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The Church That Jesus Built: 5 Day Devotional


Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:


Day 1: The Foundation of Faith

Message: "The Church That Jesus Built" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." - Matthew 16:18

Devotional: When we think about building anything lasting, the foundation is crucial. The same is true for our spiritual lives and the church as a whole. Just as a house built on sand will eventually crumble, our faith must be built on something - or rather Someone - unshakeable. That foundation is Jesus Christ Himself. It's not about perfect people or impressive buildings; it's about recognizing Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith. When we understand this truth, we begin to see the church not as a mere organization but as a living, breathing body of believers connected to Christ.

Quote: "It was Peter's confession of Jesus that started the process of stones being connected to the chief cornerstone - Christ."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How might your perspective of church change if you viewed Jesus as the true foundation?


Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to build my faith firmly on You as the true foundation. Show me where I might be building on shifting sand, and guide me to anchor my life more deeply in You. Amen.



Day 2: More Than Membership

Message: "The Church That Jesus Built" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" - Romans 10:9

Devotional: Many of us approach church like we approach a gym membership - showing up when convenient, expecting services, and leaving when dissatisfied. However, God's vision for His church goes far beyond membership status. It's about citizenship in His Kingdom. When we grasp this truth, we begin to see ourselves not as casual attendees but as active participants in God's ongoing work. This shift in perspective transforms how we view our role in the church and our relationship with fellow believers.


Quote: "When you're only operating at a religious level, you get stuck on membership. When you're kingdom minded, you understand citizenship" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How would your involvement in church life change if you viewed yourself as a citizen of God's Kingdom rather than just a member of a local church?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me move beyond mere membership mentality. Give me a Kingdom perspective and show me how to be an active participant in Your work. Amen.


Day 3: Being the Church

Message: "The Church That Jesus Built" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Devotional: There's a profound difference between 'having church' and 'being the church.' Having church might mean attending services, participating in programs, or maintaining traditions. Being the church, however, involves living out our faith daily, serving others, and actively participating in God's mission. When we understand this distinction, our focus shifts from what happens inside church walls to how we can be Christ's hands and feet in our communities.


Quote: "We're not here to have church. We are here to be the church. - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what specific ways can you move from simply 'having church' to actively 'being the church' in your daily life this week?


Prayer: Lord, help me to be Your church in action. Show me opportunities to serve, love, and represent You in my daily life. Transform me from a spectator to a participant in Your mission. Amen.


Day 4: Come As You Are

Message: "The Church That Jesus Built" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."-Matthew 11:28-30

Devotional: The church is full of imperfect people. One of the most beautiful aspects of God's church is that it's not a showcase for saints; in many respects, it serves as as a hospital for sinners. We don't need to clean ourselves up before approaching God or joining His family. Jesus invites us to come just as we are - with our doubts, struggles, and imperfections. This truth liberates us from the pressure of pretending and allows us to experience authentic community and genuine transformation.


Quote: "The church is full of imperfect people who serve a perfect Savior. Our goal is to become more like Jesus through the process of sanctification."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What imperfections did you bring to the church when you accepted Jesus? How can you become more patient with the church and its imperfections, demonstrating the grace that and mercy that God has shown you?


Prayer: Jesus, thank You for accepting me as I am. Help me to be honest about my struggles and to trust You with every part of my life, including the messy parts. Help me to show the same grace to others, that you have shown to me. Amen.



Day 5: Unshakeable Promise

Message: "The Church That Jesus Built" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."- Romans 8:37-39

Devotional: In a world full of uncertainty and constant change, God's promise about His church stands firm. Despite challenges, scandals, or cultural opposition, the church will prevail because it's built on Christ Himself. This doesn't mean individual congregations won't face difficulties, but it does mean that God's purpose through His church will ultimately succeed. This truth gives us hope and courage to remain faithful, even when circumstances seem discouraging.


Quote: "No matter how raggedy the church seems, it will not be overcome by the gates of Hades."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How does knowing that God's church will ultimately prevail affect your perspective on current challenges or discouragements you might be facing?


Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unshakeable promises. Help me to represent Your church well in the culture, knowing that Your purposes will prevail. Give me courage to remain faithful in both good times and challenging seasons. Amen.

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