God's Glory Church

“And yourselves, as if those stones are alive, build a spiritual house.” — 1 Peter 2:5

There are many names for groups of animals in the world. No doubt you have heard of a flock of sheep, a herd of cattle, or even a flock of geese. But some names may surprise you. For example, have you heard of the building of rooks (Eurasian crows)?

In fact, the building is one of the biblical names for the community of believers in Jesus Christ. “You are… God’s building,” wrote the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 3:9). There are other names for believers: “flock” (Acts 20:28), “body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27), “brethren” (1 Thess. 2:14), etc.

The metaphor of the building is repeated in the 1st Epistle of the Apostle Peter, where he tells Christians: “And yourselves, as living stones, build a spiritual house” (1 Pet. 2:5). Then, in the sixth verse, Peter quotes the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen, cornerstone, precious stone” (Is. 28:16). Jesus is the foundation of His building.

It may seem to us that building the church is our job, but Jesus said: “I will build my church” (Mt. 16:18). We are chosen by God to “proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9). By uttering this praise, we become instruments in God’s hands as He does His good work.

How does the Lord Jesus build His Church? How can you get involved in this work?

Dear God, forgive me for what I sometimes think: everything depends on me. Use me for Your glory and the benefit of my neighbors in the building of Your church.

Author: Bill Crowder