God Calls Us the Temple of God

Concept: You and I are The dwelling of God, His temple.

            

1 Cor 3:16-17 Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God's temple (His sanctuary), and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? 17 If anyone does hurt to God's temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are.

2 Cor 6:16  What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  [Ex 25:8; 29:45; Lev 26:12; Jer 31:1; Ezek 37:27.]

Rev 3:12 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name.  [Isa 62:2; Ezek 48:35.]AMP

       We have heard this theme before. We the people who have believed in and received Jesus as our savior are dwelling place the Temple which God inhabits. As stated above ‘God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’

       It bears remembrance, meditation and should cause us be awe of God and it should cause to pause at the wonder of this thought that the all mighty God creator of all that exist would want to live in us.

May His goodness and mercy toward us be evident in our lives. May we truly be Good News, salt and light to everyone we meet.

God Calls Us a Spiritual House

 Concept: As Christ is the cornerstone so we as believers become the living stones of the Building he is the cornerstone of.

         1 Peter 2:5[Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. AMP

As Christ is the living stone, so the believers themselves are like living stones, that is, they share in the very nature of Christ himself. Living here cannot mean "life-giving" as in verse 4, but simply "alive," which is a further reference to the believers' new life in Christ and their participation in his suffering and exaltation. It may further imply that the believers should be alive in their relationships, particularly in their love and concern for one another.

It may be important to indicate with the verb come the person to whom one is to come, for example, "come to the Lord," but it may be important to indicate that persons are "to come to the Lord and be as living stones" or "...stones that are alive." Without the expression "and be like" a reader might get the impression that Christians were to come to the Lord like rolling stones.

As living stones, they are to let themselves be used in building the spiritual temple. Let yourselves be used in building represents one Greek passive participle, with God as the implied builder (compare SPCL "Let God use you in the construction of a spiritual temple"). The participle itself can either be indicative or imperative; some prefer the former (for example, JB "to be built up..."), but most other translations prefer the latter. The word translated temple can mean a house, or a household (as in Acts 10:2; 11:14; 1 Cor 1:16; etc.); in view of the metaphorical use of "stones," the former is to be preferred. Describing the church as the temple accents the collective nature of the community (compare Eph 2:21-22). This temple is spiritual, which may contrast it with the material temple in Jerusalem. However, in view of the fact that the Greek word used here (‎pneumatikos‎) is normally associated with the Spirit of God, the primary meaning here may be that the temple owes its existence from the Spirit of God, and not from the efforts of human hands (compare GECL "the temple of God... which is built by the Spirit of God"). As the temple of God's Spirit, the church as the new Israel is contrasted with that of the Old Israel: the latter being ethnically defined, whereas the former is now free from ethnic boundaries. Thespiritual temple therefore is the true temple of God, neither limited by earthly boundaries, nor defeated by non-spiritual forces.

There may be a number of advantages involved in transforming the passive expression let yourselves be used in building into an active one, for example, "let God use you in building." This material is from the UBS New Testament Handbook Series.

I would encourage you to think on these things.

God Calls Us Sons of God part two

Concept: The law and its external observations are training for spiritual children, but now by God’s grace through Jesus we are no longer considered servants but sons.

Gal 4:1-7 NOW WHAT I mean is that as long as the inheritor (heir) is a child and under age, he does not differ from a slave, although he is the master of all the estate; 2 But he is under guardians and administrators or trustees until the date fixed by his father. 3 So we [Jewish Christians] also, when we were minors, were kept like slaves under [the rules of the Hebrew ritual and subject to] the elementary teachings of a system of external observations and regulations. 4 But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, 5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ. AMP

When we move from external obedience into relationship with God through His Son Jesus we advance beyond mere obedience and servant status into a walk with God were he considers us family and entrust His plans to us to be joint partakers in His promises and co-labors with Him in the advancement and nurturing of His Kingdom.

God Calls Us Sons of God

Concept: Those who chose to believe in God are made His heirs or sons by faith.

Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Rom 9:26 And it shall be that in the very place where it was said to them, You are not My people, they shall be called sons of the living God.  [Hos 1:10.]
Gal 3:26-29 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. 27 For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. 28 There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise. AMP

In our culture people both male and female enjoy equal opportunities in many ways. This was so in ancient cultures where inheritance went primarily to the sons and even more so the first born son. In fact it was the coming of Jesus the Christ or Messiah that removed the barriers and opened the way for equality before God based on faith in Jesus Christ.  This latter led to equality in culture and society.

Here we also see an almost humorous statement, we are not just sons of God but just in case there was any doubt which god among all who were worshiped in this time we are told it is the Living God.

Thank God that he has removed every barrier and all who come by faith in His son and are led by His Spirit are inheritors of His promises.

Artwork: Heaven full of Angels and Glory

The Body

Eph 4:16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love. AMP

Thomas Jefferson compared the human body to a machine. In his old age, he wrote to John Adams and said, ". . . our machines have now been running seventy or eighty years, and we must expect that, worn as they are, here a pivot, there a wheel, now a pinion, next a spring, will be giving way; and however we may tinker them up for a while, all will at length surcease their motion."

There was truth in what Jefferson wrote. The body is like a machine in many ways. Its various parts work together in a single purpose, and all are directed by a brain that functions much like a computer. Yet as good as Jefferson's analogy is, it falls short in several ways. A machine does not direct itself. Its computerized "brain" must be programmed by someone in order for it to function properly. A machine performs its functions purposefully, but it is a purpose determined by its designer. Moreover, although a machine may be used to repair other machines, it really does not repair itself.

The human body is so unique, in fact, that it is the analogy that Scripture uses to help us understand the nature of the church. The church is the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head and its various members functioning as joints and ligaments. This metaphor is used in Eph 4:3 to support Paul's teaching on the importance of keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Unity among Christians is often emphasized today. There are even organizations whose purpose is to promote unity among various Christian groups and denominations. But what is most noticeable about Paul's teaching about Christian unity is that it emphasizes lifestyle rather than organization. In fact, Paul really does not urge Christians to unite. According to Eph 4:3, the unity of the Spirit is already a reality. Whether or not we like it, we are united with everyone else who is in Jesus Christ.

Paul's concern is not whether there will be unity in the church but whether that unity will be maintained in the bond of peace. Believers can be bound together in peace, or they can be bound together in their dislike for one another. It is clear that peace among the members of the body of Christ is not automatic. It must be preserved.

Three factors contribute to the unity of the church. One factor is the character of God. The Bible teaches that the one true God exists in a single essence as three distinct persons. There is "one Spirit," "one Lord," and "one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph 4:4-6). Although this concept is difficult to grasp, it is a fundamental teaching of the Christian faith. The unity of the Godhead is reflected in the makeup of the church. In fact, Jesus prayed for this very thing in the garden of Gethsemane (John 17:20-21).

The second contributing factor to the unity of the church is a common spiritual experience. All believers are united in their hope of eternal life and in their experience of being joined to Christ by the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:5-7). Churches have many different methods of receiving new members. Some are elaborate. For example, the candidate may be asked to go through a lengthy catechism class or screening process. Other churches are more simple. If you walk up the aisle at the end of the service, you automatically become a member of that church. When it comes to joining the body of Christ, however, everybody must enter the same way. Each one must come by faith in Jesus Christ to receive the grace of God. Although the times and circumstances of conversion differ for each, the spiritual mechanics are the same for everybody.

The third factor that contributes to the unity of the church is a common doctrine. In Eph 4:5 Paul says that all those who are part of the body of Christ share "one faith." Although Paul often uses this term to speak of the need for personal trust in the saving work of Christ, in this case he is referring to "the faith"—the body of teachings that comprise the church's doctrine. One of the ironies of today's emphasis on church unity is the tendency to downplay the importance of biblical doctrine. Those who hold this view assert that what the world needs most is to see those who profess to be Christians getting together for worship or community action. "Ignore the differences in doctrine," they recommend. "Focus instead on those issues upon which we all agree." True biblical unity, however, is founded on a system of belief. Without sound doctrine, the church's unity is just a sham. It is purely cosmetic.

Although the biblical analogy of the body points to the unity that all believers share in Christ, it also underscores the diversity that exists among those who are in the church. Just as the human body has many members, each with its own unique function, every believer performs a distinct role in the body of Christ: "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ"(1 Cor 12:12).

When we violate this principle, we usually do so in two ways. One way is to see ourselves as unnecessary to the healthy functioning of the church. This is often due to a sense of inferiority. Since we do not have many gifts, or the gifts that we have do not seem remarkable, we conclude that we are not essential (1 Cor 12:15-16). The other way that we violate this principle is by competing with the other members of the body (1 Cor 12:21). When this happens, the church engages in what might be described as a "beauty contest," giving preference to those whose gifts are more spectacular. In reality, every member contributes to the operation of the body as a whole. Even those whose gifts seem unimpressive are essential to the health of the church (1 Cor 12:23-24).

There is one sense in which Thomas Jefferson's words about the human body are all too true. Despite the wonder of its design and the interworking of its parts, no matter how much we tinker with it, in time it will cease to function. The body's capacity to heal itself is limited. But the opposite is true of the church. The body of Christ will build itself up "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13).

Head of the Church, I am grateful that Your Spirit has made me a part of the body of Christ. Open my eyes to see the value of my own ministry and the importance of all those who work together with me to build up the church. Amen.

Thanks to John Koessler for allowing us to publish his material.www.johnkosessler.com

John Koessler serves as chair and professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He is married to Jane and has two sons, Drew and Jarred. John is the author of ten books and numerous articles. He also serves as a contributing editor for the Moody Bible Institute publication Today in the Word, where you can read his monthly “Theology Matters” column. You can contact John via email at John.Koessler@moody.edu or by phone at (312) 329-4077

God Calls Us Royal Priesthood

Concept: Believers in this dispensation are king-priests, associated with the Lord Jesus who is a priest after the order of Meichisedec, a king-priest.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  [Ex 19:5,6.] AMP

1 Peter 2:9 from Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament says;

The "you" is emphatic in the Greek text. Literally, "but as for you," in contrast to the disobedient of verse 8. "Generation" is from a Greek word meaning "a race, a body with a common life and descent." It does not mean here a group of individuals living within the span of a lifetime. The word "royal" is the translation of the Greek word for "king." The Levitical priesthood were only priests. Believers in this dispensation are king-priests, associated with the Lord Jesus who is a priest after the order of Meichisedec, a king-priest. The word "nation" is the translation of a Greek word meaning "a multitude of people of the same nature." The word "holy" in the Greek text means literally "set apart for the service of Deity." The word "peculiar" here is used in a way not often seen today. The Greek word means literally "to make around," that is, to make something and then to surround it with a circle, thus indicating ownership. The same verb is used in the Septuagint translation of Isa 43:21 which reads, "This people have I formed for myself." The word "peculiar" today usually means "odd, strange." But it is not so used here. The Greek word speaks of the unique, private, personal ownership of the saints by God. Each saint is God's unique possession just as if that saint were the only human being in existence. The words "show forth" in the Greek text refer to a spoken message. The word "praises" is not the translation of the Greek word customarily used to indicate praise, but of one which means "excellencies, gracious dealings, glorious attributes." The word "into" refers here not merely to locality, but to a result, that of the saints being participants of the light that God is in His nature. We are made creatures of light.

What an awesome God we have who make us royalty in service of His majesty and overseeing His creation.

Ponder, meditate on this and remember that we were once in darkness and now in the light of His glory and truth!

God Calls Us Salt of the Earth

Concept: Salt can be used as a preservative and was for many centuries. The righteousness of God in the life of the believer acts as a preservative for God’s goodness, righteousness and purity in our world.

Matt 5:13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. AMP

I had been through Bible College, pastured twice and was in seminary and one day heard a local pastor with no Bible College training say, ‘God’s righteousness makes us just as if we never sinned.’ That was the most down to earth understanding of God’s righteousness I had ever heard.

Today everyone wants us to cut back on salt in our diets but I say bring on the saltiness of God’s righteousness in our lives! We live in a world that is in desperate need of God’s righteousness/saltiness in our lives!

God Calls Pure Virgin

Concept: God’s people have been chosen to have an undefiled relationship with Jesus our Messiah or Christ.

2 Cor 11:2 For I am zealous for you with a godly eagerness and a divine jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  [Hos 2:19,20.] AMP

Today the concept of virginity, being completely dedicated to One God is almost unheard of even as the concept of virginity in our culture is un-fashionable. We consider ourselves masters of our own lives both in the natural and spiritual realms.

Holiness in our relationships runs contrary to our culture and still God wants to present us to Jesus the Bridegroom without spot or wrinkle. Thank God for His amazing grace and forgiveness of sin or no one would make it. Thank God we have these two promises. 

1 Cor 10:11 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and jadapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. AMP

1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. AMP

Thank God! His Grace is Still Amazing!

Artwork: Bride of Christ by Danny Hahlbohm

God Calls You Priest

Concept: The Biblical idea of priesthood is a person whose life, profession and goal are in service to God.  

Rev 1:6 And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father — to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it).  [Ex 19:6; Isa 61:6.]

Rev 5:10 And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!  [Ex 19:6; Isa 61:6.] AMP

In the Old Testament priest were of one tribe and were trained to serve their turn in the service of the Temple. Their living wage was part of the tithe which people paid into the treasury each year. Temple service was their occupation.

Verse eleven of chapter 10 speaks of their role in the New Jerusalem where we will be in service to God as His priest. This time it will be all of God’s people in this role, not just one group. This honor comes as all who are in Christ have as a part of His body been given this elevated status.

Although here on earth you may not serve as a priest, pastor, apostle, prophet, evangelist or teacher you can serve God in all you do as you dedicate all you do unto Him.

He desires our hearts and knows our words and actions will follow from there. So today, check your heart. If it desires to serve God in all you do you have started on the right path of priest unto our God.

Pillar of Truth

Concept:  Believers are to be evident as those who live by the truths of God’s Word.

1 Tim 3:15.  If I am detained, you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and stay (the prop and support) of the Truth. AMP

There was a contemporary Christian song back in the 70’s whose title wad ‘Evidence’ and one famous line which asked, ‘If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?’

Now there are many things that scripture teaches, like justice, forgiveness, responsibility, integrity etc.There is only one God and only one way to Him and that is though Jesus.

Christians have the Bible, regular fellowship with other Christians etc. which should lead us to be living demonstrations of the life and truth of God on earth. Pillars of truth.

I would like to challenge you in the days and months that lay before us to become a person of the Word. Read it through in a year, study it memorize it, meditate on it. Obey it!

This is the doorway to transformation of how we live and think and act. Then when someone asks you for the reason for the hope that is in us we will boldly answer. God has sent Jesus to forgive my sins, give me new life and I have regained the life with Him he created me to have. There will also be a transformed life on display as evidence of your faith.