Temple of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 2 v 19 - 22 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

What Is Prayer? “Temple” “Holy Place” “Shrine” or “Sanctuary”

Temples in the Bible The first temple was a garden, Eden Moses in the desert - The “Tabernacle” David and Solomon - The “Temple” The prophets - Isiah Ezekiel (chapter 47) So, the temple experienced leads to mission to all nations

Temples in the Bible Jesus in the Temple. The temple was now on the streets. “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” John 2 v 19 “Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem” John 4 v 21

Temples in the Bible Jesus in the Temple. The temple was now on the streets. “Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Matthew 24 v 1 - 2 “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.” Matthew 27 v 50 - 51

Temples in the Bible Now, access to God is is possible Rivers of blessing will go out “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7 v 38 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2 v 21 - 22

What is the Church in the Plan of God? All nations are one family and one new nation in Christ, through Christ They are built on a foundation laid by apostles and prophets Jesus Christ is the centre of it all The church is now the inner temple where God lives by his Spirit

What Does it Mean for the Church to be God’s Temple Now? Each believer in Jesus receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit in a tangible way Each believer has free access right into God’s presence There is evidence in all the gatherings of the churches that God lives by his Spirit How do we know? Gifts of the Holy Spirit are in evidence Unbelievers sense the presence of God and are led to follow and worship God Believers are equipped to function in the power of the Holy Spirit outside the church meeting, in their jobs, in their family life, in their evangelism This happens through us being “joined together”

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3.