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Christ's Body Building 117

Basilica of Tirana (4th century) Later, when purpose built churches were constructed, they were still not modeled on Greek or Roman Temples but on secular meeting halls, or market places, called basilicas. Christians themselves are intended to be building blocks in Christ's body building. Peter writes, "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."¹ Like bricks cemented one upon anotherin Christ's body building, they share and transmit the roof's load. They shield those inside from the storms of life. Paul adds, "In him (Christ), 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 the Spirit."²

Stonework Christ's body building has Jesus as the largest immovable foundation block. Jesus is know as a carpenter but the Greek word used means "artisan" and a number of scholars believe this means that Jesus worked in stone as well as wood. From this massive cornerstone base emanate all lines and elevations in the structure formed by the artisan. Paul writes, "Consequently you are ... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."³ Good masonry blocks are constructed high enough so that the vulnerable clay brickwork is not eroded by rainwater running down the street. Massive corners are very important in an earthquake zone like Palestine. Such is Christ's body building

¹ 1 Peter 2.5.² Ephesians 2.21,22. ³ Ephesians 2.19,20.

"Christ's Body Building."

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