Throughout the Old Testament, God’s presence was associated with a particular location the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These sacred places represented the meeting point between heaven and earth.

But Pentecost changed everything

When the wind and fire entered the house where the disciples were gathered, God was revealing a new reality. His presence would no longer be confined to a building made by human hands.

The Temple was no longer merely a structure in Jerusalem.

The Temple had become a community of believers.

Every follower of Jesus would now become a dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.

This was a revolutionary truth. The overlap between heaven and earth was no longer limited to one geographical location. Wherever believers gathered and wherever the Spirit dwelt, God’s presence was manifested.

As the Apostle Paul later wrote: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Gods desire to dwell with his people

From the very beginning, God’s desire has always been to live among His people.

We see this desire in:

• The Garden of Eden
• The Tabernacle
• The Temple

Yet sin continually created separation between God and humanity. A holy God could not fully dwell among a sinful people without judgment.

But Jesus made a way.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dealt with the problem of sin once and for all.

John beautifully describes this truth: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God. The Holy Spirit can now live within believers, making us the new temple of God.

To be continued!

Stay blessed!

Please note that the preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.

By Rev Dr. Joyce