Monday, May 24, 2010
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
ONLY THE SPIRIT CAN REALLY BUILD A CHURCH!
Anyone handy with tools can build a church. Some wood and nails, concrete and carpet, wiring and windows--and soon you have a place that people will point to and say, "There is a church."
You know, however, that putting up four walls and a steeple is not the most important part of building a church, it is only the easiest. Consider this: If the structure remains empty, what use is it? The truth is, what really makes a church are the people. And it is not so easy to fill a church with believers in Christ. In fact, it is so difficult that we by ourselves have no power to do it.
No matter how fancy the building; no matter how beautiful the stained glass or how stunning the music, without God the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of men, women, and children to turn them to faith in the Savior, there would be no true believers in any churches anywhere.
As we bask in the glow of Pentecost Sunday just past, let's remember that it is only the Holy Spirit who can really build a church--and let's marvel at the grace and power of God in drawing souls to Himself!
