(Sundaycast) Exalt! (Nehemiah 9:5; 1 Cor 10:31)(Discipleship)

EXALT! The two buildings in the image are directly across from each other in Istanbul. They both reflect the importance of creating worship structures in which the glory of their god can be exalted. At one time the Hagia Sophia was the largest church in Christendom built by the Emperor Justinian. Since the fall of Constantinople it has gone through several transformations of purpose. About 6 years ago, it changed again from a museum to a mosque. The Blue Mosque, pictured on the right side, was built about 1000 years after the Hagia Sophia by the Sultan Ahmet 1. When visitors come to Istanbul these two buildings are visited most of all by tourists. Today also is the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis. As we know, he was a man who humbled himself rather that enjoy the exaltation of his family and wealth. His life is not measured by a buildings which might exalt him but rather by building up the church of Christ. We all know that we are called to be living stones in the Kingdom of God on earth. As our hymn today helps us claim, the church’s one foundation is not structures but it is Jesus our Lord living and working through you and me. We are God’s temple on earth. God’s choice of you and me exalts our Lord.