God's Glory Church

“I will build My Church.” — Matthew 16:18

A fire completely destroyed the premises of a Baptist church in Texas. When rescuers and members of the community gathered after the flames died down, they were surprised to see a charred cross standing upright in the smoke and ash. The firefighter said the fire “took the building, but not the cross. It’s a reminder that the building was just a structure, and the church is a community.”

The church is not a building, but a community of believers who are united by the cross of Jesus Christ, the One who died, was buried, and rose again. When Jesus lived on earth, He told Peter that He would build His Church, and nothing would destroy it (Mt. 16:18). The Lord Jesus will gather believers from all over the world into a community that will exist forever. This community will suffer great hardships, but in the end will endure. God will live in them and sustain them (Eph. 2:22).

If we seek to establish and strengthen local churches and they do not develop, if church buildings are destroyed or if we are concerned about believers who are suffering in other parts of the world, let us remember that Jesus is alive and actively helping God’s people to endure. We are part of the Church He is building today. He is with us and for us. His cross remains.

How can you support other believers? How does spreading the Good News relate to God’s plan for the church?

God, please strengthen Your people. Fill him with wisdom, protect him and help him remain faithful to You.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt