® Hertzler Farm and Feed Inc.

[Back]

Temple or Church?

It was December of 2003 and we were visiting the ancient ruins of the       Indians in Mexico.   The Indians had built a magnificent fortress on a high knoll with a steep bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  A sturdy, tall, wide rock wall surrounded the other three sides.  Crumbling ruins and stone foundations have weathered the elements of time.  Still standing on the height of the knoll was a huge temple of worship.  The temple was surrounded by stone walls and steep steps led to the top. 

Our tour guide asked a question. What is the difference between a temple and a church?

My mind immediately went to I Corinthians 3: 16 “Do you not know that you are the temple of the God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  Suddenly that scripture took on new meaning. My body is a temple; a holy dwelling place for the Spirit of a holy God.  My body is not a church.  A church is a where a group people gather.  Everyone may enter; everyone is welcomed.  A church is not holy but holy people are invited to worship.

Great care is taken to ensure the sanctity of a temple.  Walls provide a perimeter of separation and guards prevent unlawful entrance.  Great care is given to the design, maintenance and ritual. It is a serious to offend the god who lives in a temple. 

I Corinthians 3: 17 “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple are you?”

December 20, 2003

By Pat Hertzler