THE CHURCH WHERE GOD LIVES – EPH 2:21-22

 

 

1.     What is the church?

2.     Who is God?

3.     Where does He live?

 

-         Wrong conception – We are in the presence of God when in church.

-         I will dwell in them,

-         Your body is the temple of God.

-         Acts 7:48; 17:24

 

The church, whether local assembly or the universal, is made of the regenerated Christians. It is founded on the truth – Christ Himself Jn 14:6. Thus, the congregation is supposed to be consisted of forgiven sinners who, in turn, are to take the gospel of salvation to sinners outside where they are. The membership is to reflect Christ, the truth: As a custodian of the truth, she must stand for the truth and give out the truth to mankind for the total redemption of man from the kingdom of darkness.

 

If therefore, the church is a reflection of Christ, this must be demonstrated in doctrine, principle and practice based on the Bible and in obeying the command of the Lord Jesus. Today, most churches and church organizations have made their own unscriptural rules and regulations and have not accepted the Bible as the all sufficient rule of faith and discipline for the church.

 

On Tuesday, we tried to define the church and that the place of worship like ours could be referred to as a church, but not limited to it. Congregations of various assemblies or denominations could also be said to be church. Nevertheless the body of believers, regenerated ones, anywhere and everywhere in the world constitutes the universal church. Therefore, whether gathered or scattered, it remains a church.

 

Of who God; is:

1.     Sovereignty:

He has and exercises supreme authority over all things He has created. He is the everlasting King, Lawgiver and Righteous Judge.

 

 

2.     Holiness:

He is the most Holy one (Lev. 19:2). He is holiness personified (Rev. 15:4; 1 Sam. 2:2).

 

3.     Excellency:

He is the most High i.e. over and above all things in heaven and earth by all standard (Gen 14:18; Ps. 47:2; Dan 4:7).

 

4.     Eternal Existence:

He is the Alfa and Omega. He existed before all things, and will remain when all things shall be no more. He has neither a beginning nor an end. (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13).

 

5.     Almightiness:

The LORD GOD by reason of His all surpassing and exceeding great power cannot be referred to as anyone less than the Almighty for His power He is able to do all things. He is even the custodian of all power (Eph 1:19). He has power over all that He has created.

 

God – The Saviour;

God’s ability to save is no doubt derived from his Lordship status.

 

That He is the Saviour is established in the Bible.

 

God saves man in various situations and circumstances either as individuals or as a group of people or nations.

 

The act of salvation dates back to the Garden of Eden when God clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skin to cover their nakedness and shame (Gen. 3:6-7 & 21).

 

God in His mercy at various points intervened in the situations of man and delivered them from their woes.

 

The various acts of salvation of God right from the Garden of Eden, before the advent of Jesus Christ were only tips of the iceberg as compared to ultimate salvation He has purposed for mankind.

 

The church where God lives:

The church where God lives:

-          A church that is focused on God’s vision “Wherefore, O King Agripa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” Acts 26:19. Bringing souls to the kingdom.

-         A church that is obedient to God’s word rather than sacrifices. 1 Sam. 15:22.

-         A church where unfeign love and unity remain her emphasis and goal. 1 Cor 13; Phil, 4:2.

-         A church not given to rebellion, bickering, any bitterness. Eph 4:31.

-          A church where holiness and righteousness are her hallmarks. Ps 93:5; Isa 35:8, 63:15; Eph 4:24 and where peace is constantly pursued – Heb 12:14.

-         A church that continues in faith and holiness. 1 Tim 2:15, serving Him in Holiness – Lk 1:75.

-         A church where nothing is done through strife or vain glory; but in loneliness of mind each esteeming others better than themselves – Phil 2:3.

-         And “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8.