In New York City one can see some of the most ornate church buildings in the country. Within a short walk of Rockefeller Center one will see "St. Thomas' Church" or the world famous "St. Patrick's Cathedral." Buildings of costly stone and stained glass worth millions are not uncommon. Not only are these buildings magnificent, but also many contain art treasures that could never be replaced. All of these structures have one thing in common. They all claim to be "DEDICATED TO THE GLORY OF GOD. "

In the New Testament there is no authority for the building of an ornate structure "dedicated to the glory of God." It is true the early church came together in a place (I Cor. 14:23), and thus the church is authorized to provide a place to worship. However, the building "dedicated to the glory of God" is the obedient human being, and not a structure made with hands.

Paul told the people of God in Corinth "Ye are God's building" (I Cor. 3:9); and "know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you.... therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:19). Those today that obey God are His building dedicated to His glory, and God makes the promise that He will "dwell in them, and walk in them" (II Cor. 6:16).

An ornate building will glorify the architect that plans it, the artist that beautifies it, the builder that constructs it, and the congregation that pays for it; but God ".... dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands as though he needed anything . . ." (Acts 17: 25). Today the only building truly dedicated to God is the Lord's faithful people. Does your life make it obvious you are "DEDICATED TO THE GLORY OF GOD?" Or do you try letting a material building serve that purpose?

TRUTH MAGAZINE X: 9, p. 1a June 1966