This blog is based of a sermon preached by Rev. Andrew Gardner at Heart Church, you can listen to the full message here.
In the grand tapestry of faith, few images are as powerful and multifaceted as those depicting the Church. Far from being a mere building or institution, the Church is a living, breathing entity – one that God is continually shaping and refining. Through three vivid pictures, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of this divine masterpiece.
Picture 1: A Temple of Living Stones
Imagine a magnificent temple, its walls once standing tall and imposing, now lying in ruins. But from these ruins, something extraordinary is happening. Each broken stone is being carefully lifted, examined, and placed into a new structure. This new temple isn’t made of uniform, perfect bricks. Instead, it’s composed of irregular, sometimes fractured stones – each one unique, each one essential.
This is the Church. We are those stones, broken and imperfect, yet chosen by the Master Builder. The apostle Paul beautifully captures this image in Ephesians 2:19-22:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Our brokenness doesn’t disqualify us; rather, it’s precisely what God uses to create something beautiful. In this living temple, there’s no room for pretense or facades. We come as we are, with all our flaws and rough edges, and God skillfully fits us together. The mortar that binds us? Nothing less than the love of Christ.
Picture 2: A Body Growing in Love
From architecture, we shift to biology. The Church is also described as a body – not static, but dynamic and growing. Just as a child matures into adulthood, the Church is called to grow up into the fullness of Christ. This growth isn’t just about size or numbers; it’s about depth, maturity, and above all, love.
Paul expands on this image in Ephesians 4:16:
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Like the intricate network of ligaments and tendons that hold our physical bodies together, it’s love that binds the Church. This love isn’t just a warm feeling; it’s the very “superglue” that allows us to function as one body despite our differences and imperfections.
In a world quick to “cancel” those who falter, the Church is called to be radically different. We’re a hospital for the broken, not a museum for the perfect. When we stumble or hurt each other – and we will – it’s love that enables us to forgive, heal, and grow stronger together.
Picture 3: The Beloved Bride
The final picture takes us from biology to romance. The Church is portrayed as the bride of Christ, cherished and adored by her bridegroom. This image speaks to the depth of Christ’s love and commitment to His people.
Ephesians 5:25-27 paints this picture vividly:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
To truly grasp the power of this metaphor, consider the story of the Bedraggled Bride:
A beautiful bride walks down the aisle, radiant and full of joy. Suddenly, she begins to hear the cruel thoughts of the wedding guests. Their judgments and criticisms manifest physically – her bouquet wilts, her dress stains, her limp becomes pronounced. Overwhelmed, she collapses into her groom’s arms.
But the groom sees beyond these imperfections. He confronts those who would judge his bride, restoring her beauty and declaring his unwavering love. In his eyes, she is perfect, and his love transforms her.
This is how Christ sees His Church. Where others (and even we ourselves) might see flaws and failures, He sees beauty and potential. His love doesn’t just accept us; it transforms us.
Living as God’s Masterpiece
These three pictures – the temple, the body, and the bride – offer profound insights into our identity and purpose as the Church:
- We are works in progress. God is not finished with us yet. Our imperfections are opportunities for His grace to shine.
- We need each other. No stone builds a temple alone, no body part functions in isolation, and a bride is incomplete without her groom. We’re designed for community and interdependence.
- Love is our foundation. It’s the mortar between the stones, the ligaments of the body, and the bond between bride and groom. Without love, we cannot truly be the Church.
- Our identity is in Christ. He is the cornerstone, the head, and the bridegroom. Our worth and purpose flow from our relationship with Him.
- We are deeply loved. Despite our flaws and failures, Christ cherishes us as His beloved bride.
As we reflect on these truths, let’s embrace our role in God’s living masterpiece. Let’s be a Church that welcomes the broken, grows in love, and radiates the beauty of Christ to a world in desperate need of His transforming grace.
In the end, we are not defined by our past mistakes or present struggles. We are defined by the love of the One who sees us as we truly are – and loves us anyway. That love has the power to turn a collection of broken stones into a breathtaking temple, a group of imperfect people into a unified body, and a flawed humanity into a radiant bride.
This is the Church. This is who we are called to be.
Want to go deeper?
Here is a 5 day devotional reading plan based on this message
Day 1: Broken Stones, Beautiful Temple
Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
Devotional: Just as a master builder carefully selects and places each stone, God is building His church with us – broken, imperfect people. We may feel inadequate or unworthy, but in God’s hands, our brokenness becomes beautiful. He doesn’t discard us for our flaws; instead, He uses them to create a dwelling place for His Spirit. Today, reflect on how God is using your unique experiences, even the painful ones, to shape you into a vital part of His spiritual house. How can you embrace your role in God’s grand design, imperfections and all?
Day 2: The Superglue of Christ’s Love
Reading: Ephesians 4:15-16
Devotional: In the body of Christ, love acts as a powerful adhesive, holding us together despite our differences and imperfections. Just as ligaments connect bones and allow for movement, Christ’s love enables us to function as one body, growing and building each other up. Consider how you’ve experienced this “superglue” of love in your faith community. Are there areas where you need to allow Christ’s love to bind you more closely to others? How can you be an agent of this unifying love in your relationships today?
Day 3: The Bride’s Beauty
Reading: Ephesians 5:25-27
Devotional: Christ sees His church – sees you – as His radiant bride. Despite our flaws and failures, He chooses to love us unconditionally, working tirelessly to present us pure and spotless. Reflect on moments when you’ve felt unlovable or unworthy. Now, imagine how Christ sees you – cherished, beautiful, and worth dying for. How does this perspective change your self-image and your approach to others? Today, strive to see yourself and fellow believers through Christ’s eyes of love.
Day 4: Breaking Down Walls
Reading: Ephesians 2:14-18
Devotional: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just for personal salvation; it was to demolish the barriers that separate us from God and each other. What walls exist in your life – prejudices, unforgiveness, or fear – that keep you from fully experiencing God’s presence or loving others? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these barriers and give you the courage to let Christ’s cross break them down. How can you extend this reconciling work of Christ in your relationships and community today?
Day 5: Growing in Christ’s Love
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Devotional: Paul prays for believers to be rooted and established in love, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. This love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a transformative power that enables us to mature spiritually and reflect God’s character. Today, meditate on the vastness of Christ’s love for you. How can you allow this love to take deeper root in your life? Ask God to fill you to overflowing with His love, so that it spills out to everyone you encounter.
PS DAN CRONIN 