We could have been anywhere, but on Saturday 18th April we gathered there to think about the everywhere task of temple-building. When was the last time you stopped to consider temple building? That God is a temple builder (Exodus 15:17, Psalm 78:69)? That the Lord Jesus is a temple builder who promised to raise up a temple and to build his church (John 2:19, Matthew 16:18)? That by the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22) and by the temple-church-body itself (Ephesians 4:16) there is a temple-church-body being built from amongst all nations? And that if you are part of his body, the church, then you are built to build near and far, even amongst the less reached and less resourced?
In accordance with the EU’s longstanding third object, ‘to ensure that Christians in the University are made aware of the nature, needs and challenge of Christian service at home and abroad,’ nearly 140 gathered at SMBC to be encouraged to take their next missional steps. We enjoyed the formal moments in main sessions, with Bible talks and song, as well as seminars, interviews and construction sites canvassing mission agencies, bible colleges, training opportunities, and needs in Europe, rural Australia, Asia, and the Muslim world. We also enjoyed informal moments in discussion groups and during breaks, making the most of SMBC’s glorious lawn and the straight-from-the-oven Portuguese tarts.
We were encouraged by the immense privilege of being built by God into a dwelling place for God. Precious people built upon his precious son. For although many hear temple and think of blood, sacrifice, and weird sacred rituals, we ought instead to marvel at propinquity with God. As David said, ‘better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere’ (Psalm 84:10). As Jesus said, ‘In my Father’s house are many rooms…I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also’ (John 14:2-3). Built by God, we can with David confidently say, ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever’ (Psalm 23:6).
But we were also challenged by the privileged task of being built to build. The great group assignment. Our family business of building an all-nations church near and far. We realised that building permeates the New Testament. In Thessalonians we are commanded, ‘build one another up’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). And Romans, ‘pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding’ (Romans 14:19). And Jude, ‘building yourselves up’ (Jude 1:20). And indeed Corinthians, where we are told to ‘strive to excel in building up the church’ (1 Corinthians 14:12). And where we learn that temple building is the work of the LORD in which we must abound, knowing our labour is not in vain.
Of course, this building project is not only near but also far. Not only amongst the well-reached and well-resourced, but even amongst the less reached and resourced. For the Lord Jesus is not building only our local churches, but his one church. The one body, the one flock, the one bride, the one vine, the one holy temple wherein he will forever dwell. And there are still construction sites that are less reached, with little chance to hear of Jesus. Places where Paul longed to build when he made it his ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (Romans 15:23).
And there are construction sites that are less resourced, with less translations, training, and churches. We were shocked to learn that around 85% of evangelical churches today do not have a single theologically trained worker. In many places throughout Africa, one pastor without training needs to pastor 2, 4, or even up to 15 churches. And that nearly 30 of our 150 Australian delegates had over 9 theologically trained people in their local churches.
Of course, if the Lord does not build with us, then builders labour in vain. So please join us in praying that what we learned and how we were upbuilt would lead to abounding building. Please thank God for the team of six students who laboured to prepare the conference. And pray especially for the at least 17 who pledged themselves to prayerfully consider going for the next 5 years and doing something about it this year.
