Ephesians 2:19-22 states we are to be built together as a habitation for God, for Him to dwell in the Spirit. We are to grow into a holy temple in the Lord. This should be true for every relationship and especially for every church as a household of God. Every household holds a family with a father and mother. Every father is to raise other sons to become fathers too in the same household. Every household is built according a spiritual DNA built out of the vision of the house and the resident gifting in the man that God gave the vision. The vision in turn activates the potentials in everyone who is called to be a part of the house. As they get connected, their gifts get activated and they begin to recognize their roles and places in the fulfillment of the vision of the house. The Holy Spirit is allowed to build and connect us according to the blueprint of God for the house.

There is no room for strife, jealousy or any work of the flesh if we intend to build a spiritual house. Unfortunately we allow these things without any consideration for their impact on what we are building. Some gather stones and imagine they have a building. Stones need to be shaped into particular frames before they fit into the design of the house. In Solomon’s temple, stones were brought from the quarry and used to fit the design of the temple without extra sharpening. We are called living stones in 1 Peter 2:5, that are being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said He will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18). His church is His people called out of darkness into His marvelous light, who will do His bidding, express His will on earth as they bring recognition to Him and glory to His name. They are trained, developed and shaped for His purposes as they yield to His Spirit, follow after His Word and get connected with His plans and purposes. These principles are not without the relational content. The currency of the Spirit is relationships. God connects people for His purposes to be fulfilled on earth. Many of the ingredients that God wants to bring into peoples lives are inside other human beings. (The seed of a thing is in itself). When God wants to put something into your life, He may connect you with others who already have some of it and through the relationship build more of the substance into both parties. Mary needed the encouragement that the miracle of the virgin birth was not exclusive as Elizabeth was also expecting John. The baby John leapt in the womb as his mother heard the greeting from Mary.

Destinies are connected in the plan of God whenever there are inner movements in us as we hear others speak the words God has given them to say. It is this type of connection that should characterize the coming together to build the household of God. The Spirit of God draws us to the place and people He wants us connected to. Those planted by God in His house will flourish wherever they are planted. We are called the planting of the Lord, the sheep of His pasture, the apple of His eyes as well as His House, a holy Nation, a peculiar people. God is interested in every detail of our lives. We are His and do not belong to ourselves. We are to give Him pleasure not ourselves. His will is to be done not ours.

The rubbing off on one another in a correct way is the pattern for building a spiritual house. The foundation of this house is the Apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the Chief cornerstone. The life, message, dedication and focus of the apostolic people should be what lays the foundation for this house, globally and locally. In these qualities, we find the keys to access the divine attributes in God for the house. When the house is built accurately, the Lord Jesus will be seen as the Chief cornerstone that will be displayed for all to see.

The following are some of the principles that are necessary to build a spiritual house.

The bonding must be of the heart not just of the head. Harmony between the spirits and souls of the people is usually not an easy attainment. The vision, the ethos and the help of the Holy Spirit are essential in this process. The bonding is also of a covenant nature. We are in covenant for the good of others. My strength is made available to you whenever you need it. We have a common destiny and are striving for it together. Together we are bringing honour and glory to our Lord. We cannot tolerate disharmony or rivalry. We complement not compete. We take our own place and run the race set before us as we encourage others in their own race too. With God as our focus and the expression of His Kingdom as our passion, we run together the race set before us. We must not let distance separate us in this Kingdom commitment. Many have the notion that they can go to just any church especially one closest to their homes. There is no spiritual reason for that. You should go where God planted you. King Jeroboam built similar temples to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship at the place God ordained for them to worship. God knows to get all you need to you at the place where He planted you.

Gifts need to be discovered, developed and deployed for the use of Kingdom growth. The Kingdom is larger than the church. The church is the training ground for Kingdom activities. The Keys of knowledge are made available in and to the church. The Church is God’s storehouse where souls are perfected through the exercise of the gifts given to the Body. Training and releasing takes place in the church. Healing and growing is also happening here. Worship of the highest sort takes place in the church. God inhabits the praises of His people. God's mind is known, His wisdom is accessed and a new dynamic is released as the family comes into a degree of unity that brings about great manifestations of the power of God. Where God is, all needs are met, problems are solved and lives take on fulfillment. The beauty of God’s creation is seen in the church of God.

Whatever methods we take on will be as a result of deep communion with God and spiritual agreement among us. The presence of God will make things work. The enemy will always be defeated, as the power of agreement will keep him fleeing as from terror. The church will be God's mouthpiece on the earth. God will be amongst His people. The prophecies of Micah and Isaiah will find fulfillment. Isaiah 2:2-3 and Micah 4:1-2. These principles will build churches and families in Christ. Every one has a role to play. Every one has something to contribute as they grow. As each person takes their place in God, they are better able to fulfill their roles. The vision should be clear to all. Visions from God need all to develop and contribute their parts. When we commit to vision, God makes the provisions available. We shall not lack in any area. God bless us as we build a spiritual house unto the Lord.

Rev Kola Ewuosho