When Jesus was revealed as the Christ in Matthew 16:18, He immediately declared His purpose for the Church Age (2000 years from the birth of Christ until he is to return for the Church). He said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”… I believe this is the Greatest Commission of all – everything else fits under this.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:10, 

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.”

It seems like there is a theme of building in the New Testament. Today, it isn’t about building buildings as much as it is about building people. We are the church today. Buildings are a tool, but people are our focus. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said to “Go make disciples of all nations”. These were first steps in building the church! 

There are other parts to building the church but none as important as discipling people. This process sets people free from things that personally hold them back from what they have been redeemed from. This process will maximize a persons life on the earth. 
Discipleship grows us up, develops our personality, helps us not to be controlled and ruined by runaway emotions and helps us to overcome anger, insecurities and immaturity. In this process of discipleship we renew our minds to Gods word – building a powerful partnership with God. Every person that is a disciple gets to walk this path as far as they want to go in becoming a leader, a better friend, a better husband or wife, a better father or mother … It is incredible and seems to be endless in its rewards!

If we looked in the mirror today and asked ourselves, “What am I building?”… what would be our answer? If you aren’t sure, find a place that is building people and connect, listen, learn and eventually lead this process with others.

Always Building,

John