Building Sanctuary: A Call to Clean Hands, Courageous Hearts, and Community
“Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.” — 1 Chronicles 28:10
These ancient words, spoken by King David to his son Solomon, are not just a historical footnote—they are a living blueprint for anyone called to build something sacred. In the quiet city of Taiping, a new community named “Sanctuary” is embracing this divine mandate, not to construct a physical temple, but to build a spiritual home—a family in Christ.
The launch of Sanctuary is more than the start of another church; it is the birth of a vision rooted in legacy, purity, and courage. Drawing from the poignant transition in 1 Chronicles 28, where David passes the baton to Solomon, we are reminded that building for God often requires different hands than those who conceived the dream. David, a warrior king, was disqualified from building the temple due to the blood on his hands. Yet, he did not withdraw in disappointment. Instead, he dedicated his final years to gathering the finest materials and preparing the way. His lesson? Even when we cannot finish the task ourselves, we can pour our best into laying its foundation.
This resonates deeply with Sanctuary’s ethos. While we may not be stacking stones or carving cedar, we are called to build a community with the same excellence, intention, and sacrifice. And this building project begins not with programs or policies, but with the condition of our hearts.
1. Building with Clean Hands and a Pure Heart
The cornerstone of Sanctuary is integrity. Psalm 24 asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” This is not merely a spiritual ideal but a practical necessity. As the message clearly states, Sanctuary cannot be built on the debris of past hurts, gossip, or vengeance. It is a call to collective forgiveness—to let go, to heal, and to move forward.
Practically, this means:
Releasing the past: Choosing to stop rehearsing old narratives and instead fix our eyes on the future God is writing.
Choosing uplifting community: Surrounding ourselves with those who encourage, not those who drain or destroy—while still holding them in prayer.
Praying for healing: Actively seeking God’s comfort and extending forgiveness, both for ourselves and for others.
Sanctuary is designed to be a fresh start—a place where stories are rewritten by grace.
2. Serving with a Loyal Heart and a Willing Mind
King David’s charge to Solomon was to serve God “with a loyal heart and a willing mind.” At Sanctuary, servanthood is a core value, but it is framed with profound wisdom: “The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.”
Service here is not about performance, burnout, or appearance. It is about devotion. Leaders are encouraged to monitor their hearts and their energy, to rest when needed, and to remember that what God desires is not perfect activity, but a willing and loving spirit. This creates a sustainable culture of service—one where people serve from abundance, not depletion, knowing that God searches the heart and rewards faithfulness.
3. Moving Forward with Strength and Courage
Building anything meaningful involves challenges. Sanctuary’s leaders are refreshingly honest: there will be opposition, spiritual battles, and days of doubt. Yet the refrain echoes David’s encouragement to Solomon: “Be strong and of good courage… He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
This courage is rooted in the conviction that God is present in the journey. It’s the courage to create a safe space in a broken world, to love boldly, and to stand firm when obstacles arise. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, the struggle is often spiritual, but the victory is assured in Christ.
What—and Who—Is Sanctuary For?
Sanctuary’s mission is clear: to glorify God through innovative worship, excellence in service, and unwavering honor. But it’s the heartbeat of the mission that truly defines it: “Love God, Love People, Make a Difference, and Make Disciples.”
This is a community where “you belong before you believe.” It is a refuge for the weary, a home for the searching, and a family for the lonely. It is:
A safe space without judgment.
A place of discovery where individuals can explore God’s purpose for their lives.
A Christ-centered, Spirit-powered, connection-driven family.
In the end, Sanctuary is not just a name—it’s a promise. A promise of safety, of belonging, and of a shared journey toward God. It’s an invitation to pick up the torch passed down through generations, to build something beautiful for God, and to do it together—with clean hands, willing hearts, and unshakable courage.
Welcome home.