“God’s Dwelling Place # 3 by: Suzanne Teuben, Director of High School Ministry

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-15

Just as each of the building materials in the passage above has significance, so do those used to build the tabernacle. God gave very specific instructions to the builders; 50 chapters worth between the first five books of the Bible and the book of Hebrews. Today we will focus on the six building materials listed above, which can be separated into two categories. The first group contains the materials that can withstand fire: gold, silver, and costly stones. The second group contains the opposite, those that can be easily destroyed or burned in the fire: wood, hay, or straw.

As the passage says, our foundation as followers of Christ is Christ Himself. He is the foundation of our lives and our faith. And we can choose how and when to build on that foundation by the activities we choose to participate in, the people we hang out with, the things we watch, etc. We can either build on that foundation with materials from the first group or the second. As an example, humbly serving the homeless folks in Santa Ana with the Loving Hands Ministry will produce fruit and stand the quality test. On the other hand, serving others with a self-seeking attitude will not stand up before God. While it is good to serve people, more important is the heart behind the action.

Beth Moore led us through the following activity: Think about the ways you spend your energy throughout the day. It should be clear to you which of those things will withstand the fire and which will burn. And if you’re not sure, find a brother or sister in Christ who can help you discern which is which. Make it a point today to add to the former category as we strive to build the kingdom each and every day.

Striving to build on the Rock,
Suzanne Teuben

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