What are Churches for?
Some of the most beautiful and breathtaking buildings that exist in the world are church buildings. There is the cloud piercing spires of the Gothic Cathedrals of France, and the architectural wonders of Renaissance Italy, as well as the simple, whitewashed wooden chapels of the Smokies- each beautiful in its unique way. Some attract tourists from thousands of miles away. Some only provide a roof to shelter a village in prayer.
But as magnificent, or lovely, or useful as they may be, none of them is the building the Bible speaks of, when it talks about “God’s building.” God’s building isn’t made of marble, glass, stone, or wood. In fact, the materials, His building is made of, are really unique- muscles, skin, hearts, and wills. God’s building is made of people! “You are God’s building, “ says the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 3:9). He lives and works, in and through, those who belong to Him. He’s “at home” with all who are His. Where His people gather to worship and praise Him, when they meet together to help, serve, and encourage each other, this is God’s house. It’s been going on for 2,000 years in Jesus’ name. It’s one of the oldest “buildings” there is!
If you’re going to “enter into this building,” made of people who belong to Jesus, and be a part of the church, you need to know what kind of building it is. What do people do in church? What kind of building is it?
a temple, where you give gifts to God.
Psalm 96:8 "Bring an offering and come into His courts."
Worship is giving the gift of praise.
Hebrews 13:15 says, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."
Worship is giving the gift of ourselves.
Romans 12:1 "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God..."
Worship is giving financial support.
(Philippians 4:1??
a gym, where we grow strong.
You need the Bible to grow strong.
You need fellowship to grow strong.
The Body is strongest when it's on its knees!
a barn, where seed is kept, later to be thrown.
Evangelism happens when the seed (you and I) is scattered out into the fields (the lives you touch each day). All around us are hurting people, broken people, empty people. When you're thrown out there among them, and the life inside of you is bursting through your "shell", you're right where God wants you...you're where He's "tossed" you!