Building up believers and the New Testament church

Built Together a Habitation of God

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22).

"Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:4-5).

These scriptures along with many others declare that God is presently building a dwelling place for Himself. Jesus is building His church and He will not fail. This building forms the framework in which God is working today. As members of Christ, we are all being fitted into this building by the ongoing work of the Spirit of God. In addition, according to the calling and grace of God that He gives to every member, we also are to labor in this building. This is a wonderful privilege and a grave responsibility at the same time.

It is very important for each of us to see God's plan for this building, in order to move in union with God. There are many gatherings today that name the name of Jesus, but that does not necessarily mean they are being built by God on the foundation of Christ. There is only one God, and He is only building one church. If we do not see the plan clearly, there is a danger that we will build according to our own plan. If we do, in the end our labor will be wasted, and we may hinder others who are building according to the plan. God has made full provision so that we may see clearly, if we are willing to be led by Him.

Our goal here is to look at what it means to be built together according to the plan of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. In doing so, we must come before God in deep humility, acknowledging that unless He opens the eyes of our hearts and reveals His plan to us, we will not see clearly. God does not hide from us, but He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. As the revelation of God's plan breaks afresh on our hearts, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to give us places to respond to God. We will begin to move in perfect harmony with God, together with our brothers and sisters, to see His habitation being built in our locality.