Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 4, 2022: SOAP #4566: Proverbs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.

OBSERVATION:  The letters to churches in the New Testament were written to churches that met in homes or public rooms.  There were no “church” buildings that were designed and built for the early church to use. 

In the Bible, the word “church” never refers to a building.  It is a body of believers, a community that assembles to worship Jesus.  Their commitment to Jesus caused them to be committed to each other.  They gather for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism. 

APPLICATION:  The growth of the church can make the use of a building very beneficial.  It is good to have classrooms for instruction; it is good to have an auditorium in which to gather for worship; it is good to have a place to store instruments; it is good to have an address to invite others to join us, etc.  Clearly buildings are useful but not required. 

Churches with buildings need to be careful to teach their members what the church really is. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you have given me.  Lead me to be a good steward of your resources.  Use the things you have put in my hands, my home, my car, my finances, etc. for your glory.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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