So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.
And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
These and other New Testament passages speak of the house or household of God. It refers to the spiritual family of God. It has nothing to do with a literal building or residence where the family lives. God’s house is His people, his children.
Tonight, and just about any time my wife and I go out to a local church gathering, someone (usually the local pastor) will begin by saying, “We are so glad you chose to come out to the house of the Lord, tonight.” I cringe every time I hear this because the house of God is not a church building and we certainly didn’t have to go there to worship God. I can stay home and praise God in song, lift my hands in prayer to thank him and exalt His holy name.
And, another thing. Where do you find anyone or group of people “having church”. I can’t find that expression in the Bible. It’s usually said in a setting outside the church building. Again, my friends, I don’t know exactly what we have when “we are having church.” But, if that’s what you do when you worship God, I don’t have to go to a church building to have one. Frankly, I seriously doubt I have church at any time. I wish we could speak as the oracles of God and leave off these cliches that do not support biblical teaching.