1 Peter 2:6 (NKJV) “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone…”
Ephesians 2:20-22 (NKJV) “…Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
From the beginning of creation, the Lord has sought to dwell among His people. In the Old Testament, this dwelling place was physically manifested by first the tabernacle and second the temple in Jerusalem. In both cases, each was carefully built according to the Lord’s pattern revealed to man. Acacia wood, precious metals and the finest cloths comprised the tabernacle; quarried marble, cedars from Lebanon and gold were used to build the temple. In our New Testament times, the Lord is seeking a home of far greater dimension and glory than the buildings of old. He is after His Church: a spiritual dwelling place, a body of believers, a holy habitation fit for God.
What is this new dwelling place built upon? None other than His Son, Jesus Christ. The Father has ordained Christ as the chief cornerstone, and we are the living stones placed in full reliance upon the Cornerstone and built together into a spiritual house. But to be built together, each stone must submit to the design of the architect and the chisel of the stonemason – only then will each stone be carved into its proper shape and fitted in its place. The Lord is calling us to leave the world behind, offer ourselves as living sacrifices and be transformed so that the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God would be fully expressed among His Church.
May we be captured by the Lord and His design. May we see His desire and own faithfulness to the building work. May we find that it is indeed marvelous in our eyes, and respond with joy and gladness, “He is worthy of it all.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________
The per person cost of the Retreat is $267, to be met by love offering. An offering collection box will be available at the Retreat, and offerings may also be made at HCA. Checks should be made out to "Houston Christian Assembly" with "2026 Winter Retreat" in the memo line.
Note: Registration will close on November 30 (or sooner if capacity is reached). Full-time attendance and participation is strongly encouraged. If you have any questions, please contact the retreat coordinators at franklin.y.shen@gmail.com and joel.t.hrncir@gmail.com.