Webster defines "architecture" as "the art or science of building; construc­tion, in general." Therefore, "spiritual architecture" would have to do with a spiritual building. Such a building is referred to by Paul in Ephesians 2:19­22. The reference is to God's people; his church.

We first note the material from which this building is made. It comes the vast quarry of mankind. The apostle said ye are "builded together..." Isaiah predicted that this house would be composed of men of all nations (2:2-4). Peter told Cornelius that men of every nation who would fear God and work righteousness would be ac­cepted of him (Acts 10:34 -35). This building is then made fit for use by those who compose it conforming to the great architect's requirement ­obedience to his word (1 Pet. 2:5). Only then will the building function for its intended purpose.

Buildings also have a foundation. Our text affirms that this foundation had been laid by the "apostles and the prophets." The reference is obviously to their teaching, and both classes of men talked about a "foundation." Isaiah said God would lay one (28:16). Centuries later Paul said that Christ was the only foundation (1 Cor. 3:11 ). Then there is the cornerstone, or the stone which holds the building together, and that also is to be found in Christ (1 Pet. 2:7). Men may reject this cornerstone, and indeed most did. But it was what God wanted, and so Christ was laid as the cornerstone (Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:10-12).

Then the design of this spiritual building should be noted. The build­ing should always be a glory and a credit to the one who designed and/or built it. God's spiritual building, the church, bears the imprint of deity. No human mind could have conceived it, nor hand built it. Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18 ), and we need to be assured that he did not "sub-contract" it out! There is a mar­velous symmetry in this building. Our text says it was "fitly framed to­gether." There was no shoddy work­manship about it. God desires unity in his building (1 Cor. 1:10 ), and such unity is a result of the component parts of this building being led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14 ). There is holiness in its design. Peter called upon those who form this building to be a holy people (1 Pet. 1:15 -16; 2:9). They are a people that are called to sanctifica­tion (2 Thess. 2:13 ).

Then we should consider the proper use of this building. Every building should have a purpose, and if designed for one thing it works best for that thing. It probably won't work very well for something else. Our text tells us what this building is for, and that is "a habitation of God." God is to oc­cupy the lives of each person who composes the church (Gal. 2:20 ). Yet some try to misuse this spiritual building, relegating it to the level of the material. Witness the materially centered "religious" of today, often even among our own brethren. We must not misuse this building! God is to be gloried through the church (Eph. 3:21 ), and when we corrupt it's work and worship, and fail to offer our spiritual sacrifices, we have abused it's function.

A spiritual building! Are you a part of it? You can become so by conforming to God's plan of salvation. Ask us about it! - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

She continually complained that the old clothes dryer had just about had it. He kept insisting that he could not af­ford to get her a new one. Finally, he gave in, telling her that for her next birthday he would get her one - the latest model out - a solar powered job. Boy, is that impressive!

Boasting of her ability to "get her way," she told of her upcoming birth­day present to her friends. When the big day arrived, he took her out in the back yard and showed her the great present. And there it was, in all its re­splendent glory - a new clothesline! Now, that just about as "solar pow­ered" as you can get!

All of which shows that our ability to "get our way" often has a way of backfiring on us, and we would have been better off to have left well enough alone. At least we ought to learn not to boast about being able to "get our way." "Our way" may not be all it is ed up to be.

Having to have "our way" is the ulti­mate in selfishness, and Christianity ought to demonstrate at attitude of "otherism" on our part. You see, somebody else might have a "way" to, and how do we know its not better than ours? We would be well served to let someone else have "their way" from time to time. Why wind up with a cheap clothesline when you proba­bly could nave a good dryer! – Bill Moseley