Building God’s Church

Haggai 1:1-9

Don’t Go to Church — Be the Church

The church in three aspects

Just as God in His awesome mystery comes in the form of the Holy Trinity, the church as God created it can be said to have three perspectives: body (individual), spirit (heart+mind), family (community)

1. To encourage us to strengthen our own temples (take care of our bodies)
   • VC
     • keep ourselves pure before Him
     • we should use our strength for worthwhile things
     • be careful not to fall into the sin of pride (i.e. Working out just to look good)
   • NB/PB
     • our physical body is a gift
     • but it is only on loan as well
     • keep ourselves healthy, our bodies untainted
2. To encourage us to make our houses beautiful (both the hearts & minds)
   • VC
     • avoid things that we know will only distract us
     • avoid putting yourself in compromising situations
   • NB/PB
     • avoid worldly things that we know do not have good content
     • these things will only make our insides filthy
     • we are too stuffed with unwholesome things for the good things to get through
3. To encourage us to bring the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (bring our houses together)
   • VC
     • be careful of distractions to the great commission
     • be focused in building God’s house
     • consider your ways: are you still tithing? is your heart condition still correct when you give?
   • NB/PB
     • we invest our money wisely to ensure the future comfort of our physical bodies, what more the eternal future of our souls?
     • put God’s house first, make sure you are investing in the right things
     • what are your distractions from this investment?