The Bible, SimplifiedSýnishorn

From the beginning, God has wanted to live among his people. We saw this in the garden of Eden, the tabernacle, and the temple, but sin was always in the way. No person covered in sin could come into contact with God’s holiness.

But Jesus made a way.

As John puts it in his gospel, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

As followers of Jesus, we believe in the redemptive work he performed on the cross, which covered all our sins. God can now dwell among his people, inside his people, through the Holy Spirit.

We are the new temple. . . .

This is a story of redemption.

The kingdom of God is here.

And just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), we have the responsibility to merge heaven and earth. It’s no longer about our wills and desires and choices about right and wrong. No, to live in the kingdom of God means going back to God’s original plan, learning how to be obedient to him, fearing him, and spreading his love, justice, and mercy all throughout the earth. To take the world back from the Enemy and bring light to the darkness. Bringing God’s kingdom to the kingdoms of the world.

Every person who receives the Holy Spirit is the new temple of God. The goal is to make the whole world his temple. It began with the disciples in the house on Pentecost, and it continues with us today. One day, Jesus will complete his work. But as long as we are here on earth, we have a job to do.

Prayer

Father, I am humbled to know that I am part of your church and that I am tasked with continuing the job of the disciples. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you by sharing your love with others. Amen.