The Church: God's Habitation

Just as the title for this chapter suggests, the church and its operation have become an idea. It has fallen away from its original manifestation.

In the beginning, there were one hundred and twenty people in a room waiting for something to come from heaven. It came and they were suddenly made the habitation of God. The Body of Christ is the holy habitation of God. It is not a network of buildings and faith based programs that have come to be monuments and memorials of the efforts of men to make a name for themselves.

Please do not misunderstand me here. I know that good deeds and needy things are being done for masses of people through these initiatives. However, when the church is identified as nothing more than million dollar programs and grand edifices wherein men and organizations seek to outdo one another, it is evident of a great falling away. It is a sure sign the world has won the church over to its vanities.

Ephesians 2:12-14

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Instead of tearing down partitions, we continue to build them. We are separated by doctrines, customs, faith and religions. And these are they who call on the name of the Lord and declare God to be their Father. How can the children of one God be so diverse in their beliefs, ways and purpose? There is no unity of the faith. I have searched for it for more than four decades.

Ephesians 2:15-18

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

It should be the purpose of every true son of God to promote the oneness we were born into. But that will never happen until we walk in the Spirit wherein we were born. Those things that separate us are all things pertaining to the flesh. We must move past this and show the world the real church. This is the challenge set before us today. The Father will not accept any mindset that is not one with Him.

Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

“Set the watchers back on the wall. Command the intercessors to lie upon their faces, proclaim a fast. Weep and mourn for the souls of those who have tempted me with their unbelief. Stretch forth your hands toward those who are lost and pluck them out of the fire.

I am weary of your spiritual wanderings and your half-hearted servitude. All nations are one in my sight. You have offended me with your doings. Move and make haste to search out my purpose. I desire a holy habitation. I will live in the hearts of my people whom I have called out, even those whom I have chosen.

I have opened the door of the sheepfold and made my sheep to gather themselves unto you. If they would but hear my voice they would come to my call. But you have gone about to establish those things that will perish with the coming judgments.

Make simple the paths my people are to take. Provide a simple place for them to assemble themselves before me. For many come to marvel at the places they have made and have forgotten my purpose all together. They are in awe of things that cannot preserve them. Their vanities will not withstand the flood that is coming upon the world.

But labor to make their hearts strong and their patience long. Teach them to love one another. Remind them day and night of the grace I have bestowed upon them. They are all the same. They are all my children. I will allow you to tell them so. I have opened the door of utterance for you to proclaim the truth to this froward generation.

Nevertheless, many will hear my Word and will not follow after the vanities of their carnal leaders. They are awaiting the voice of the chief shepherd. He will not tarry any longer. It is you who must abandon all that distracts and hinders the reservation of my people in the unity of the faith.

They must learn to live according to the instructions I will give them. You have been concerned and fearful of not knowing how to do as I commanded. But I am faithful in leading and guiding you. I have known the time and lateness of the hour. It is my displeasure that those to whom I have given much knowledge and wisdom have not regarded my commandments and have been complacent in their hearts towards me.

Though the hour is late, you have a small time left to prepare your hearts and accept the truths concerning my grace. If you do not believe or choose not to walk in this grace you too will be a castaway. But you are wise and of great hope. Consider the power of obedience.”