Assembled: Church as a Building (Part 1)

radiantvisalia.comExploring the biblical images of the Church. What does Church as a Building look like?Scripture: Ephesians 2:18-22, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Matthew 12:6, John 2:19-21, Matthew 16:18, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, Matthew 21:33-44, Psalm 118:22, Psalm 34:18Intro:Prayer for Mike and the sermon.Recap of previous sermon (Ephesians 2, Church as a Body).Today's focus: the church as a building (Ephesians 2:18-22).Emphasizing God's strategic and intentional building of the church.God's Strategic Building:The church as God's "Plan A" for making disciples.God's patient and loving building, despite human imperfections.Analogy of playing Legos with children to illustrate God's patience.The Old Testament narrative leading to the building of the temple.Jesus as the new temple (John 2:19-21, Matthew 12:6).The church as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).The church as a place where people can meet with God.Purpose and Structure:The church's purpose: to be God's holy habitation on earth (Ephesians 2:22).The church as a place where God's presence is experienced (2 Chronicles 7:1-3).Jesus as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 16:18). Importance of the cornerstone in ancient architecture.Christ as the foundation upon which everything rests.The foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). Their teachings and practices as communicated through Scripture.Not their persons, but their instruction.Response and Application:Jesus' parable of the rejected cornerstone (Matthew 21:33-44, Psalm 118:22).The choice: rejection leading to judgment, or humble repentance leading to mercy.The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).Christ as the stable foundation in a chaotic world.Taking one's place in the temple of the Holy Spirit.God's plan for shaping people into the image of Christ.Call to surrender and build one's life on Christ.Worship and Invitation:Worship as a response to God's building.Story of the thief on the cross as an example of turning to Christ at life's end.Invitation to come to Christ, regardless of past mistakes.Jesus' refusal to save himself so that we could be saved.Call to build one's life on the firm foundation of Christ.Prayer for individual and corporate building on Christ. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.