As we come to dedicate the remodeled auditorium, we know that the New Testament example of church buildings are non-existentant. In the New Testament, the church met in the houses. The only Biblical accounts of "church buildings" are in the Old Testament and there the theology is different. In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the Tabernacle or Temple and we know that today that is not the case.

The closest example then we can find of dedicating an existing building to God would be the dedication of the rebuilding of the Temple. This took place when the people of God came out of Babylonian captivity under the leadership of men like Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah and Haggai.

In Haggai, we see some truths that have relevance for us today as we dedicate our remodeled auditorium.

Before they would rebuild the Temple, Haggai had to challenge them to "Consider thy ways." This church has done the same as we have realized that the Auditorium needed updating and we have repented of our error in keeping up the House of God.

When they repented, there was a renewal of the Spirit within them. We have seen the same.

As they began the project, they were reminded of the promises of God that "He was with them" and that "the glory of the latter would be greater than the former."

The people rebuilt the Temple battling through periods of discouragement and opposition. A church is never any stronger than that which will stop them from fulfilling their purposes and plans.

This period produced a great time of their faith being renewed and strengthen. It was a time of renewal of their outlook for the Messiah as well as synagogues being formed for the teaching of the Law.