A Temple For All

Sermon Reflections from A Temple For All | Alex Hardt & Bob Kilpatrick | February 26, 2023
 
Have you ever asked yourself, why did God provide His indwelling Holy Spirit after I became a believer?   Why did He want to become a part of me and stay with me?  I think the answer is found in His LOVE.  It is so beyond our imagining that God would love me that much that He would desire to stay with me 24/7.   In Old Testament times, before Christ came, God promised to be with the believers.  Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Today, since Jesus came, we have His Spirit living within us. 2 Timothy 1:14 tells us to, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 

So where does God live within us?  According to our scripture this week from 1 Corinthians 3:16 “ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”   Our bodies hold his spirit once we become believers.  What does this do for you and me?  Pastor Alex reminded us of many benefits of this indwelling.  First, we can be healed from the wounds we receive in life.  Be they self-inflicted or received from the trials and tribulations of living in a broken world.  God delights in healing our wounds and binding us up.  Psalm 147:3 reminds us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  God is accessible 24/7 to heal your spirit and repair your brokenness.  Jesus told us that the hope the  Holy Spirit brings would be given to us.  “ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us”. Romans 5:5  With the Holy Spirit within us we can always have access to His healing hope for our lives.

The second point Pastor Alex made was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe.  The Holy Spirit is our advocate and helps teach and remind us of all things about God.  John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  The Holy Spirit is not selective, he provides growth, help, knowledge and assurance of salvation to all who believe.  His indwelling is for everyone! 

Lastly, Pastor Alex wanted to assure us that being indwelt by the Holy Spirit provides a refuge for the world weary believer.  He promises to seal us eternally in Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,.”  We can depend upon Him and know that He will keep us secure.

Reflecting on Pastor Alex’s message fills me with renewed hope.  God’s indwelling Holy Spirit within our earthly bodies is His temple here on earth.  We have part of Holy God living within us and His power will help to keep us from sinning.  He will help us to grow deeper in the knowledge of Him.  He will help us to  live a godly life that will glorify Him.  His temple for us is a safe haven that is with us 24/7 from now until eternity when we will be with Him.  Praise God for His provision of His Holy Spirit!

Linda

SERMON LINK
The Unknown Love | A Temple For All
Click Here to View the Sermon

Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.