Building the Church of God isn’t just about structures—it’s about people coming together in faith. The Bible offers wisdom on how to grow spiritually and as a community. Today, we’ll look at how scripture guides us in building God’s church.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Building Monuments
What Does The Bible Say About Building The Church Of God
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
This verse emphasizes that the church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and that nothing will prevail against it. It assures us that despite challenges and opposition, the church will stand strong.
It encourages believers to have faith in the unstoppable nature of the church and to actively participate in its growth and development.
1 Corinthians 3:9
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
This verse highlights that as believers, we are partners with God in building His church. We have a role to play in cultivating spiritual growth within ourselves and in others.
It reminds us that we are not alone in this task, but rather, we are working alongside God, who is the ultimate builder. It encourages us to be faithful and committed co-workers in God’s service.
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
This verse points out that Christ is the head of the church. He holds the highest authority and should have supremacy in every aspect of the church.
It reminds us that building the church should be centered around Christ and driven by His teachings and example.
1 Peter 2:5
“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
This verse portrays believers as living stones that are being assembled together to form a spiritual house, symbolizing the church.
It highlights our responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices and live holy lives, contributing to the growth and edification of the church. It emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration as we build the church together.
Ephesians 2:21-22
“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
These verses illustrate that believers, collectively, are built into a holy temple in which God dwells through His Spirit.
It underscores the unity of believers and the transformative power of God’s presence in the church. It emphasizes that the church is not merely a physical structure but a spiritual entity.
Acts 2:47
“praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
This verse depicts the early church praising God and experiencing favor with the people. As a result, it witnessed continuous growth as new believers were added daily.
It highlights the vital role of worship, fellowship, and favor with others in attracting people to Christ and building the church. It reminds us of the transformative power of a vibrant and welcoming church community.
Hebrews 3:4
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”
This verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate builder, not only of the physical universe but also of the spiritual house that is the church.
It reminds us that divine guidance, wisdom, and power are necessary for the successful building of the church. It humbles us to acknowledge that our efforts alone are insufficient without God’s involvement.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
This verse highlights the importance of active participation and contribution when believers gather as a church community.
It encourages the sharing of spiritual gifts and edifying one another for the purpose of building up the church. It promotes a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:15
“if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
This verse emphasizes that the church is not just an organization but God’s household, serving as the pillar and foundation of the truth.
It highlights the significance of the church in upholding and proclaiming God’s truth to the world. It reminds believers of the responsibility to live according to God’s principles and to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of His truth.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
This verse depicts believers collectively as the body of Christ, with each individual playing a unique and essential role.
It highlights the interdependence and unity within the church. It encourages us to recognize our value and purpose within the body of Christ, fostering a sense of belonging and active engagement in building up the church.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
This verse serves as a reminder that without the involvement and guidance of the Lord, all human efforts to build the church will be in vain.
It humbles us to rely on God’s wisdom, power, and direction as we engage in the work of building His church. It inspires us to seek God’s presence and leading in every aspect of our church-building endeavors.
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
These verses illustrate the interdependence and diversity within the body of Christ, highlighting that each believer has a unique role to play.
It emphasizes the need for unity, mutual care, and support within the church. It encourages us to value and appreciate the contributions of every member, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose as we work together to build the church.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These verses outline the Great Commission given by Jesus to build His church by making disciples from all nations.
They emphasize the importance of evangelism, baptism, and teaching obedience to Christ’s commands. They assure believers of Jesus’ constant presence and support as they engage in the mission of building the church.
2 Corinthians 6:16
“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”
This verse presents believers as the temple of the living God, indicating the intimacy and indwelling of God’s presence within them.
It highlights the sacredness and holiness of the church as God’s dwelling place. It motivates us to live in a manner that reflects God’s character and to create an environment that honors His presence as we build His church.
Acts 9:31
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
This verse illustrates the growth and strengthening of the early church through a combination of peace, reverence for the Lord, and encouragement by the Holy Spirit.
It emphasizes the importance of fostering an atmosphere of peace, reverence, and spiritual encouragement within the church. It reminds us that growth and numerical increase in the church are often accompanied by the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
These verses highlight the various roles and gifts given to individuals within the church for the purpose of equipping and building up the body of Christ.
They emphasize the importance of leadership, teaching, and spiritual guidance in the development and growth of the church. They inspire believers to serve one another and contribute their unique gifts and talents to the building of the church.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse uses the metaphor of building a house to convey the importance of wisdom and intentional efforts in building the church.
It reminds us that our words, actions, and attitudes can either contribute to the strengthening and growth of the church or hinder its progress. It encourages believers to exercise wisdom and discernment as they participate in the construction of the church.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
This verse calls for unity and the absence of divisions within the church, emphasizing the importance of being united in mind and thought.
It reminds us that building the church requires a spirit of harmony, cooperation, and shared vision. It challenges believers to prioritize unity and to work towards resolving conflicts, promoting peace, and fostering a united front in building the church.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
These words, spoken by Paul to the Ephesian elders, emphasize the responsibility of leaders to diligently care for and shepherd the church.
They highlight the sacrificial nature of leadership, reminding shepherds to be watchful, nurturing, and protective of the church. They inspire leaders to emulate Christ’s selfless love and to lead by example in building the church of God.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the goodness and pleasantness that arise when God’s people live in unity.
It emphasizes the positive impact of unity on the church and its ability to attract others to Christ. It encourages believers to pursue unity, promoting an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth and building of the church.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse reminds us that children are a blessing from God and a significant part of the church community.
It underscores the importance of raising children within the context of the church, nurturing their spiritual growth and passing on the faith to the next generation. It calls believers to invest in the lives of children, ensuring the continuity and vibrancy of the church as they are built up in the knowledge of God.
1 Peter 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
These verses provide instructions to leaders on how to shepherd God’s flock, emphasizing a willingness to serve, integrity, humility, and leading by example.
They challenge leaders to prioritize the spiritual well-being of the church, putting the needs and growth of the people above personal gain. They inspire leaders to embrace their responsibility with love, humility, and genuine care, fostering an environment that promotes healthy growth and the building of the church.