Build The Temple

Our previous post encouraged each of us to ensure our souls do not lie in ruins, since we are the temple of God. We now want to take it one step further, extending it to the souls of others; that is, we desire to build the temple of God a little larger. Those who became true believers in the last century are no strangers to this concept. They grew up singing this song, and it is so relevant to this topic that we present it here for our encouragement and their enjoyment. Old-time believers, enjoy!

1. Hark! the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?

Fields are white, the harvest waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”

Loud and long the Master calleth, Rich reward He offers free;

Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, O Lord, send me”?

2. If you cannot cross the ocean and the heathen lands explore,

You can find the heathen nearer, you can help them at your door;

If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul,

You can tell the love of Jesus; you can say He died for all.

Will You Build The Temple?

We pause here to examine how these lines encourage us to build the temple. It shows us strategies we may, by ourselves, not be aware of. Not many people will be able to cross an ocean, but is there someone in your neighborhood whom you can inform about Jesus? I live in a nation where most of us do not even know our neighbors. How can we begin to build the temple of God in those lives when we do not take the trouble to befriend them?

In this effort, very few will ever be able to preach like Paul or sing like angels. When it comes to singing, I am always grateful that God allows us to make a joyful noise to Him. That is because making a joyful noise, with the emphasis on noise, is all I can do. But because my noise is filled with joy and gratitude, God uses it to save souls.

What about you? Now that you see it is our responsibility to build the temple of God beyond our own souls, can you begin to use your social media to save souls? You do not have to cross an ocean to do that. Even your small talk in the market can turn from gossip to an effort to build the temple. Can you tell as many people as possible that Jesus died for them? At the bus station, at the airport? Everywhere you find yourself?

There Is Something You Can Do

I used to have a car that could best be described as a dog; you could never be sure it would start on any given morning. It became a game between me and the devil; if you stop my car, several people will hear the gospel. On the day the car would not start, I would grab a bunch of Christian tracts and head for the bus stop. My commute involved three different buses. Imagine the number of people on those three vehicles who would hear that Jesus died for them. The devil also imagined it and promptly stopped messing with my car. Satan was afraid of those efforts to build the temple of God. Now, you may be too shy to do that; The next two verses of that ageless and beloved song are for you:

3. If you cannot be the watchman, standing high on Zion’s wall,

Pointing out the path to heaven, offering life and peace to all;

With your prayers and with your bounties, you can do what Heaven demands,

You can be like faithful Aaron, holding up the prophet’s hands.

4. While the souls of men are dying, and the Master calls for you,

Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do!”

Gladly take the task He gives you, let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, O Lord, send me.”

Can you pray? Can you support others? Do not be like someone I used to know, who amended the last line of this hymn. His version was: Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, but please send her.” We did not realize at the time that he was praying for me. But now that God has sent me, I am writing – that is all I can do – and I am grateful to God. He is helping me to build the temple to glorify Him

These People Build The Temple

What about writing? Go for it? Right now, we have a writing project: a book to be titled “What is Mercy?” Readers contribute a chapter of 4000 words on a situation that did not at first appear merciful but which turned out to be a blessing. The response has been exciting. You can join us as we build the temple of God, because such stories will help the people of God stand strong.

We cannot end this post without giving credit to two wonderful ladies who are doing all they can to build the temple of God. There is Abena B., a co-author of Heaven Readiness blog posts. And then there is Titi B., who has translated one of the books in our stable into French. She read “No longer a Slave to the church,” obtained permission to translate it because French speakers needed to hear the message, and has completed the work.

These people are doing their best to build the temple of God. What will you do? Do not let the souls of men die on your watch.

Maranatha!