Bodies, Not Buildings

From the time I brought Israel out of [Egypt] until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have moved from tent to tent and from tabernacle [to tabernacle]. - 1 Chronicles 17:5

I have a problem with some of the vocabulary we use in the church today. For example we often say things like this:

"Welcome to the house of God!"

"I think I'll go to church this morning."

"We have a meeting in the sanctuary tonight."

Here is my problem. God said, "I have not lived in a house." So, where does God live? He lives in the hearts of His people! The "House of God" is the heart (the soul) of the Christ-follower (not physically, of course). We don't go to church. We are the church!

Buildings are a blessing in many ways and I have been places where they were not so prevalent, but may we never mistake one for a church. Churches are bodies, not buildings.

The Kingdom of God is not going to be advanced by our churches becoming filled with men, but by men in our churches becoming filled with God. - Duncan Campbell