This past weekend, we heard how the Babylonians conquered the Southern Kingdom. Most importantly, the city of Jerusalem. In destroying the Temple, the loss felt by God's chosen people was profound and faith-shattering. Jesus reminds us that God is greater than any building. We can fall in love with our buildings. Our churches are adorned with beautiful stained glass and furnishings, yet deep down we know that it is the Gospel that gives us life and understanding, as Jesus once said, "Where two or three are gathered, there am I in the midst of them." He did not say "just in church." Church buildings will always have a place in our hearts. They are the places where we heard the Word and sang the songs, but even amid destruction and abandonment, God is still present and alive in each of us.

Dig Deeper:

Where was the most “unusual” setting for a “worship” service that you experienced?

Speaker: Pastor Craig Larson

July 12, 2026

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