When people think of a temple, they usually think of an ornate structure in Europe built in the Middle Ages. Or they may think of some structure in the Far East that is mysterious, kind of like in the Indiana Jones movie “Temple of Doom.”
The Lord, however, calls His Church a temple.
1 Cr 3:16 NASB Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Like the temple in the Old Testament where God dwelt in the Holy of Holies, He now dwells in His Church. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, lives in Christians. The church is now the place where He dwells. That is an awesome truth-The God of the universe, the Creator of everything we see, has chosen to make His residence in the hearts of Christians. Jesus even said if you find two or three of these Christians living in unity and purpose, you would also find Him there.
Matt. 18:20 NASB For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.
It makes you wonder why people go all over the country looking for a revival, when He said you would find Him in His people.
The apostle said that each Christian was like a living stone in the wall of that temple. After Jesus regenerates a man or woman, He then fits them into His temple structure, attaching them to other “living stones”. However, some of these living stones do not want to be connected with the other stones. They would rather stay at home and watch Christian TV and pretend they are connected. They do not want the Lord to chip away at them like a stone cutter, fashioning one stone to fit together with another stone. But the connection to other living stones is the design of the Master Architect. It is the way He builds His Church.
Eph. 2:21 NASB … in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
This Church that Jesus is building is precious because He gave His life for it. It is also powerful. It has outlasted the most formidable empires for two thousand years. It will outlast the present day millennium culture. Jesus is right now building His church. It is growing.
Matt. 16:18 NASB … I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
It is an honor to be a living stone in His temple, chosen by God and placed in His church as He wishes. Dear Christian, never be ashamed of being a part of His church. It is not our temple, it is His, and you are a vital part of it!