Word@Work Eph25 - Ephesians 2:21-22
Published: Thu, 10/30/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
MODULAR ARCHITECTURE
Read Ephesians 2:21-22 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (NIV)
Paul now changes his analogy for Christians, from a family and kingdom - to a building. Today the great city skylines are dominated by iconic structures, each intended to glorify the architect and the occupants. It is the same with the church. Each person is an individual module in the construction (cf 1 Peter 2:4-8), but together we become 'something else'. Jesus, of course is the stone from which all others are measured; and with the apostles and prophets (cf Eph 2:19-20), constitute the church's foundation.
Paul makes clear that the church (that is all the people who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation and sanctification) is an organic and dynamic structure. It grows 'in' Christ, it is joined together 'by' Christ, and it grows to be the place where Christ is seen to live. It is Christ who builds us into the church, as He has done in every previous generation. The purpose of the church is that the Spirit of God will live within it and be at home in us. And all so that the world might see Jesus in action!
The church does not always get a good press, but Jesus is still building it: it is His only plan for the spreading of the gospel and the salvation of all who will receive the truth. But the press does not understand that. Christian charity in the UK is the largest available source of free welfare support to the society; and that is its principal perceived function. But its real function is to be the people who host the living God in themselves and in their midst. Two or three people are enough to function as 'church' in the workplace or neighbourhood (cf Matthew 18:20). In their fellowship, the truth and love of Jesus lives and breathes. So don't stop meeting together (cf Hebrews 10:25); and if you have not stated a regular meeting of believers at your work - why not start one?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that I am a part of your organic and dynamic building, created by Jesus Christ for His glory and our blessing. Help me to practice a spiritual dialogue with other believers at work, to encourage each other in our work and witness, and to pray for our colleagues and those who make the major decisions. Thank you that You live in me and are specially known in our fellowship at work. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
Paul now changes his analogy for Christians, from a family and kingdom - to a building. Today the great city skylines are dominated by iconic structures, each intended to glorify the architect and the occupants. It is the same with the church. Each person is an individual module in the construction (cf 1 Peter 2:4-8), but together we become 'something else'. Jesus, of course is the stone from which all others are measured; and with the apostles and prophets (cf Eph 2:19-20), constitute the church's foundation.
Paul makes clear that the church (that is all the people who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation and sanctification) is an organic and dynamic structure. It grows 'in' Christ, it is joined together 'by' Christ, and it grows to be the place where Christ is seen to live. It is Christ who builds us into the church, as He has done in every previous generation. The purpose of the church is that the Spirit of God will live within it and be at home in us. And all so that the world might see Jesus in action!
The church does not always get a good press, but Jesus is still building it: it is His only plan for the spreading of the gospel and the salvation of all who will receive the truth. But the press does not understand that. Christian charity in the UK is the largest available source of free welfare support to the society; and that is its principal perceived function. But its real function is to be the people who host the living God in themselves and in their midst. Two or three people are enough to function as 'church' in the workplace or neighbourhood (cf Matthew 18:20). In their fellowship, the truth and love of Jesus lives and breathes. So don't stop meeting together (cf Hebrews 10:25); and if you have not stated a regular meeting of believers at your work - why not start one?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that I am a part of your organic and dynamic building, created by Jesus Christ for His glory and our blessing. Help me to practice a spiritual dialogue with other believers at work, to encourage each other in our work and witness, and to pray for our colleagues and those who make the major decisions. Thank you that You live in me and are specially known in our fellowship at work. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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