The Temple of God
Another term with Old Testament implications, yet one, which serves as a very descriptive metaphor of the church, is the term temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:11, 16-17; Ephesians 2:29-22; 1 Peter 2:4-8). The temple is the place where God dwells, thus the church is the dwelling place of God. God not only dwells in the members of the church collectively, but in each Christian individually.[1] Not only was the temple the place where God established his presence, it was also the place of worship.[2]
In the temple of God, each Christian is a separate stone. When joined together, we make up the temple with the Lord as the Chief Cornerstone (1 Cor 3:16-17; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:4-8). As the Cornerstone, Jesus forever unites two diverse groups (the Jews and Gentiles) as part of his temple (Eph. 2:14-22).[3] The cornerstone was the most significant part of the temple as it was the chief load bearing point of construction and it also insured that the building was square.
One consideration that is striking about the temple of God metaphor is that the temple is still under construction. Stones are being added each day as the Lord adds to his church. We are not only stones then, but workmen whose task it is to join the work of building Gods magnificent temple.
My struggle is to keep "sin" (sand) from dominating my individual temple. Sand makes my individual temple weak and unstable, and if not fortified with the Living Word daily, thought by thought, it can impact the collective temple, the Church. I know that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. Pray that I will take captive my thought choices. (Comment this)
Moses' words sting! Basing our life with God on our promises to Him?
"You have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you" (Deuteronomy 9:24).
The desire to obey God resides within the hearts of His children, but unfortunately we are human, ----when we base our life upon God's promises to man. (HOW BEAUTIFUL!)
"I will give you a new heart and [I will] put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and [I will] give you a heart of flesh.
I will put My Spirit within you and [I will] cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them" (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
We are to live by the promises of God to us (instead of by our promises to Him). Those we can KEEP!
Living by God's promises gives us hope, you can feel the grace being poured out, just so much love in his character.
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? " (Numbers 23:19).
Man may make promises to God, but, eventually, he will fail. God is not like man. God is true to His word. He will not lie, nor will He change His mind. Whatever He says, He will do! Oh Father, thank you for who you are!!!! Rest in me. Trust in me to do the work in you
(Comment this)