The True Church

In 2008, I traveled to Brazil for a summer internship. It is a very beautiful country with a rather large Catholic influence. I remember traveling one day with a youth mission group to a city known for its shopping and Catholic churches. In fact, one church building had statues inside lined with gold. On that particular day, for people to actually see inside it, they had to pay a fee. Needless to say, I stayed outside.

Around 55 AD, Paul wrote to Christians dwelling in Rome, “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5/ESV) Just a few years after Paul’s epistle, Peter wrote to believers who, in the face of persecution, had been dispersed throughout the regions of Asia Minor, declaring, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5/ESV)

Both letters ministered to different believers, who lived in different places and at different times. Yet, both revealed the same truth regarding the church: The Church is not a physical building but a spiritual body. Indeed, every believer is part of the body of Christ. The church is not a religious structure but living stones, being built up as a holy temple unto the Lord. We must not lose sight of this, focusing too much on the external and not the eternal. What makes heaven rejoice is not stained glass windows but souls washed in the precious blood of Christ! In light of this, I want to simply share a poem I wrote years ago, regarding this very subject:

The Church

Look at the stunning steeple, it is grand and high.

But even greater still, the rugged cross where He died.

Look at the bright and beautiful stained glass windows,

But even more wonderful, the cleansing blood that ever flows.

Look at the large instruments, Lovely music they convey.

But even more important, the humble soul that never ceases to praise.

Look at the pews, the altar, the pulpit, and the many lights.

But remember what lasts forever, the true Church: believers part of the body of Christ.