This temple building - the church - is built out of "people-bricks." (Peter uses the phrase: "Living Stones")
I like the idea of stones rather than bricks. Especially if it is NOT dressed-stone (i.e. stones that have been chipped and cut to be uniform) but individual stones of different shapes, colours and sizes.
The church is made up of unique individuals who are bound together with the "cement" of love and commitment. When we have this building we experience the presence of God through the power of His Spirit.
God is the builder, He identifies us and places us where we need to be. He has a purpose in mind for us. Some are placed low for our strength, some placed near the window because we complement the view, others are used in the corner because we fit right. Some will tuck in next to the roof trusses and others will be in the arch for the door. Take any of these stones away and there is a hole in the wall! The more holes, the less likely that we experience His Spirit.
I saw an amazing sign on a church signboard...
It read:
C H _ R C H .
What is missing?
"U" are!
(I think that says it all!)
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
