How God Builds A Church
I Peter 2:4-10
A recent study shows that there are 195 million un-churched people in America. This makes America one of the top 4 largest "un-churched" nations in the world. Each year 3,500 churches close their doors forever, while only 1,000 to 1,500 new ones are started in the same timeframe. With 3 churches on every corner where we live, we may find it hard to believe, there is a need for more churches. BUT THERE IS!
Through our giving to the North American Mission board we contribute financially to starting these needed new churches. And there are faithful missionaries and church planters who are sacrificing, serving and doing their part to spread the good news all over the world and here in our own backyard. But we must understand that we nor anyone else can build a church! God is the One Who builds a church. We are told in scriptures that - Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it - Psalms 127:1 And unless the Lord builds a church, those who labor are laboring in vain. There are many people who are good at building buildings, but a nice building does not qualify as a great church!
We (the people) are the Body of Christ....Not a pile of brick and mortar. I know of some churches that are thriving without what we would describe as "nice facilities". There are congregations meeting in movie theaters, warehouses, strip malls and old barns that are doing a great work for the Lord. On the other hand, there are countless brick buildings, with large white steeples, padded pews and stained glass windows that are plateaued, dead and dying. I can take you to a church within 20 miles of here that is about to lose a multi-million dollar campus. (I am not glorying in their demise, I pray for them regularly)
We have a tendency to measure a church's success by how many cars are in the parking lot, how many people are in the pews and how much money is taken up on Sunday. A church can have thousands of members, who give faithfully, with state of the art facilities
and be a success in our eyes, and be a failure according to God's standards. On the other hand a church may meet in someone's basement with a handful of members who are obedient and faithful and God sees them as a success.
Every single week I get e-mails and flyers in the mail box, promoting the latest and greatest "church growth method". There is always a new program that will help build or grow the church. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see this church filled to the point that we have to tear walls out and build on. But large crowds and big buildings are not the goal. With that being said, I have good news... God wants this church to grow. God wants the church down the street to grow. God wants new churches to be built and God wants old churches to be revitalized.
We have the privilege to be a part of this process. But if any church is going to grow, if a true church is going to be built... it will be built by God NOT MAN!!! There is an area of theology that seeks to understand all aspects of the church, This is known as ecclesiology. It is derived from the Greek word "ekklesia" . This is a term referring to a gathering or assembly of believers. This involves more than attending church, IT IS ABOUT BEING THE CHURCH! - 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Fellowship, worship, edification and ministry are all performed by people, not buildings. As a result of their persecution first century Christians often met secretly in people's homes. And over time things have evolved into what we have today. In our selected text we get a glimpse of God's building program. I invite you to join me in 1 Peter 2:4-10 as we examine "How God Builds A Church" . Let's begin in verse 4 and examine:
I. The Vision For God's Church - v4 ¶To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Since the beginning God had a plan for His church. God chose His own Son to be the Cornerstone of the Church. Peter revealed in the previous chapter the fact that God had this plan before the world began - 1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
In the Word of God we have several images of the Church:
A. The Church As Body - Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
B. The Church As A Bride - Revelation 21:9 ¶And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
C. The Church As A Building - 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
The image of the church as a building is seen here in our selected text. v5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, - How amazing is it to think that before the world began we were a part of God's master plan. Any church begins with a vision. And this is appropriate because we are told in - Proverbs 29:18 ¶Where there is no vision, the people perish:
Over 103 years ago, a group of believers had a vision for a church in this community. This assembly would not be here if someone had not had a vision. Ultimately the reason this church has endured for over a century is because that "vision" was inspired by God. There is no way to measure the impact that Stockdale has had throughout it's history, We will never know how many people are in Heaven because of the ministry of this church. We will never know how many people benefited spiritually because of the ministry of this church. Those charter members were used of God to build a church! And we are privileged to continue the work that they started so many years ago. It all started with a VISION!!!
Let us never forget that "Faithful people do not build the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ builds his church through faithful people."
Not only did God have a "Vision" for His church, He prepared the proper foundation for His church.His only Son laid that foundation! - 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. In fact God's Son was (and is) that foundation. Notice:
II. The Foundation Of God's Church - v6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Peter speaks of the "Chief Cornerstone". Cornerstone is defined as 1) Literally - a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls 2) Metaphorically an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based. Jesus is both! He is literally and metaphorically the Cornerstone of the Church. The “chief corner stone” is the basic, essential, and most important part of a building…it’s the foundation. In these verses Peter references - Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
God had laid a foundation (Christ) and the Jews rejected Him - v7 but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
The religious leaders in Israel examined Jesus' credentials as the Messiah and they rejected Him. They despised and abused Him. And eventually they scourged and crucified Him. But even after all they did, on that first Resurrection morning He came out of the grave alive forevermore. God's plan for His church would be accomplished!!! Though the Jews and others throughout history have rejected Jesus, We who trust in Him recognize the honor God has given Him
We know that salvation through Christ is the greatest thing we could have ever received! v7 "Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious". - The fact that Christ is the foundation of the church brings us great assurance. As the foundation of the Church, Christ will endure forever. Death, decay and depreciation cannot destroy the church. The reason that the church has survived and will continue to do so is because of the Chief Cornerstone, on which the whole building rests.
Any church that is ever going to be successful for God MUST BE BUILT ON JESUS CHRIST! Not people...Not traditions... Not man made measures of success... Nothing other than Jesus!!!
Years ago at my home church we voted to add 2 Sunday school rooms to the sanctuary. We had a work day with the intention of digging a trench and pouring a foundation. There were about 12 men with shovels and we began to dig. After a few minutes of digging we all began to hit something hard under the soil. Once we cleared all of the dirt out of the way we realized that sometime in the past someone had dug the ground and poured a footer. What did we do? we built the church on the foundation that already existed! - And that is our mission spiritually as well, the foundation has already been laid and God will use us to build His church on the foundation that is Jesus Christ!! If we attempt to build on anything else it will never stand!! As we continue to verse 5 we see:
III. The Motivation For God's Church - v5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
The chief cornerstone was the foundational stone from which all measurements began. Every other stone was laid in relationship to the cornerstone. Peter says that we are "living stones, built up into a spiritual house". This means that Jesus is the Cornerstone, and we are the building blocks. God is building a spiritual house. He is putting all of His children in the place where they belong. He is joining us with one another. - Simply stated we are the church that God is building.
Peter also states that we are "a holy priesthood" This is a great privilege because a priest was one who had access to God. We have that access! - Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - As a part of this "holy priesthood" we are to “offer up spiritual sacrifices” How do we do this? We offer ourselves - We offer service - We offer prayers - We offer worship - We off thanksgiving- We offer praise! - Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. - Peter tells us that these "spiritual sacrifices" are acceptable to God! This is only possible through Christ. We are "priests" in the sense of being servants. But Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest. This verse indicates that "Spiritual sacrifices" are the motivation for God's church!
This may come as a surprise to many in the church today. Because somewhere along the way people came to the conclusion that church should be all about them. They leave church on Sunday and complain because: - Someone didn't shake their hand - The sermon was too dry or too long - Some say it was too shallow - While others say it was over their head. - Some don't like the music because it was too old - Others don't like it because it was too new.
You can tell that the church has lost it's focus when you hear comments like: - "I can't believe she didn't speak to me today" - "No one ever notices what I do!" - "Things just aren't exciting anymore"- "I wish things were like they used to be"- "Why can't we do what First Baptist is doing". Consider the author of this Epistle... The Apostle Peter. A man who went hungry and thirsty following Jesus. A man who left everything he knew behind to be a disciple. He was: - Cursed - Beaten - Imprisoned - Persecuted - and eventually crucified for the cause of Christ. Can you imagine what his response would be if he heard some of the self centered garbage coming from the mouths of modern day Christians???
Regardless of your motivation... God's motivation for His church is that His people "as living stones offer Him spiritual sacrifices!!" God has a Vision for His church, He laid the Foundation for His church and there was a specific Motivation for His Church. But since the beginning there have been those who were opposed to God's Church. Notice:
IV. The Opposition To God's Church - v7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
The Jews rejected Jesus because they were expecting the Messiah to overthrow Rome and deliver Israel. They thought the Messiah would immediately restore the kingdom in Israel, and reward His followers. And when Jesus came He was not what they were expecting, so they rejected Him! Notice the phrase - "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence"
The Cornerstone that we lean upon for strength is the same stone that those who reject Him stumble over and fall. This means that Jesus is our Savior, but for those who reject Him He will be their judge.- Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. - Those who reject Christ will stumble, fall, and perish for ever. - John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Since the beginning Satan has opposed God's church. And he has used many others to come against it as well! This was seen in the Pharisees. It was seen in the Roman government. It has been seen throughout 2,000 years of church history. We see it each and everyday on our T.V screens. Islamic terrorist are beheading people just because they are Christians. National governments are killing those who profess Christ. In many countries Christians worship secretly for fear of persecution. Here in America, the atheists have succeeded in taking God out of schools, courthouses and government. Even many churches that bear the Christian name have rejected the TRUE Gospel! - Jesus makes it clear in - Matthew 12:30 "He that is not with me is against me"
There are countless people who not only reject the Christ, but they are opposed to God's church. Though there is much opposition to God's church we find in these verses that there is a mission for those who belong to Him, Notice:
V. The Mission Of God's Church - v9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Along with God's Vision for His church comes His Mission for His people. it is a great privilege to be a part of this Mission! How is this possible?
A. We Are Chosen - v9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
God chose us! What a blessing to think that the God of all creation has chosen usnot only to be His people, but to accomplish a specific task. Yes, God is the one who builds the church. But He has chosen to use us as His laborers! Not only has God chosen us, He called us!
B. We Are Called - v9 that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
We were in darkness and the Lord called us out! I like what David said in - Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. - We were once dead in trespasses and sins. Jesus called us out of that darkness. Peter says that He called us into His marvelous light. - He saved our souls - He cleansed our sins - He changed our lives. And when He did all of this He had a mission
in mind for us to accomplish for Him! Once the Lord calls us unto salvation, He then commissions us to work for Him.
C. We Are Commissioned - v9 that ye should shew forth the praises of him
Peter states that as a result of our being called out of darkness into the marvelouslight we SHOULD show others the goodness of God! Just before Jesus ascended He left His Apostles with some final words concerning His church. - He didn't say build the biggest buildings you can! - He didn't say make sure you have the best youth program! - He didn't say work hard to entertain the children! - He didn't say to fill the pews by any means necessary! - He didn't say to have the most vibrant music ministry! - He didn't say make sure to preach eloquent sermons! His final words were about the church's mission. - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
What is the Mission of God's Church? It is for the "living stones" to "make more living stones". The people of God are to go and "make disciples" . We are to live in a way that shows what happens when God brings someone out of darkness into the marvelous light of His Son Jesus Christ! When people see us they should see that we are different... we are special!! In fact we find in this very text that we are: - living stones - a chosen generation - a royal priesthood - a holy nation - a peculiar people. We are God's Church!!
There are countless programs designed to "grow the church". There are many strategies intended to "build the church". But the only way a church will ever be successful is to do things God's way! Before the world began, God had a VISION for His church. He gave us the FOUNDATION of the church in His only Son Jesus Christ. The MOTIVATION of His church is that His people would offer up "spiritual sacrifices" unto Him. There always has been and always will be OPPOSITION towards God's Church. Even with this opposition the church will survive! And we must do our part to be about the MISSION of God's Church.
Great things happen "When God Builds A Church"
