"Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." Colossians 1:10
I recently had a couple of experiences that made me think a little bit about "Christian architecture". In relation to Christianity, you may think of architecture in the sense of construction of a church building or you may also think of the growth and maturity of a Christian soul.
This last weekend we went with my parents to the towns of Gramado and Canela - just a couple of hours away from Porto Alegre. While we were there my dad and I took in the architecture of a Catholic church. I must admit that I admire and love the stone work and the stain glass windows. Man really can build some amazing structures! However, it is my opinion that too much emphasis is given to the physical aspects of a building.
Today I spent about an hour and a half studying with a good friend named, Cesar. Cesar has been a part of the house church that meets in our home for almost a year. A couple of weeks ago Cesar told us that we wanted to be baptized! He grew up in a religious home and already has a knowledge of Jesus Christ. As we studied today we talked about the difference between having religion and having a relationship with Jesus. We talked about the significance of baptism and what it means to be a new creation in Jesus. It was a great study for us as Cesar prepares to live his life for Jesus. As we talked I could see how his soul will soon be a new structure in Christ. He knows that the next step is his baptism. I expect that it is very possible he will show his love for Jesus through his baptism this coming Sunday. Whenever it is Cesar decides to be baptized we have committed to spend every Tuesday for the foreseeable future studying Christian living and answering any questions or doubts Cesar may have. As he continues to study (just like all of his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ) he will grow into "Christian architecture" that is shaped and formed by grace, mercy and love. This is the most beautiful architecture of all.
From left to right: Paulo Renato, Leni & Cesar. This photo was taken moments after Cesar told us of his desire to be baptized.
1 comment:
That made me think of 1 Peter 2:4-5.
4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.
Cool stuff.
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