A Call to Ministers of the Gospel
As ministers of the Gospel, we bear a sacred responsibility to build God’s Church according to His divine pattern. This calling is not merely architectural but profoundly spiritual, demanding unwavering faithfulness, wisdom, and dedication. The Scriptures provide us with clear guidance on how to fulfill this mandate.
The Pattern of God’s House
In Colossians 1:28 (NLT), we are reminded of the essence of our mission: “We tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.” This verse underscores the dual nature of our work—proclamation and discipleship. We are to preach Jesus, issue warnings against spiritual dangers, and teach with wisdom, helping believers grow toward maturity in Christ.
Similarly, 1 Peter 2:5 declares, “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 paints a vivid picture of believers as living stones, forming a spiritual edifice where sacrifices pleasing to God are offered. Each of us has a role in this construction, contributing to the collective holiness and purpose of God’s house.
Christ: The Chief Cornerstone
Hebrews 3:1-6 highlights Christ’s faithfulness as the Son over God’s house, drawing a parallel to Moses’ faithfulness in building God’s earthly tabernacle. Christ is the chief cornerstone, the foundation upon which everything rests. It is through Him that we find stability and purpose. As His house, we are called to hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. Faithfulness in building God’s house entails unwavering trust in Christ and steadfast hope.
Paul’s Example: A Builder of People
For the Apostle Paul, nothing was more important than building up the people of God and presenting them perfect in Christ Jesus. He was relentless in his efforts, constantly evaluating, admonishing, and warning churches, leaders, and saints. He cautioned against deception by false apostles, prophets, teachers, and every form of cunning trickery designed to lead believers astray. In doing so, Paul exemplified vigilance and dedication to preserving the truth and purity of God’s house.
We are reminded in Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” The fear of the Lord should guide our every action, grounding us in wisdom as we build God’s spiritual edifice.
A Call to Sobriety and Watchfulness
In these perilous times, it is crucial for us to remain sober, watchful, and prayerful. The winds of false doctrines and the cunning of unscrupulous individuals pose constant threats to the spiritual integrity of God’s house. As leaders, we must stand firm, discerning truth from error, and leading the flock with vigilance and care.
Conclusion
Building God’s house is not a task to be taken lightly. It demands bold proclamation of Christ, wise teaching, and sober caution against spiritual pitfalls. It is a labor of love and faith, grounded in the fear of the Lord and empowered by His wisdom. As ministers, we are called to present every believer as mature in Christ, ensuring that God’s house stands firm as a beacon of hope and truth in a world fraught with challenges. May we hold fast to this calling and glorify God through the work of building His spiritual house.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 