Sun 13 Nov

The Bible uses various illustrations to describe the church. When Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth he used the concept of a physical body to describe the church. Peter in writing to Christians scattered because of persecution used the concept of a building to describe the church. Such a building was built with rocks and stones. Throughout scriptures, particularly the Psalms, God is described as a rock. A rock was something solid, something that could be relied upon. When Jesus asked Peter who he thought He was, Peter responded, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Then came Jesus' response which included the phrase, "and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." God is building His church. As we look around the world we see tremendous persecution being unleashed upon the church, but we can stand solid that God will not go back on His Word. He will build His church no matter how furious and evil the opposition becomes. These words of Peter in his first letter also remind us that the Christian does not stand alone. We are part of a much bigger building - the church worldwide. We are being fitted together into a spiritual house spanning across the earth. When the events of this world are about to overcome you, keep in mind you are part of a much bigger team, a much bigger building which spans into eternity.