Speech: Powell Butte Christian Church Dedication

Remarks delivered at the dedication of the Powell Butte Christian Church
By Crook County Judge Scott R. Cooper, May 22, 2005

The Most Magnificent Temple Lies Within

The old testament book of Ezekiel tells the story of the temple in Jerusalem. It gives detailed instructions for how the temple should be constructed and how the worshipers in the temple should conduct themselves. From the size of the altar to the layout of the gates to who may enter and what may be sacrificed, Ezekiel lays out a plan. The purpose of this plan, says the prophet, is to fill the house of the Lord with glory.

Ezekiel never saw his temple built. That task fell to Solomon, and his temple was destined to become one of the wonders of the ancient world.

But like Ezekiel, Solomon also failed to understand the true value of the temple. The temple‘s status did not derive from its architectural significance. Its status did not derive from its ability to gather all the faithful under one roof. Jesus made it clear when he drove the money changers and the sellers of cattle and pigeons that the temple only had value when it truly reflected the glory of God and when it did not stand as a monument to the glory of man.

The Powell Butte Christian Church embarks today on another chapter in its own glorious history--a history rich in service to its parishioners and its community. With the gift of this facility, church members will be more able than ever to reach out to the hungry, the needy, the helpless, the depressed, the downtrodden and anyone who is in need some small way of a touch of God’s grace.

That’s the real opportunity which this building offers.

We are at a point in our community where there is ever present need all around us. You may not know someone who is hungry, but you likely know someone who is hurting. You may not know someone who is gravely ill, but you likely know someone who is lonely.

The measure of the success of this building will not be how many faces crowd these pews every Sunday. The measure of the success will not be how long the asphalt holds up. The measure of the success of this building will be how many people walk in your doors seeking grace and love, and walk out of the building knowing they have found it.

The building itself is a gift to our county and to our community, and I congratulate you on a great achievement. But the greatest work is yet to come, and I and the community look forward to working with and watching fill this great space with the glory and grace of God who has given you this magnificent tool with which to work.