Revelation 21:19-21 "The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass."

What does the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21 have to do with Christ authoring and maturing (perfecting) our faith? Clue: Remember, when we think "building projects", we think "buildings" - Duh. But whenever the Lord thinks "building projects", Jesus seems to see it quite differently. 

Read that Revelation passage above again, remembering that Jesus looked Peter straight in the eye and said "…on this rock I will build my church." Woah.