Silent Sermons Of The Church

Silent Sermons of the Church

I doubt very seriously if you have ever heard a sermon quite like this one.

But as you know I have a tendency to preach one of those types occasionally.

Have you ever thought about the silent sermons the church building itself preaches?

“Sermons in stones” was a phrase that Shakespeare used.

But if you will just look around you this morning there are objects in and around this church that preach pretty impressive sermons.

1. First of all, let’s consider the steeple. I think we have a quite impressive steeple here at Glad Tidings.

But there is more to that steeple than just the physical appearance.

If you will notice the steeple is pointing upward. It points to God.

On top of the steeple is a cross. The steeple is pointing upward not only to God, but it is also pointing to the cross.

John 12:32 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

It also tells us you cannot get to God unless you go through the means of the cross on which Jesus died.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

So when you pass a church with a steeple pointing to a cross, take the time to thank God for His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, “who gave His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

2. Secondly, there are the entry doors of the church.

The doors of the church represent the invitation of Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Also, the door represents Christ who said, “I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”

It also reminds us that the door is open to everyone. It doesn’t matter what race, nationality, or status in life, these doors are open to all.

These doors represent Jesus Christ as the only way to God. These doors are the only way for reconciliation unto God, and the only way to be redeemed from the curse of sin.

There are many doors pointing to God, but Jesus Christ is the only door that will open unto Him.

3. Thirdly, I think of the vestibule, or foyer, of the church.

We use the foyer for a lot of things, fellowship, talking about everything from golf to glory, but the vestibule should be thought of as a place of preparation.

It is sort of a space separating the secular from the sacred.

It is a space where we leave the world outside and prepare to enter into God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Ps 100:4 “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

It’s hard to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and praise if you bring your worries and troubles with you.

So, think of the foyer as a place of preparation to enter into God’s presence.

4. Fourthly, I think of the sanctuary. A large room where we gather together as a church to turn our minds toward the Lord.

It is not a place to compare ourselves with someone else.

It is not a place where we judge our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

It is not a place to find fault with everything that is going on.

It is not a place where we complain and criticize.

But as we enter the sanctuary we should feel as Habakkuk 2:20 says, “The Lord is in His Holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

Even Moses recognized he was standing on Holy ground at the place he met God’s presence at the burning bush.

Listen saints, we should recognize this room as a place of sacredness and holiness.

This room is where the Holy Spirit comforts, edifies, and strengthens the saints.

This room is where the Holy Spirit ministers to people through song and the preaching of the Word of God.

This room is where sinners feel the conviction of the Holy Ghost.

This room is a place of worship and praise and we should always enter with an attitude of worship and praise.