Scripture 1 Peter 2:4-5
When I was growing up I had the idea that if you wanted to find God you looked for a really impressive church, one with an authentic steeple or belfry with bats and bell ringers. It had to have stained glass windows, real wooden pews, a high altar, a choir dressed in long flowing robes and of course it had to be very, very old. If inside there were engraved stones and statues of people long dead who were buried somewhere under the building all the better.
It had to be the sort of place that gave you goose bumps and sent shivers up your spine. A place that you did not want to be in all on your own especially in the dark, in case any spirits suddenly appeared. It had to have a ghostly kind of atmosphere. That was the type of building in which I imagined as a young boy I might find God.
Like many others I thought the church was a building. People went to church to meet with God. Even today many have this idea of a special building set aside for worship and prayer. It has often been blessed by a Bishop or Priest and is called the sanctuary. To get into this holy place you have to dress immaculately and be on your best behaviour. Unless you are engaged in hymn singing you must speak in a whisper. The sanctuary is so holy that you are not allowed to use it for any other purpose other than to meet with God in worship. It is certainly not the place for idle chatter and social contact. God’s presence in the place is meant to be more real than anywhere else.
The truth is we do not find God in buildings no matter how religious they appear. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has chosen to dwell in the lives of those who have opened the door of their hearts to His presence. God’s temple is made up of living stones cemented together with love. Are you one of those living stones? Would you like to be?
This prayer will get you started:"Father God I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die and rise again so that I can really get to know you. I need your forgiveness in my life right now and I ask that you come into my life and make me your temple. Thank you"
John 3 v 16
Pastor Mick Reynolds
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