“Now it will come that in the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:2-3 “And it will come about in the last days that the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, ‘ Come and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD and to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us about His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’ For from Zion will go forth the law, even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:1-2

GOD’S HOUSE: A Fellowship of Teaching Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Timothy 3:15

God predestined teaching the word of the Lord to be central to His house establishment. Under the Law of Moses (Leviticus 10:11; Malachi 2:7) New Testament customs The spiritual house of God is a holy and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,…” Hebrews 5:11 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Christ’s church is to produce healthy spiritual growth based upon the communication of truth. Ephesians 4:11-16 Constructive growth and unity is attained through ministers whom the Lord has ordained (v. 11). Equip Christians by “speaking the truth in love” (v. 15) Elders (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9) Evangelists (2 Timothy 4:2) Praise God; admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)

The God-ordained work of the church does not gratify man’s unquenchable earthly appetites. Our Savior did not purchase and build His church for the church to provide student centers, recreational centers, lodges, camps, gymnasiums, hospitals, nursing homes, colleges and career centers; nor sponsor talent shows, banquets, scout troops, sport teams, rallies, retreats and concerts.

The God-ordained work of the church does not gratify man’s unquenchable earthly appetites. The true church of Christ is the pillar and support of the truth – the word of God which converts, saves and transforms souls into men of God.