“I love thy church O God . . .” Going to church in Germany taught me the difference between the building and the body of Christ. In our town of Gross Gerau there was a large Lutheran church with a clock and chimes. Our town was large enough to get lost, but if I could find that church I knew my way home. All across Europe were magnificent church buildings, visible reminders of the historic influence and significance of Christianity. Meanwhile our church met above a gasthaus or bar. It had once been a dance hall but we turned it into a church. With a piano and a choir we lifted our praises to God. Our pastor Jim Hallcom reminded us of God’s great love as he preached.
The earliest church building locations have been dated to the second century in present day Syria. Before that the church met in the temple courts and from house to house in Jerusalem. Peter had been to the temple and he had also been to church. Writing to the scattered saints of the first century, Peter reminded them that Jesus, the living stone, is the cornerstone. Christians are living stones, connected to Christ and each other, being built into a spiritual house. In 2:9, Peter calls the Christians by the same titles reserved for the Old Testament people of God: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Our worship is a sacrifice of praise to God.
“I love thy church, O God; her walls before me stand,
Dear as the apple of thine eye, and graven on thy hand.
For her my tears shall fall, for her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be given till toils and care shall end.”
