The House of God
Apostle Joshua Selman | United Evangelical Church, Surulere, Lagos
Apostle Joshua Selman, during his visit to the United Evangelical Church in Surulere, Lagos, delivered a powerful message titled “The House of God.” His teaching centered on the biblical understanding of the church as the house of God, its role in the believer’s life, and the importance of honor and reverence for God’s presence. He expounded on the purpose of the church and the vital role it plays in the spiritual growth and development of individuals and communities.
Key Themes from the Message
1. The Church as the House of God
Apostle Selman opened the message by emphasizing that the church is not just a physical building, but the spiritual house of God, a dwelling place for God’s presence. He quoted 1 Timothy 3:15, which refers to the church as “the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
- The True Nature of the Church: The church is not merely an organization or a place of social gathering; it is the spiritual household where God resides. As believers, we are God’s temple, and the church is a collective expression of that temple.
- The Role of the Church: The house of God is where believers are nurtured, empowered, and trained for service. It is a place of transformation, where believers gather to worship, receive teaching, and grow spiritually.
2. The Presence of God in His House
Apostle Selman emphasized that God’s presence in His house is what makes it holy and distinct from all other places. The church, as the house of God, is meant to be a place of encounter with God’s presence, where lives are changed, and destinies are transformed.
- Honor and Reverence for God’s Presence: One of the key teachings was about the need to honor and reverence God’s presence in the house of God. The church should not be treated casually or irreverently, as it is the meeting place between humanity and divinity.
- The Power of God’s Presence: Apostle Selman taught that the presence of God is transformative. In His presence, sicknesses are healed, burdens are lifted, and lives are renewed. He encouraged the congregation to prioritize the presence of God in their lives, both in the church and in their personal spaces.
3. The Church as a Spiritual Family
The church is more than a physical location; it is a spiritual family where believers are connected to one another. Apostle Selman expounded on the idea that the church is a community where believers are called to love, support, and serve one another.
- Unity in the Body of Christ: He stressed the importance of unity in the church, highlighting that the church functions effectively when its members work in harmony, using their gifts to edify one another.
- Caring for One Another: Apostle Selman challenged the congregation to embrace the culture of caring for one another, sharing burdens, and providing support, particularly in times of need. The church should reflect the love and compassion of Christ in every aspect.
4. The House of God and Holiness
Apostle Selman taught that the house of God is not a place for compromise but a place where holiness is upheld. Just as God is holy, His house is to be holy, and the people who belong to His house are called to live according to His standards.
- Separation from Sin: He emphasized that the believer must live a life that reflects the holiness of God. The house of God is a place where sin is not tolerated, and believers must strive to live righteous lives, fully surrendering to God’s will.
- Consecration and Sanctification: Apostle Selman encouraged believers to consecrate themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify them, aligning their lives with God’s holiness.
5. The House of God: A Place for Worship and Service
Apostle Selman reminded the congregation that worship is the primary purpose of the house of God. The church exists to glorify God, and believers are called to offer their lives as sacrifices of worship.
- Worship as a Lifestyle: He explained that worship is not just about singing songs during service but a lifestyle that involves surrendering every area of life to God. The house of God is a place where worship is expressed in spirit and truth.
- Service in the House of God: The house of God is also a place where believers serve one another and advance the kingdom of God. He encouraged the congregation to serve diligently, using their gifts and talents to build the body of Christ.
Practical Implications for Believers
- Honor God’s House: Believers must treat the house of God with reverence, respecting the sanctity of the place and the presence of God.
- Live Holy Lives: The house of God is a reflection of God’s holiness. Believers should strive to live lives that honor God, reflecting His nature in their words and actions.
- Serve and Love One Another: The church is a spiritual family where believers are called to love and serve one another. Service in the house of God should be motivated by love and a desire to build up the body of Christ.
- Prioritize God’s Presence: The presence of God is what makes the house of God special. Believers should seek to experience and dwell in God’s presence, allowing it to transform every area of their lives.
Closing Charge
Apostle Selman concluded the service with a charge to the congregation:
- “The house of God is not just a place to attend; it is where you encounter God, where your life is transformed, and where you are equipped to fulfill your purpose. Let us honor God’s house by living holy lives, serving one another, and worshiping Him in spirit and truth. As you leave today, let the house of God be reflected in your life — a place of transformation, holiness, and the power of God’s presence.”
Takeaways
- The House of God is Holy: The church is where God’s presence dwells, and it must be treated with reverence.
- The Church is a Spiritual Family: Believers are called to love and serve one another, working in unity to build the kingdom of God.
- Holiness is Key: The house of God represents the holiness of God, and believers must live holy lives, reflecting His nature.
- Worship and Service: The purpose of the church is to glorify God through worship and to serve one another.
Apostle Selman’s message was a powerful reminder of the sacredness of the church, both as a place of encounter with God and as a community where believers grow, serve, and reflect the nature of Christ.
