Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:20-22
“And built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”.
Our journey of faith was never meant to be walked alone.
Christ wants a body, NOT a congregation. He wants to live in that body like he had lived in that earthly physical body 2000 years ago.
1 John 2:6 says,
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked”.
This must be our desire. This is what we must aim for. It could be like climbing a mountain. We may be at the foot of the mountain, but we make progress every single day, little by little.
We read in Romans 8:29,
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters”.
Our calling is to become like Christ. This is possible only if we avail every resource God has provided in the Church for us to grow.
As believers, God calls us to encourage one another, learn from one another, and grow together in His love and truth. This is a place where we can deepen our relationship with Jesus, strengthen our faith through His Word, and build meaningful connections with fellow believers.
As Scripture reminds us, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds"(Hebrews 10:24).
Let's grow together in Christ!
Whether it’s human life, animal life, or plant life, God intended that we physically grow and mature. It is no different for a believer’s spiritual walk or relationship with God. We are meant to grow and mature.
Thankfully, I often hear people say they want to grow spiritually. There’s no doubt that we grow through our private fellowship with God, but God provided us a spiritual community to help us grow in greater measure than if we were alone.
The Christian life is not simply about individual spiritual progress; it is about a community of believers becoming more like Christ together. God's desire is that every member of His family matures in faith, love, and service.
We live in a world that often celebrates independence, self-reliance, and individual success. Yet God's kingdom operates differently.
From the beginning, God has called His people into a family, a body, and a community where believers encourage, strengthen, and help one another grow.
The theme "Growing Together in Christ" reminds us that spiritual maturity is not simply about my relationship with God; it is about our relationship with God and with one another. As we follow Christ together, we become stronger, healthier, and more effective in fulfilling God's purpose.
Today, let us consider three important truths about growing together in Christ.
1. We Grow Together Through Our Relationship with Christ- Christ as our foundation. (Beginning)
2. We Grow Together Through Love & Unity (Growth)
3. We Grow Together Through Serving One Another (Usefulness)
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1. We Grow Together Through Our Relationship with Christ- Christ as our foundation.
Christ is the "cornerstone," meaning, He is the crucial, foundational element upon which the entire church and a believer's life are built. Everything is aligned and measured against Him.
1 Peter 2:6-7/Isaiah 28:16
"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”
Christ was not man's idea; He was God's provision.
Long before Christ came into the world, God announced that He would lay a foundation stone. The Father Himself established Christ as the basis of salvation.
1 Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:20-22
“And built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”.
Every structure depends upon its foundation. The roots of a tree and the foundation of a building are not visible to human eyes. They are hidden from the surface. Yet they are the most important part in their existence.
This talks about the secret of spiritual life which is invisible and our hidden dependance and walk with Christ. The tallest skyscraper, the strongest bridge, and the most beautiful cathedral all owe their stability to what lies beneath the surface. A foundation is rarely admired because it is hidden, yet it determines whether a building stands or falls.
In spiritual matters, the same principle applies. The strength of a Christian's life, a family, a church, and even a nation depends upon its foundation. The Apostle Paul declares that there is only one foundation that can withstand the tests of time, temptation, suffering, death, and eternity: Jesus Christ.
Many people build their lives on wealth, education, achievements, relationships, traditions, or personal morality. Yet Scripture teaches that every foundation apart from Christ is ultimately unstable.
Today we examine why Christ alone is the foundation of the believer's life.
In John 15:5, Jesus said:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
A tree cannot grow without roots. A branch cannot survive apart from the vine. A building cannot stand without a foundation. Likewise, believers cannot grow apart from Christ.
Jesus is the source of all spiritual growth.
Here are some deeper truths about foundation.
a) A foundation is hidden
The strongest part of a building is usually the part no one sees.
Spiritually, this raises a question: Who are you when nobody is watching?
Our inner life, our secret walk with Christ, our faithfulness to God’s Word and how we obey the secret counsels of the Holy Spirit- these all are the invisible part of a believer’s life. The visible life rests upon the invisible one.
What supports your life is more important than what your life displays externally.
Foundations require excavation
Before something stable can be built, the ground must be prepared, i.e. assess the ground conditions, locate any buried utilities, and clear the topsoil, vegetation, and debris down to solid, load-bearing ground.
Spiritually speaking, growth often begins with unlearning. False beliefs, inherited fears, unhealthy attachments, and illusions may need to be removed.
The digging is not the opposite of the building; it is the beginning of it.
A tree survives storms not because it resists every movement but because its roots go deep enough to move without breaking.
"A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more." — Bernard of Clairvaux
b) Foundations are tested by weight
A foundation's purpose is not to look beautiful but to bear burdens.
Many people discover their spiritual foundation only during loss, uncertainty, illness, disappointment, or change. Difficult seasons do not necessarily destroy a foundation—they reveal whether one exists.
Storms are not always punishments; sometimes they are tests allowed to examine how much we are rooted in the foundation.
The foundation determines what can shake you.
The foundation determines what can shake you.
Ask yourself:
What remains if my achievements disappear?
What remains if others misunderstand me?
What remains if circumstances change completely?
What remains when I sit quietly with myself?
Whatever remains after those questions may be very close to your foundation.
c) Building and grounding are two different things
We often focus on constructing a life—career, relationships, achievements, or identity.
But we need to ask ourselves a a prior question:
Upon what are you building?
Two people can create equally impressive lives while resting on entirely different foundations: a shaky foundation or a strong foundation.
The quality of the structure cannot permanently exceed the quality of its foundation.
Matthew 7:24-25- The Two Builders
"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."
Jesus described two houses.
Both appeared similar.
Both experienced the same storm.
Only one survived.
The difference was not the structure but the foundation.
One builder invested time digging deep until he reached solid rock.
The other chose convenience and built quickly on sand.
For a season, there seemed little difference.
The storm revealed what was hidden.
I remember an incident someone shared with me a couple of years ago in my office.
When that building caught fire some time ago on the 8th floor, all were rushing and struggling to escape through the stairs. Here is someone, running upstairs saying that he forgot to pick up his lunch box.
What is more valuable to him? Life or lunch box?
The foundation of Christianity is not a philosophy, a code of ethics, or a religious system. It is a Person.
No human wisdom could devise a better foundation than the one God Himself established.
Many people attempt to approach God through good works, religious activities, or personal merit. Yet God has already chosen the foundation. We do not create it; we build upon it.
Christ is infinitely greater.
For over two thousand years, skeptics have attacked Him, critics have challenged Him, and kingdoms have risen and fallen. Yet Christ remains unchanged.
Empires have crumbled; Christ still stands.
Philosophies have disappeared; Christ still stands.
Generations have passed; Christ still stands.
The Chinese Bamboo Tree
A young gardener planted a bamboo seed. He watered it every day for years, but nothing appeared above the ground. Neighbors mocked him.
Then one season, the bamboo shot upward at an astonishing rate.
The gardener explained that the growth hadn't started that year. For years, the plant had been building a root system strong enough to support what was coming.
According to popular legend, the Chinese bamboo tree spends 5 years growing underground, seemingly without any visible above-ground growth. During this time, it is building an extensive root system. Once established, it can suddenly shoot up to 90 feet in just 5 to 6 weeks.
Many people look like overnight successes. Few see the foundation that made rapid growth possible.
When each believer draws closer to Christ, the entire church becomes stronger. Personal growth contributes to collective growth.
The closer we are to Jesus, the closer we become to one another.
2. We Grow Together Through Love & Unity
God designed the church to function as one body.
Ephesians 2:21-22
“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”.
God never intended us to grow in isolation. He calls us into a family where we learn, serve, worship, and mature together.
As we remain connected to Christ, walk in unity, and serve one another in love, we become the church God intends us to be.
May we be a people who do not simply attend church together but grow together in Christ—becoming stronger in faith, deeper in love, and more effective in His mission.
Let us encourage one another, support one another, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the head of the church.
Christian growth is both personal and communal—we mature in faith as we walk with Christ and with one another.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that every believer has a unique role. No member is insignificant, and no one can do everything alone.
Unity does not mean uniformity.
We may have different gifts, backgrounds, personalities, and experiences, but we share one Lord, one faith, and one purpose.
When believers encourage one another, pray for one another, forgive one another, and serve one another, spiritual growth flourishes.
Love creates an environment where people can mature in faith.
A divided church struggles to grow. A united church becomes a powerful witness to the world.
Therefore, we must guard our relationships carefully. Let us choose reconciliation over resentment, encouragement over criticism, and service over selfishness.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27- We Grow Better Together Than Alone.
One of the greatest pictures of the church in Scripture is the body.
The body has many parts, yet it functions as one.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches that every believer has a role to play. No member is insignificant. No gift is unimportant.
Unity: The Strength of God's People
Ephesians 4:1–6
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
We live in a divided world.
Nations are divided by politics.
Communities are divided by culture.
Families are divided by conflict.
Even churches can be divided by preferences of doctrines, traditions, personalities, and opinions.
Satan understands a principle that many believers overlook: what he cannot destroy from the outside, he often seeks to divide from the inside.
Throughout Scripture, unity is presented as a precious gift, a powerful witness, and a vital characteristic of God's people.
God never intended His Church to be a collection of isolated believers. He designed it to be a united body, moving together under one Head—Jesus Christ.
The strength of the Church has never been in its buildings, finances, or programs nor even the number of members. Its strength has always been found in its unity under Christ.
We claim that we are strong, gifted, eloquent and spiritual- then why are we not making much progress? Why are there problems in families and in the church?
Let’s go back to the illustration in 1 Corinth 12, every member of the body functions in symphony, not because they spent time together- but they are individually connected to the head. Spending time together is useless unless an individual connection with the head is in place.
Does it mean fellowship is not important?
Your hand may be strong. Your upper arm may be stronger and the lower arm is powerful- you won’t be able to function if your joint is not working. Husband claims he is spiritual, wife claims she is spiritual but if they have no fellowship- their family is a mess. The same is with brothers and sisters connections in the church.
Spend time in the church to get to know others who belong to the church. Don’t leave the church immediately like leaving a movie theatre after the show is over.
a) Unity Originates in the Nature of God
Unity is not merely a church strategy; it originates in the very nature of God.
Our God is three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet perfectly one.
Jesus declared:
"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)
The Trinity demonstrates perfect harmony, perfect love, and perfect purpose.
Before Jesus went to the cross, one of His greatest prayers was for unity among believers.
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." (John 17:21)
Notice that Jesus did not merely pray for agreement. He prayed for a unity that reflects the relationship within the Godhead.
Biblical unity is not uniformity. God did not create us as identical people with identical personalities. Unity is a diverse people joined by a common Savior, common truth, and common mission.
A Symphony Orchestra
An orchestra may contain violins, cellos, trumpets, flutes, and drums.
Each instrument sounds different.
The beauty comes from different instruments following one conductor.
Likewise, the Church is made up of different people, gifts, cultures, and backgrounds, but we follow one Lord.
Unity is not everyone becoming the same.
Unity is everyone surrendering to the same Christ.
b) Unity Was Purchased at a Great Cost
The unity we enjoy today was purchased through the blood of Jesus.
Sin separates.
It separated humanity from God.
It separates people from one another.
The cross addressed both problems.
Paul writes:
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14-16)
In the early church, Jews and Gentiles had centuries of hostility between them.
Yet through Christ, former enemies became brothers and sisters.
The cross does not merely reconcile us to God; it reconciles us to one another.
Every time we choose division, bitterness, and unforgiveness, we are moving against what Christ died to accomplish.
c) Unity Requires Humility
One of the greatest enemies of unity is pride.
Pride says:
"I am right."
"My way is best."
"My opinion matters more."
Paul begins Ephesians 4 with a surprising command:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2)
Notice that unity is protected by humility.
Humility allows us to listen.
Humility allows us to forgive.
Humility allows us to value others.
The reason many churches struggle with unity is not because of major doctrinal issues but because of minor personal issues that were never surrendered to Christ.
Look into the life of the Disciples of Christ..
The disciples often argued about who was the greatest.
Yet Jesus repeatedly taught them that greatness is found in humility.
A church filled with people pursuing recognition will experience conflict.
A church filled with people pursuing servanthood will experience unity.
d) Unity Must Be Protected
Paul says:
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)
Notice he does not say "create" unity.
The Holy Spirit creates unity.
Believers are responsible for protecting it.
The phrase "make every effort" implies diligence, commitment, and intentionality.
Unity does not happen accidentally.
Just as a garden requires maintenance, unity requires constant attention.
We protect unity by:
Refusing gossip.
Practicing forgiveness.
Speaking truth in love.
Assuming the best about others.
Seeking reconciliation quickly.
Illustration: A Small Crack
A massive dam can appear strong and secure.
Yet if a small crack is ignored, it can eventually lead to catastrophic failure.
Many divisions begin with small offenses that were never addressed.
A careless word.
A misunderstanding.
An unresolved hurt.
What is ignored grows.
What is addressed in love heals.
e) Unity Releases Spiritual Power
Throughout Scripture, unity is connected with God's blessing.
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
The psalm concludes:
"For there the Lord bestows His blessing." (Psalm 133:3)
.
Notice the word "there."
Where does God command the blessing?
There—where unity exists.
At Pentecost:
"They were all together in one place." (Acts 2:1)
Before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, there was remarkable unity among the believers.
Unity creates an atmosphere where God works powerfully.
This does not mean unity guarantees revival, but Scripture repeatedly shows that God delights to move among a united people.
f) Unity Is a Witness to the World
Jesus connected Christian unity with evangelism.
John 13:34-35. In this passage, Jesus commands His followers: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
When people see believers from different backgrounds genuinely loving one another, they see evidence of the gospel.
One of the most convincing apologetics for Christianity is not merely a strong argument but a united church.
The early church astonished the Roman world because people who normally would never associate with each other became family through Christ.
The same should be true today.
"Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world." — John Wesley
g) Our Future Is Perfect Unity
Every glimpse of unity on earth points toward a greater reality.
One day believers from every nation, tribe, language, and people group will gather before God's throne.
"A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language." (Revelation 7:9)
Heaven is the ultimate picture of unity.
Different people.
Different stories.
Different cultures.
One Savior.
One worship.
One King.
The Church should become on earth what heaven will be forever.
The enemy seeks division because he fears the power of a united church.
A united church prays together.
Serves together.
Worships together.
Mourns together.
Reaches the lost together.
As believers, we must continually ask:
Am I contributing to unity or division?
Is there anyone I need to forgive?
Am I protecting the bond of peace?
Am I placing Christ above my preferences?
May we become people who answer the prayer of Jesus by pursuing unity with humility, grace, truth, and love.
For where Christ is exalted and believers walk together in unity, the world sees a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
We are stronger together.
The giant redwood trees of California can grow over 300 feet tall. Surprisingly, their roots are relatively shallow. What keeps them standing through storms is that their roots intertwine with the roots of other redwood trees. They support one another underground.
Sequoia tree roots are surprisingly shallow, growing only 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 feet) deep. Instead of growing deep down into the earth like a taproot, they spread outward horizontally to anchor their massive weight.
The Network Structure
Massive Spread: The roots branch out radically from the trunk, extending up to 30 to 45 metres (100 to 150 feet) away from the base.
Interlocking System: As they extend, the roots intertwine and mesh tightly with the roots of neighbouring sequoias and other forest trees.
Strength in Unity: This interlocking network acts like a giant, underground structural mat. It is this shared root system that allows a 2,000-tonne tree to withstand fierce mountain winds and heavy winter snows without falling over.
Most fully grown giant sequoias in old-growth forests reach between 76 to 91 metres (250 to 300 feet) tall.
Application:
Christians are similar. We face storms, trials, disappointments, and temptations. We remain strong because we are connected not only to Christ but also to one another. When one believer is weak, others help hold them up.
3. We Grow Together Through Serving One Another
Every believer has been gifted by God for the benefit of others.
Spiritual growth is not merely receiving; it is also giving.
Acts 20:35 “ It is more blessed to give than to receive”
God calls us to use our gifts to build up the body of Christ. Some teach, some lead, some encourage, some serve behind the scenes, and some minister through hospitality, generosity, or prayer.
Growth happens when everyone participates.
Imagine a church where every member asks, "How can I help someone grow closer to Christ today?" Such a church becomes a place of transformation and blessing.
When we serve together, we learn humility, develop compassion, and reflect the character of Jesus.
Serving One Another: The Heartbeat of Christian Living
In a world that encourages self-promotion, self-preservation, and self-interest, the kingdom of God operates on a different principle: serving others. The Christian life is not measured by how many people serve us, but by how faithfully we serve others in the name of Christ.
Jesus transformed the understanding of greatness. While the world says, "Rise above others," Jesus says, "Bend down and serve others."
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
If the King of kings chose the path of service, then serving one another must be central to the life of every believer.
a) Serving Begins with Love
The foundation of Christian service is Love.
Without love, service becomes duty; with love, service becomes worship.
"Serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)
True service is not about recognition, applause, or rewards. It is about expressing Christ's love through practical actions.
When we love people, we naturally look for ways to help them, encourage them, and lighten their burdens. Service becomes an overflow of a transformed heart.
The Mother Who Serves out of love.
Many of the most impactful acts of service go unnoticed. A mother may wake early, prepare meals, clean, care for her family, and sacrifice her comfort daily. The world may never celebrate her work, but her service shapes lives.
Likewise, much of Christian service happens behind the scenes. God sees every act done in love, even when others do not.
"Your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:4)
b) Jesus Is Our Greatest Example of Service
(1 Peter 2:21)
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus performed a task usually assigned to the lowest servant.
"He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet." (John 13:5)
The Creator washed the feet of His creation.
The disciples were shocked because they still viewed greatness through the lens of status and position. Jesus wanted them to see greatness through humility and service.
After washing their feet, He said:
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15)
Christian leadership is not about being above people; it is about serving people.
Jesus demonstrated the same principle. There is no act of service too small when it is done for God's glory.
c) We Serve Because We Are One Body
The church is not a collection of individuals; it is a body.
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Every member has a unique role. Just as the eye, hand, and foot work together, believers are called to support one another.
No gift is insignificant.
Some preach.
Some teach.
Some encourage.
Some give.
Some pray.
Some help quietly behind the scenes.
All are necessary.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." (1 Peter 4:10)
d) Serving Often Requires Sacrifice
Biblical service is rarely convenient.
It costs time.
It costs energy.
It may cost comfort.
Jesus' service ultimately led Him to the cross.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)
The greatest servants are often those who willingly sacrifice personal preferences for the good of others.
Learn from the story of the Good Samaritan.
In Luke 10, the Good Samaritan interrupted his journey, spent his resources, and invested his time to care for a wounded stranger.
Others saw a problem and passed by.
The Samaritan saw a need and stopped.
Service begins when compassion becomes action.
The question is not, "Who deserves my help?" but rather, "How can I show God's love to those around me?"
e) Serving Strengthens the Church
A serving church is a healthy church.
When believers pray for one another, encourage one another, bear one another's burdens, and use their gifts, the church becomes a visible expression of Christ's love.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Many people are drawn to Christ not only by what the church believes but also by how believers serve one another.
Jesus said:
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)
Love becomes visible through service.
f) God Rewards Faithful Service
Many acts of service may never be recognized on earth.
A prayer offered in secret.
A meal delivered to someone in need.
A word of encouragement.
A visit to the lonely.
A sacrifice made quietly for another person.
God sees them all.
"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people." (Hebrews 6:10)
Nothing done for Christ is wasted.
Every act of service becomes an investment in eternity.
Serving one another is not an optional part of Christianity—it is the very character of Christ expressed through His people.
We serve because Christ served us.
We love because Christ loved us.
We give because Christ gave Himself for us.
May we become believers who are quick to help, eager to encourage, willing to sacrifice, and ready to serve.
And may our lives echo the words of Jesus:
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26)
"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." — Martin Luther
The Geese Flight Formation.
Encouragement and teamwork.
Scientists have observed that geese fly in a V-formation because it helps reduce wind resistance. They can travel farther together than they could individually. They also take turns leading and make sounds to encourage those at the front.
The church moves farther when members support and encourage one another. Leadership is shared, and encouragement matters.
We go farther together than we ever could alone.
By Pastor Renji George
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 John 2:6, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:6-7, 1 Peter 4:10, Acts 2:1, Acts 20:35, Ephesians 2:14-16, Ephesians 2:20-22, Ephesians 2:21-22, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:3, Ephesians 4:1-6, Ephesians 4, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24, Hebrews 6:10, Isaiah 28:16, John 10:30, John 13:15, John 13:35, John 13:5, John 13:34-35, John 15:5, John 17:21, Luke 10, Luke 24:13-35, Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:26, Matthew 6:4, Matthew 7:24-25, Philippians 2:3, Psalm 133:1, Psalm 133:3, Psalms 133:1, Psalms 133:3, Revelation 7:9, Romans 8:29
Sermon Topics: Love, Unity, Church Growth, Christian Life, Mature, The Church, Nature Of God, Uniformity, Spiritual Maturity, Division, United Church, Walk With Christ, Building The Church, Serving One Another, Christ Cornerstone, Growing Together, Growth In Christian, Christ Foundation, Christ Root, Church Cornerstone, Hidden Foundation, Spirituality Building