On Sunday evening, February 8th, 1976, in Richmond, Virginia, Brother Stephen delivered a ministry emphasizing the divine pattern of building and the spiritual reality of the church. He highlighted that all earthly structures, including the tabernacle built by Moses, are shadows and representations of heavenly realities that exist eternally with God. The Lord Jesus declared His intention to build His church upon the rock of Peter’s confession, ensuring that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. However, while God Himself is the ultimate builder of the city and the church, believers are also involved in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, using materials that reflect either divine or human nature. Stephen stressed that God's building is perfect and complete, whereas human efforts are often flawed due to limited understanding and dim vision. He explained that we see through a dim window now, but with more light, our view will become clearer, and the shadow of our efforts will fade into the reality in heaven. The ministry also touched on the importance of building the local church correctly, according to divine patterns, as a reflection of the universal church. Ultimately, Stephen urged humility, faithfulness, and dependence on God's light to ensure that our building aligns with His eternal purpose, so that one day, the shadow will disappear in the full reality of God's heavenly city.
All earthly structures are shadows of heavenly realities in God's eternal plan.
God is the ultimate builder of the church and the city, and His work is perfect and complete.
Believers participate in building the church upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, using divine or human materials.
Our current view is limited and dim; more divine light is needed to see the true reality clearly.
The church has two aspects: the universal church built by Christ and the local church we participate in building.
Building according to divine patterns is essential to avoid misrepresentation and flaws.
Humility, faithfulness, and dependence on God's light are crucial for proper building.
The ultimate goal is that the shadow on earth will fade into the full reality in heaven.
We must live in the light of the judgment seat of Christ, ensuring our work is aligned with God's eternal purpose.
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: