our building instead of God’s building, which makes “man’s building” one’s idle and leaves a pastor who God has called to Build His Building frustrated, depressed, judged and measured by the traditions of man and his buildings, which leads him into sin. If a shepherd is not spending time with the sheep, being a shepherd makes no sense, and leads the shepherds, i.e., pastors frustrated, depressed, confused and captive. Isaiah 28:12-13 A true shepherd finds pleasure and meaning in being with the sheep. Is it time to leave man’s buildings for God’s Building? “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8 There is a grace awaiting you, I believe, when you stop working on man’s buildings and start loving God by helping and working on His Building. Hebrews 6:10

God never rebuked a pastor (shepherd) for not taking care of a building. He rebuked them for not taking care of His people, i.e., His Building! Jeremiah 23:1-4

American Enterprise

In America, the Church has been turned into an enterprise. Most decisions must be made by the church board, which is how an enterprise is run. According to George Barna, the American Church is paying 1.3 million dollars per baptized believer. Could you imagine Jesus having to pay $1.3 million for each person who chose to follow Him? [Of course, He paid a much higher price with His own life, but I am speaking figuratively. Although every soul is worth a greater value than all the money in the world due to God’s love for mankind and Jesus’ sacrifice, He and the Father paid for each one.]

Due to man’s adherence to traditional practices, the church often fails to effectively utilize the hard-earned funds provided through tithes and offerings, which rightfully belong to the Lord. These funds possess the potential to reach and impact millions of souls. Unfortunately, the emphasis on maintaining and investing in “men’s buildings” leads to limited results, often resulting in the salvation of just one soul costing “man’s traditional buildings” $1.3 Million, for “one baptized believer,” despite the vast possibilities offered by the resources. Matthew 7:15-20

A Family Not a Building

So, what is the pure expression of the Church? Rick Joyner shares about a shift in the Church and how the pure expression of it is family. God’s Building is family! The Church is shifting back to this pure expression, family! Father God gave His Son Jesus Christ, on behalf of His creation so that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become sons and daughters of God, family! How do we get back to family? One way to do this is to relate to God as our Father. Jesus shares how we can talk to His Father in Matthew 6:9-10, “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” and those who fellowship with us as our brothers and sisters?

Jesus, “stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:49-50 That’s how you describe family, which is the Building of God.

Why is all this happening? Could it be because we’ve turned our backs on God’s Building and have made it about man’s buildings? Could it be the reality that things we’ve built in the flesh has become a stumbling block and a heavy burden to us? Could it be you are “making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down?” Mark 7:13, 1 Peter 2:7-8

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT. Matthew 11:28-30

Related:

Jesus Didn’t Die for Your Building, He Died for God’s Building!

I have nothing against man’s buildings. I love their architecture, their beauty, the engineering, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, air conditioning and heading, protection from extreme weather or even gentle rains, but in the end, they are man’s building. I’ve always joked around when talking about God’s Building vs. man’s building, because people take ‘their buildings’ so personally, by saying “I’ve got a good friend who is a building.”

How can someone who was born into a wealthy family, grew up living in the nicest buildings a man can build, with some of the finest foods, and kindness servant, be so miserable, empty, and suicidal? It’s because no matter how nice it all is, it’s “man’s building.” Buildings don’t save people, Jesus does, and then He makes them His building.

You Are the Building of God!

I Corinthians 3:19-15

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; YOU ARE GOD’S FIELD, GOD’S BUILDING. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

From God’s Building to Man’s Building?

How did we come so far away from building God’s Building [people] upon Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, to building man’s buildings? From this scripture, not only is the true ‘Building of God’ revealed and the ‘Field of God’ in which God’s Building resides, but we are clearly told that if we build man’s buildings, even with gold, silver, costly stone, wood, hay, or stubble, our work will be revealed for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. This scripture reveals that, “Everyone is “building something,” but in the end, what we built will be tested by fire.

Man’s buildings should be a byproduct of God’s Building. Hence, when it becomes necessary to seek shelter from the elements, look for ‘a place’ for ‘God’s Building’ to gather, always knowing that it’s God’s Building and His presence that is the church, not the place you gather. For where one or two are gathered in Jesus’ name, He rules over them, His Building, as the King and Shepherd He is. Matthew 18:20

Building Con-Fusion

“In Jerusalem, Christianity became a religion. In Greece, it became a philosophy. In Rome, it became an institution. In Britain, it became a tradition, and in America, it became an enterprise.”

When you make man’s building ‘the church,’ don’t be surprised when God’s Building [His People] refuses to or is unable to realize they are God’s Building. Leading them to relinquish all their responsibilities as God’s Building, that which Christ has called them to be and do for Him, over to your building.

It’s been said by some, ‘God spends half of a person’s life trying to get them in the church, the last half of their life trying to get them to go out from the church.’ First of all, God does not spend half of a person’s life trying to get anyone into ‘your building’ – ‘your church.’ He is inviting them to His Building, His Temple, where He dwells. I believe this confusion exists because teachers didn’t teach them ‘for works of service,‘ as clearly stated in the Word of God that plainly says they are the Building of God and how to be the Children of God. Not teaching God’s people, who too, like Jesus, are to be in the Father’s business of seeking and saving those who are lost. ‘From Jesus [the Cornerstone], the whole body [Building of God], joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Luke 19:10, John 17:17-23, Ephesians 4:11-16, Acts 17:24-28

It seems that traditions of men have fused man’s buildings with God’s Building thereby confusing Jesus’ followers to the point that they have no clue they are the Building of God.

People are Hard To Work With

One of the reason our sin nature turns to working with physical building rather than the spiritual building made up flawed human’s who are saved by grace is people are hard to work with. Everyone has been given their free will by God and have to choose to do what is right. Often their choices seldom fall in harmony with others, hence people are “all over the place.” Yet, it’s people, who are created in the image and likeness of God that Jesus paid the price for so that they can be saved and live with Him forever in eternity. Since God is in love with difficult people, and we are called as part of His Church, His Building, we have to resist the temptation to turn away from working with and on them and start working on “our buildings.”

Acacia Wood and You

I find it interesting that we are the Tabernacle of God, and the shadow of the Tabernacle—Moses’ Tabernacle—that God instructed Moses to use acacia wood for its construction. Romans 1:20, 15:4 Exodus 25:10-28 Acacia wood was used for making the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Altar of Incense, and various other components of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Working with acacia wood presents several notable challenges stemming from its inherent hardness. The wood’s substantial hardness can prove formidable when utilizing hand tools or traditional woodworking methods, necessitating the use of exceptionally sharp and robust tools for cutting, shaping, and carving. However, this hardness also means that tools can quickly become dulled in the process, demanding more frequent tool sharpening to maintain effectiveness. Even sanding, a fundamental finishing step, becomes an arduous task due to acacia wood’s resistance to smoothing, contrasting with the ease of working with softer woods. Furthermore, the wood’s dense composition heightens the risk of splits and cracks, particularly if it is not adequately dried before implementation. Compounding these difficulties, certain species of acacia encompass natural resins that can gum up tools and introduce complications during the finishing stages of a project. To summarizes what God used to compare us human’s to, acacia wood, when working with them to make them into a tabernacle for His presence is: hardness, blunting of tools, hard to sand, splits and cracks easy.

Understanding this, you can see why someone says, I’m worn out working on people, I think I’ll just build a building and be done with it. Yet, in the end, at your Christmas Cantata that is still your building, not God’s Building.

Interesting note: The family carved out of wood as the image for this article was carved from acacia wood.

Dwelling With You

“’If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him.” John 10:23

In 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-15, we encounter the profound journey of King David’s desire to bring God’s presence into the heart of the nation, into his own home. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred vessel that embodied God’s presence and covenant, held immense significance. It was not just a relic but a vessel through which God’s glory manifested. David’s yearning to have the Ark in Jerusalem mirrored our longing to have God’s presence dwell within us and our homes, into the true Building of God.

When David attempted to move the Ark initially, tragedy struck. Uzzah’s untimely death reminded us of the sanctity and reverence required when seeking God’s presence. This incident caused David to pause and reflect, leading him to leave the Ark at Obed-Edom’s house. The blessings that overflowed in Obed-Edom’s home were a testament to the tangible impact of God’s presence in a household. This resonates with our aspiration to have God’s presence not only in large gatherings of the church but also intimately within our homes and hearts.

When man finds out the price for hosting God’s presence he often decides to set “his church” up down the street, while leaving his home empty of God’s presence, just as David did.

David’s jealousy and desire after witnessing the blessings on Obed-Edom’s household mirrored our innate longing for God’s blessings. We often find ourselves drawn to the blessing’s others experience in their relationship with God, yearning for the same. Like David, we must recognize that the blessings come not just from proximity to sacred ark of God’s presence but from the depth of our connection to God as His dwelling place, His Building.

If you think your home is not a place where God’s presence, His Church, can gather, you need to pray again and ask if God has truthfully called you into the ministry. 1 Timothy 3:5

In a parallel sense, just as David’s longing extended beyond a mere building up the street, we are called to recognize that we are God’s temple. We, ourselves, are the dwelling place of His presence, God’s Building, God’s Field. The challenge lies in ensuring that we do not become complacent, content with confining God’s presence to a physical building or occasional religious rituals. Instead, we must mirror David’s determination to learn, sacrifice, and align our hearts with God’s ways to cultivate His presence within us. As the psalmist says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Are we willing to follow in David’s footsteps in not merely being satisfied with God’s presence being in a building up the street, but actively seeking to make our hearts and homes a place where God’s glory presence dwells? Just as David turned his jealousy, seeing God’s blessing upon Obed-Edom’s house, into fervent pursuit, we can channel our yearning for God’s blessings into a sincere quest for His presence within ourselves and our households. This requires more than a superficial façade; it entails a transformative journey of repentance, dedication, and alignment with God’s will, inviting His blessings to manifest in our lives.

Related:

Show Me Your Glory

Moses, like David, wanted to see and experience the glory presence of God. He cried out to God “Show me your glory.”

Exodus 33:18-23

“Then Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,’ he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.’ And the Lord said, ‘Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.'” (Exodus 33:18-23, ESV)

In this passage, Moses expresses his desire to see God’s glory. God responds by granting Moses a limited glimpse of His glory by allowing Moses to see His back, but not His face. This passage highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s presence and His holiness, which is beyond human comprehension. It also demonstrates God’s willingness to reveal Himself to Moses to a certain extent while acknowledging the limitations of human interaction at that time, before Jesus, with His presence.

That Has All Changed

Now the Jesus has not only become our Lord and Savior, but also the great High Priest in heaven making intercession for us before the Father, we can now boldly enter into God’s presence and have God’s presence enter into us as His Building, i.e., the Temple of God.

‘Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Hebrews 4:14-16

It’s Time to Join the Master Builder

God’s building starts with people, for they are His building material. It is to them we share the love of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and invite them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If they accept Jesus as their Lord, and follow Him, they are then the body of Christ, the building of God. When we help them, the Building of God, God sees that as us helping Him and loving Him. Mark 16:15-20, Hebrews 6:10

Are you ready to go into the Lord’s harvest fields as His ambassadors, making His appeal to them for their very souls and trust God with His Building and Jesus with His leadership in what and where He desires His Building to dwell, and where is Field is to be stablished? Matthew 9:38, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Living Stones

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)

The Cornerstone of God’s Building

A cornerstone is a foundational stone that is laid at the corner of a building or structure. It serves as a reference point for the alignment of the other stones or bricks that make up the walls. The cornerstone is often inscribed with important information about the building, such as its date of construction, the names of builders or architects, and sometimes even ceremonial or symbolic elements.

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…” Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

“For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'” 1 Peter 2:6 (ESV)

Jesus is the cornerstone of God’s Building. Just as a cornerstone holds pivotal importance in building construction, Jesus holds the central and foundational role in the Christian faith. He is the reference point that aligns the structure of God’s Building, as believers, we’re to align our beliefs and values to Jesus as our cornerstone. He is the first born from the dead, the head of the church, the cornerstone of God’s Building, the church. As a cornerstone often bears inscriptions of historical significance, Jesus carries the weight of eternal history, teachings, and principles. He is the unshakable foundation upon which Christianity, the Building of God, is constructed, and He is the strength, stability, and the essential element upon which all else rests. He is the word of God, the word of God Who became flesh. He is the image of the invisible God, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Everything is centered around Him, and everything is being brought up under Him. For He is the ruler of the kings of the earth, kings whose heart He directs like a river. Ephesians 1:10, Colossians 1:18, I Corinthians 15:20, Revelation 1:5, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:12, Job 12:23-25

Jesus, our Cornerstone, “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [Notice, it’s the body of Christ that is built up, not “buildings.”]

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:11-16

Related:

Building View vs. A Biblical World View

Many are noticing that the days of yesterday are quickly changing and are no more. George Barna’s book, America at the Crossroads, reveals this very important reality in the Church. So much has changed in the recent years that Barna could only go as far as 10 years and discuss the rapid changes that are happening within those professing to be believers. Note, that these statistics have only grown darker since their recording in 2016. At the onset, ”90% Nine out of ten adults believe in “God””, but as we look closer and closer, we will see this is far from the actual reality within the Church. “Fewer than half of all Americans (45%) contend that Jesus Christ is alive today.

We must become Biblical aware of what is so that we can clearly identify what does not align with, and what contradicts what the Bible teaches. “Most people lean toward believing that the Bible, Koran, and Book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same spiritual truths.” While at the same time, “Only 1 out of 8 adults consider themselves to be “highly knowledgeable” about the content of the Bible.”

By taking the time to have a lifestyle that incorporates the teachings and ways of the Bible, it significantly effects how we look at the world. This would be classified as having a “Biblical worldview”.

Barna writes, “Those who have a Biblical world view are:

12x LESS LIKELY to engage in extramarital sex.

9x MORE LIKELY to avoid adult-only material on the internet.

8x LESS LIKELY to gamble.

5x MORE LIKELY to believe that satan is real, not just a symbol of evil.

5x LESS LIKELY to believe the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same truth.

4x MORE LIKELY to reject the idea that a person can reach Heaven through personal goodness or doing good works.

3x MORE LIKELY to affirm the holiness of Jesus Christ

3X MORE LIKELY to pray for the President.

Could it be that the church, the Building of God, has lost its Biblical Worldview, because man made it about their building instead of God’s Building? Has man only taught God’s people about his building, but not how to be God’s Building in the world today. Have they settled for people just showing up in their building instead of training them up and launching them out? One pastor, who is no longer in ministry today, referred to those who ‘showed up’ in ‘his church’ – as ‘giving units’ meaning people who gave towards ‘his building.’ Is this what religious leaders have turned God’s Building into, “giving units” to pay for “his building?” These are questions to ponder in a world where much of the church looks and acts no differently than the world they claimed to be saved out of, instead of being transformed as we’re so clearly told to be. Romans 12:1-2.

God Forbid

You might assume that I am advocating for people to leave the church and wander aimlessly? God forbid, I am not saying that at all. On the contrary, as Jesus told the religious leaders of his day, you might be rendering God’s word ineffective through your traditions. I’m saying that if you shift from human constructs to God’s design, everyone who claims God as their Lord should celebrate this transition. What I am emphasizing is the need to “be the church” – the “Building of God” – and to take ownership of your responsibility as part of God’s Building, remaining united and engaged, with each believer contributing their effort. A people aren’t defined as a church solely by man-made structures; it’s through God’s building, with Jesus as its head and Chief Cornerstone.

Since, we are going to be held accountable for what Jesus expects from each of us in the Building of God, which scripture clearly tells us we will be, don’t you think it’s about time we start being what Jesus died for us to be, the Building of God, the Light of Christ in the world, the ambassadors of Jesus Christ making His appeal to the lost? Don’t you think it’s time to “Be the Church Building” instead of just going to man’s building? Matthew 25

Mission(s) Possible?

In a world where income disparities among nations are stark, the question of missions and the allocation of resources becomes critical. Contrasting the hourly wages between Nigeria and the United States, where the average American earns $15.00 an hour compared to Nigeria’s $0.60, sheds light on the vast economic differences. As American churches invest heavily in building expenses, upkeep, mortgages, electricity, insurance, and staff salaries, the question arises: Are they truly investing in the heart of God’s kingdom—the people themselves? Scripture refers to believers as “The Building of God,” raising the poignant comparison between man-made structures and the genuine work of nurturing God’s living temple.

Mission(s) ImPossible?

The income disparity between nations is strikingly evident when comparing the average wages. Nigeria’s hourly wage of $0.60 seems meager in contrast to America’s $15.00. Yet, as American churches pour resources into constructing and maintaining elaborate buildings, the human aspect often takes a backseat. With the wages of laborers in mind, it’s essential to reevaluate the allocation of funds. A church’s true foundation lies not in bricks and mortar, but in fostering spiritual growth and genuine community. The contrast between these realities sparks a deeper conversation about where true investment should lie.

Mission(s) Beyond Numbers

The disparities in wages and financial allocations raise questions about the core mission of churches. While American churches may spend substantial amounts on buildings, staff salaries, and other expenses, the true heart of the church lies in its ministry to the community and beyond. Rather than focusing solely on financial investments, the church’s calling is to uplift individuals, nurture spiritual growth, and support global missions. The numbers may paint a picture of financial priorities, but the true mission goes far beyond figures—it’s about impacting lives and making a lasting difference.

In the end, how do you prayerfully feel the Lord will see is choosing our buildings for His offerings instead of His building?

Your Buildings vs. Missions for God’s Building

I strongly recommend prayerfully considering and weighing the prospects of your ministry, whether you are just beginning or a long-time pastor stepping into a completely empty building on a Monday, en route to your pastor’s office. If your weekly schedule consists of one, one-hour service, your building remains empty for approximately 98.8% of each week (166.5 out of 168 hours). These empty hours cost an estimated $481.00 per week, or $24,960.00 per year. This amount could cover a Nigerian’s income for 23 years. In the case of two, two-hour services per week, your building remains unoccupied for about 97.5% of the week (164 out of 168 hours). These empty hours would cost an estimated $474.00 per week, or $24,648.00 per year. This could cover a Nigerian’s income for 20 years. And if you hold three, two-hour services a week, your building would be vacant for roughly 96.1% of the week (161.5 out of 168 hours). These empty hours would cost an estimated $467.00 per week, or $24,284.00 per year. This amount could cover a Nigerian’s income for 20 years.*

Conclusion

Man’s buildings may be impressive, but God’s building is truly magnificent. Constructing and maintaining these structures incurs significant financial expenses, often funded from God’s offerings. Frequently, churches invest substantial physical and monetary resources into these buildings, which could otherwise be directed towards the essential task of cultivating souls—the building materials for God’s eternal structure. Though locating willing participants for God’s building may be challenging, as you will have to stay in the harvest fields, not in your buildings, our investment required pales in comparison to the ultimate cost borne by Jesus Christ for His divine edifice.

Our Co-MISSION: Go Ye,

Did Jesus say, ‘Go ye, into all the world’ and build your buildings, or did He say, “Go ye, into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations and for those who believe, baptize, and make them disciples of Jesus, ‘living stones for the Building of God, in the Field of God. Mark 16:15-16

* These dollar amounts are based on a 2023 estimate of church building expenses and everything that is involved, considering the current minimum wage of $0.60 per hour in Nigeria.