Steven A. Bush - February 9, 2014
Ye Are The Temple
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in the Ivory Coast, Africa, is billed as the largest church in the world. It was designed to replicate St. Peter's basilica in Rome. Costing 300 million dollars to build, it's marble was imported from Italy and it contains 7000 square meters of stained glass. It holds 18,000 people--7,000 sitting and another 11,000 standing. And on most Sunday mornings it sits just about empty. We may worship in cathedrals, clapboard country churches, in cozy basement family rooms, or in the African bush but it's the people of God that make our places of worship beautiful and ornate. They are the living stones that make such places jump. Collectively, and no matter where we gather, we are the living, breathing, Spirit-filled church, commissioned to preach the Gospel, make disciples, minister to the poor, called to be salt and light in our various spheres, while with joy and thanksgiving we employ our talents, gifts, and graces for the glory of our great and mighty God. "Know ye not ye are the temple of the Holy Ghost?!" Yay and Amen!