Scaffolded Church

Those of you who didn't get a chance to see and hear Bill's presentation on the Church in China missed a great one! It was so interesting to hear about this country that contains so much of the world's population -- how they live and worship there.

The one image that stood out for me, I believe Bill attributed to Bishop Ting of China. Bill said that many of the churches in China are under repair or under construction, so there's scaffolding enveloping many of them. The bishop sees this as a fine metaphor for the church in China--it has a shape that shifts from time to time as things evolve, and the church that will be is emerging from within the scaffolding. It can't be seen just yet, but it is being shaped day by day.

Isn't that great? And it's a great way to view "sanctification" as well. Sanctification is the Spirit's work of making us holy--more and more like Jesus each day. Our spiritual beings are emerging from the framework of our human existence, to be revealed as complete on the day of the Lord. Until then we continue to build upon the foundation of Christ Jesus and work towards making the here and now as close in form to the future as possible.

Oh God, we are all works of you, the master builder. Guide your church in China as it evolves, aid her leaders, empower her people. And be with us as we continue to be formed by your Holy Spirit! Amen