This blog unpacks Pastor Lee Cummings’ Sermon from February 23, 2025

The Household of God isn’t a physical place—it’s a spiritual reality.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN:

Jesus once asked His disciples a profound question: "Who do you say that I am?"

Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," became the foundation upon which Jesus declared He would build His church. But what exactly did Jesus mean when He said, "I will build my church"?

The Greek word for "church" is ekklesia, which means "those who have been called out." This gives us our first clue. The church isn’t a building; it’s a community of people called out of darkness who seek to bring glory to Jesus’ name.

We’ve heard the church described in several ways: the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, God's Flock, the Vine and Branches, a Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood, God's Field, and so on.

However, the primary metaphor throughout Scripture that encapsulates these is the word household. When God builds a home for Himself, it becomes a temple—a place of worship and family combined.

Ephesians 2:20–22 perfectly captures this concept: "…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

The building process is crucially intricate. Just as constructing a house requires careful planning, a strong foundation, and the right materials, so does God's process of building His Church.

Jesus is the cornerstone—the standard by which everything else is measured and aligned.

If we get Jesus wrong, we get God’s vision for His Church wrong.

1 Peter 2:5 tells us, "You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house." This diversity is a hallmark of God's design for His church.

When God builds His house, He builds it with living stones because no two stones, no two lives, no two stories, no two people, and no two giftings are the same.

It's important to note that no church is perfect because it consists of imperfect people. However, the Church is being perfected through Jesus and His eternal purpose.

It’s not about finding a flawless congregation but about being part of a community where Jesus sanctifies and perfects each member, often through the imperfections we encounter in one another.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Jesus' declaration about His church is the promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

This speaks to our eternal promise and the indestructible nature of God’s true Church. Despite centuries of persecution, corruption, and challenges, both internal and external, the church that Jesus is building continues to grow and thrive. From a small group of 120 disciples 2,000 years ago, the Christian faith has grown to nearly two billion followers worldwide.

This growth isn’t due to human strategies or resources but to the power of the Holy Spirit working through ordinary people who are faithful to the extraordinary calling of being God's dwelling place on earth.

As we consider the reality of this, we're challenged to shift our perspective on what it means to be the church:

God’s Church is not about attending a service but being part of a living dwelling.

God’s Church is not about personal preferences but aligning with Jesus as the cornerstone.

God’s Church is not about finding perfection but participating in His perfecting work.

God’s Church is not about building our kingdom but about being built into God's Kingdom.

We are not meant to be solitary stones but part of a grand, fitly joined structure.

Buildings are important, but if we build buildings and don’t build people, we’re not partnering with Jesus in what He said He would build.

The call is clear: we were not made just to attend church but to be the Church.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Church as God's Dwelling Place

Reading: Ephesians 2:19–22

Devotional: Just as a house is built stone by stone, God is building His Church with living stones—each of us. Today's passage reminds us that we are no longer strangers or aliens but fellow citizens with God's people. Reflect on your place in God's household. How does knowing you are a crucial part of God's dwelling place change your perspective on your role in the Church? Consider how you can contribute to building up the body of Christ, using your unique gifts and experiences as a "living stone" in God's spiritual house.

Day 2: Christ the Cornerstone

Reading: 1 Peter 2:4–8

Devotional: Jesus is described as the cornerstone—the foundation upon which everything else is built. In your life, is Jesus truly the cornerstone? Or have other things taken that central place? Examine your priorities, decisions, and daily habits. Are they aligned with Christ as your foundation? Remember, any attempt to build our lives on a different foundation will ultimately fail. Pray for God to reveal areas where you may have shifted away from Christ as your cornerstone, and ask for the strength to realign your life with Him at the center.

Day 3: Called Out of Darkness

Reading: 1 Peter 2:9–10

Devotional: The word "church" (ekklesia) means "called-out ones." We have been called out of darkness into God's marvelous light. Reflect on your own journey from darkness to light. What specific areas of your life has God illuminated? Are there still dark corners that need His light? Thank God for calling you out of darkness, and ask Him to continue shining His light in every area of your life. Consider how you can be a light to others who are still in darkness, sharing the hope and love of Christ.

Day 4: Overcoming in Christ

Reading: Romans 8:31–39

Devotional: Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church. This assurance of victory is echoed in today's passage. No matter what challenges, persecutions, or hardships we face, nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ. Think about the battles you're currently facing. How does the promise of ultimate victory in Christ change your perspective on these struggles? Take time to declare God's love and victory over every area of your life, trusting that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ

Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

Devotional: The Church is described as the body of Christ, with each member playing a vital role. Today's passage emphasizes the importance of unity and diversity within the body. Reflect on your own place within your local church. Are you actively using your gifts to build up the body? Are there ways you've undervalued your contribution or the contributions of others? Ask God to help you see yourself and others as He does—essential parts of His Body. Pray for unity in your church, celebrating the diverse ways God works through each member to accomplish His purposes.