A Sanctuary is defined as a safe space for non-secular practices such as praise and worship. Boundaries are drawn to separate the ways of the world from the ways of God. Although a church goes beyond brick and mortar, the Bible includes strict plans of how a church should be constructed including the dimensions and design of the sanctuary in a temple of worship.
Ezekiel 41:1-2—” Then he brought me into the sanctuary and measured the doorposts, six cubits wide on one side and six cubits wide on the other side—the width of the tabernacle. The width of the entryway was ten cubits, and the side walls of the entrance were five cubits on this side and five cubits on the other side; and he measured its length, forty cubits, and its width, twenty cubits.” A Sanctuary is a holy place, so therefore it should be regarded as such and made with stable foundations and a balanced design. The sanctum of a church is where the pastor stands at the pulpit to give his sermon.
I have read recently from other “Christian” blog sites about articles detailing “traditions” that need to be removed from Modern churches. One important detail they mentioned changing was the sermon itself. The article suggested that the preacher host an open-minded Q&A session as opposed to preaching the gospel. The concept of this “New Age” idea is that church goers will be given the opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions about the teachings. This however would be contradicting God’s plan for the church.
In 2 Timothy 4:2 he instructs us to— “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” We should all be spreading God’s Word, not question his Word. There is a time and place for answering questions and sharing perspectives such as Bible Study group events. The sermon is a time for believers to sit down and listen. There is a difference between hearing and listening, you can hear the words but listening gives it meaning. What is taught is learned and later applied to daily life as a Christian.
We are to represent Christ and our lives should reflect God’s love. The Pastor of a church has a special calling and spiritual gift to be ordained with this role, and the most important part of being a leader is of course leading. He is called not only to be a Doulos servant to the Lord but also a shepherd to his flock, his church family. He expresses God’s love, but that love can be “tough” because part of love is honesty. Luke 8:16— “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.” If the truth is hidden, that is a shameful lie just as if you were to act ashamed of your beliefs. In Proverbs 12:22 God expresses his disdain for lying— “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.” The truth is what sets us free, our opinions will not rescue us. Just like God, the Truth never changes but facts and opinions change over time.
In John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The truth is shared in the sermons and should not be missed because it is vital for building our relationship in Christ and coming to know God. Even the demons believe in God. There is more to salvation than just believing in God. These words are edification for the believer and instruct and guide us while the Holy Spirit coaches us. If what is spoken is not His Truth, then it is better suited for the parking lot. Just as you need you wear ALL parts of the Armor of God, you need to hear the Word to get your spiritual food, participate in fellowship, participate in praise and live in obedience (worship) the Lord. While we can read the Bible for ourselves, the Pastor of a church can lend an easier understanding of scripture through an exegetical analysis and testimony.
Michelle Warr
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