Build the House
I Chronicles 22:19
19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
We are to be building the spiritual house of God.
In Ezra and Nehemiah, we can read about how these men were called to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. They were lead by God and given the favor of the Babylonian kings to build when all the enemies of Jerusalem tried to stop them. They still were able to accomplish the great undertaking and were able to rebuild the Temple and the walls to protect Jerusalem. This is a great thing, but the greatest house the were able to rebuild was the people of God.
Ezra 1-3 building the house of the Lord God of Israel
Ezra 3 worship restored in Jerusalem
Ezra 6 Passover celebration
Ezra 8 fasting and praying, seeking God
Ezra 9-10 cleansing, putting away sinfulness
Nehemiah 13 cleansed the temple chambers, Eliashib the priest had allowed Tobiah( the Ammonite, son of Lot: gross idolators, human sacrifices to Moloch, one who had tried to stop them from building) to live in a chamber in the temple.
One he was thrown out, the temple instruments were put back into the chamber. It was filled with the things of service to God.
Temple/House of God
1st Moses’ Temple, 2nd Solomon’s Temple, 3rd built by Ezra and Nehemiah at King Cyrus’ command. Each had these basic parts
Holy of Holies (inner house) This is where the ark of the covenant rested
Holy Place ( greater house) where the priests performed daily duties
Inner Court ( for Israelites) the altar was here
Outer Court (for others-expanded by Herod) others could stand out here and see the altar
One of the things Ezra did first was prepare himself for the task before he even arrived in Jerusalem.
Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
In Ezra 9:5-6, we read that he interceded for the sins of Israel.
5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God,
6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
He taught the people the word of God. Not just the parts he wants but every part. He presented and taught them the history of Israel and how God had been with them, and how they had left God. He taught them why they were in the condition they were in . The people responded and turned back to God. Ezra and Nehemiah both worked to rebuild the house of God in the spirit not just the physical Temple. They called the people back to God, presented the Word. They lead them in confession of sins and turning of hearts back to God, through sacrifice, in a cleansing of Israel and in worship of Almighty God., Israel was placed back on the correct path of serving God with righteousness, holiness, and in accordance with the Word of God. They re-established the priesthood and Levitical order and offices. The house of God was built and set in order so it could prosper and grow.
Nehemiah 8:1-6
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Upon hearing the Word read by Ezra, the people in one accord, in unity, were brought into worship.
I Corinthians 3
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Build our personal house for God
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
We are the temple of God and we must keep that relationship alive and well. It must be a healthy relationship that increases in intensity, in friendship, in trust, in intimacy.
Our personal relationship with God must be built up and grow stronger on a daily basis.
The foundation of the relationship is the word of God. It is where we learn of God, get to know God and hear His will for us. His Word is where we are built. It will stand firm and will not be moved.
Matthew 7: 24-27
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Luke 18:1 - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Prayer is a pillar that should be standing in our house. Prayer is the key to communion with God. Through prayer we speak and listen to God. Salvation/confession is just the beginning of the house. Through prayer we confess our sins and find forgiveness, Through prayer we can worship and praise the Savior. Through prayer we intercede and bring our needs and requests before the God of the Universe. Through prayer we bring forth thanksgiving for His blessings. Through prayer we can effectively change the course of a situation.
Fasting is also a pillar that will increase the strength of our personal closeness and reliance on God. Fasting removes human self and replaces it with Spirit.
Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
We have learned that our personal relationship with God should be a priority. Our pastor has been teaching us and laying the foundation of personal relationship for quite some time. He has preached many times on the importance of reading the Word of God, on prayer and fasting as well as on allowing that relationship to permeate into our daily lives, daily actions and become the priority of our living. We are called to personal relationship. That house is very important to build and keep building.
Build our homes/family house for God
Nehemiah 13:1-3
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
2 Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
The Israelites realized their homes had become worldly and against God. They had allowed the sinfulness of the world into their homes. Throughout the chapter of Nehemiah 13, we read the heart wrenching decisions they made. They had to choose to serve God and had to make some tough decisions to do so.
What we do in our homes, affects our walk with God. Our home should be a place of refuge and a place that God’s presence dwells. Growing up, many kids would come to our house. They felt safe and felt peace there. My mother always prayed and read her Bible daily. It affected the atmosphere of our home. She did not allow certain things in our home. There was no foul language, we were not allowed to watch certain shows or movies. They taught us to monitor the words of the music we listened to and make sure it was not teaching us things against God.
Our home life depicts who we are. It builds our hearts, our minds and and the hearts and minds of those that dwell there (children).
When God is the priority of the home, the Body of Christ is actually stronger, because the family is stronger. God ordained family units to represent His Body. Marriage and parenting represents God’s relationship as the Bridegroom to his church, the Bride, and as the Heavenly Father to His children. Our homes and family in that home should be the best representation of God to those who enter and to those who see how you interact and relate to that family unit.
Build that house in accordance with God’s Word.
In Ephesians 5:20-29 we can see this relationship of husband and wife explained.
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
And in Ephesians 6 about the parent-child relationship.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
God has an order for our homes established and explained in His Word.
Build the house of the Body of Christ
1 Peter 2:4-5 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
Isaiah 56:7 Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."
These scriptures are in reference to the Body of Christ. We are a spiritual house individually and corporately. We are fitted together and make up a temple in the Lord.
This Body is to be growing and maturing as well as reproducing. We are living stones that fit together to actually build the house. We are being shaped and fit together to form and grow into a holy temple in the Lord.
We are called to offer up acceptable spiritual sacrifices as the holy priesthood: declaring the gospel and bearing fruit, giving and loving one another, walking together in unity.
House of Prayer
Mark 16:15-20
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Matthew 7:16-23
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Giving
2 Corinthians 9:6, 7 - But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 - So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Love one another
Romans 12:9, 10 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 - Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
This brings us back to the house that is established on the Word. If we are the Body of Christ, we are to bearing the fruit that comes from the Spirit of God. We are to be in unity one with another, fit together with one purpose and in love. The house of God must be built and up. We have a foundation, we have been taught the Word. It must now permeate the Body, become effective and powerful, and bring forth life in the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is ready to awaken and be re-built. God is calling His people to move forward in Him. He wants His Body to arise in strength, in health and in power. The Body of Christ needs to stand together in unity to accomplish what He wills.
It may mean, like in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, a time of confession, a time of learning, a time of sacrifice, a time of cleansing and a time of worship. God is ready for the house to built in our personal lives, in our homes, and in the Body of Christ. Let’s build His House!
