The Temple of God: May 11, 2025
Wow. What a thought-provoking and honestly, a little bit mind-blowing sermon we heard today! It really got me thinking about what it truly means for the church to be God's temple.
The speaker started by taking us way back, all the way to Exodus and the intense, awe-inspiring presence of God on Mount Sinai. Remember the fire, the smoke, the fear of the people? It painted such a vivid picture of God's power and how separate He seemed then. Moses, in his deep desire for God's presence to remain with them, pleaded, "If your presence does not go, don't make us go from here." It highlighted this fundamental human longing to be close to the Divine, to be distinct because of His presence.
Then came the shift, the incredible turning point with the arrival of Jesus. The tearing of the temple curtain – a moment so powerful, symbolizing that God's presence was no longer confined to a physical building. Instead, as the speaker so clearly articulated, we, the believers, the community of faith, are now God's temple.
Think about that for a moment. Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:16 resonated deeply: "Don't you yourselves know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" It's a radical idea! The same glorious, powerful presence that once resided in a tent and then a temple now dwells within us, collectively as the church.
The sermon beautifully highlighted those moments we've all likely experienced – a worship service, a Bible study, a time of fellowship where God's presence feels palpable. It's not just an emotional experience, but a tangible reality when we come together in unity, love, and worship. In those moments, we glimpse His glory reflected in our connection with one another.
But the message didn't stop there. It moved into the practical implications of being God's temple. We're not just a container for His presence; we are also builders of His church. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, the speaker emphasized our individual responsibility in how we build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Are we building with gold, silver, and costly stones – things that will last? Or with wood, hay, and straw – things that will be consumed by fire?
This really challenged me to consider my own contribution to the church. Am I building in a way that fosters genuine discipleship, grounded in truth and able to withstand trials? Or am I focused on something fleeting and superficial?
The passage in Ephesians 2 further enriched this understanding, describing us as "fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the cornerstone." It's a collective effort, a building being put together, growing into a holy temple where God dwells in the Spirit.
The speaker's heartfelt desire for us to experience God's presence together was truly inspiring. While our individual relationship with God is vital, there's something uniquely powerful about encountering Him as a community. When we gather, when we sing praises, when we support and love one another, we create a space where His presence is uniquely felt.
The upcoming launch of small groups feels even more significant in light of this message. It's an opportunity to intentionally build together, to experience God's presence in a more intimate setting, and to invite others into this incredible reality of being part of God's dwelling place.
Ultimately, this sermon was a powerful reminder that the church isn't just a building we attend; it's a living, breathing entity – us – indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It's a call to cherish our unity, to build faithfully on the foundation of Christ, and to continually seek and experience God's presence together.
What resonated most with you from the sermon? How does the idea of the church being God's temple impact your understanding of our community and your role within it? Let's continue the conversation!
