Topic: The Movement that Became a Monument
Text: Matthew 16:18
Introduction: Throughout history, God has desired a place where He can meet with humanity—
a sacred space where His presence dwells and where people encounter His holiness, truth, and
love. This began with the Tabernacle, a humble tent that moved with the Israelites in the
wilderness. Then, it became the Temple, a grand and permanent place of worship built in
Jerusalem. Finally, with Christ, this vision transformed as His presence moved into the hearts of
believers, creating the church—a living, breathing movement meant to spread the message of
salvation to all nations.
Yet, something has gone amiss. What began as a movement founded on the pure gospel of Jesus
Christ has, over the centuries, gradually shifted. In many places, the church today has become
more of a monument—an institution that remembers the movement but often fails to embody it.
Messages centered on Christ’s call to repentance, discipleship, and holiness have been
exchanged for diluted doctrines that prioritize personal prosperity, reputation, or popularity over
Christ's own words. The warnings Jesus gave to the seven churches in Revelation echo urgently
in our time, calling us back to our first love and urging us to remain true to His gospel.
Today, as we examine how the movement became a monument, we’ll explore how the church
can return to its roots, rekindling its true purpose and avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual stagnation.
This message is a call to be a living, active witness for Christ in our world today, honoring the
commission He left us and preparing for His return.
I. Foundations of the Movement: A Place for God to Meet with Man
The Tabernacle:
Exodus 25:8 – “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 40:34-38 – God’s glory fills the Tabernacle; His presence is visibly
among the Israelites.
The Temple:
1 Kings 8:10-13 – Solomon’s Temple is dedicated, and God’s glory fills the
Temple.
Isaiah 56:7 – “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
The Church:
Acts 2:42-47 – The early church model: fellowship, teaching, breaking of bread,
prayer.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Believers are God’s Temple; His Spirit dwells in them.
Hebrews 10:25 – Encouraging gathering together, not forsaking fellowship.
II. Jesus' Vision for the Church Movement
The Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching
them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Purity and Unity in the Faith:
Ephesians 4:1-6 – Paul’s exhortation to unity: “one body, one Spirit, one hope.”
John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for believers’ unity as a witness to the world.
The Church as the Light of the World:
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before
others.”
Philippians 2:15 – “...blameless and pure, children of God... you shine like stars in
the sky.”
III. From Movement to Monument: Drift and Deviation Over the Centuries
The Seven Churches in Revelation: Christ’s warnings about moral and doctrinal
corruption.
Ephesus: - Revelation 2:4-5 – “You have abandoned the love you had at first.
Remember… repent.”
Pergamum: - Revelation 2:14-15 – Allowing false teachings and idolatrous
practices.
Sardis: - Revelation 3:1 – Reputation for being alive but spiritually dead; a call to
wake up and strengthen what remains.
Laodicea: - Revelation 3:15-17 – Lukewarm, self-sufficient but spiritually
bankrupt; counsel to buy refined gold, white garments, and salve.
Modern-day Drift:
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound
teaching… they will turn away from listening to the truth.”
1 Timothy 6:5-10 – Warning against the love of money and false teachings that
profit materially.
2 Corinthians 11:4 – Paul warns of accepting a “different gospel.”
IV. Turning the Monument Back into a Movement: Rediscovering the Heart of the Gospel
Return to the First Love (Jesus):
Revelation 2:4-5 – “Remember from where you have fallen; repent, and do the
works you did at first.”
Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
Embrace True Discipleship and Evangelism:
Matthew 28:18-20 – Emphasis on discipleship in the Great Commission.
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.”
Guard Against Cultural Compromise:
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind.”
James 4:4 – Friendship with the world is enmity with God.
Prepare for Christ's Return:
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 – “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep
awake and be sober.”
Matthew 24:42-44 – Be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not
expect.
V. Practical Steps to Avoid Becoming a Monument
Self-Examination for Leaders and Members:
2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”
Psalm 139:23-24 – Prayer for God’s guidance in self-examination.
Accountability within the Body:
James 5:16 – Confess sins to one another and pray for healing and accountability.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourage and build one another up.
Commitment to Holiness and Truth:
1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Ephesians 5:27 – Christ’s desire for a church without stain or wrinkle.
Focus on Eternity:
Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – Paul’s metaphor of running the race for an imperishable
crown.
Conclusion: As we’ve journeyed from the Tabernacle to the Temple, to the early church, and
now to our time, we see that the heart of God has always been to dwell with His people. But
dwelling is not enough; He desires that we be alive with His Spirit, active in His calling, and
alert to His coming. The shift from a movement to a monument didn’t happen overnight, and
neither will our return to our first love. But through intentional reflection, repentance, and a
renewed commitment to Christ’s teachings, we can once again become a vibrant expression of
His body on earth.
Let us examine our hearts and our ministries: Are we living out Christ’s calling, or are we merely
honoring a memory? The time is short, and the world is desperate for truth. It’s our responsibility
to move from a place of complacency to one of passionate pursuit. Let us heed the warnings of
Revelation and rekindle the flame of the gospel in our lives. May we, the church, be found
faithful—not as a monument of past glory, but as a movement prepared for the return of our
Savior, Jesus Christ.
