Love For the Local Church: (Ephesians 2:19-22). Part Four

This is the last of our teachings on "Love For the Local Church." In previous lessons we've looked at the foundation of the church as well as the formation of the church. In this lesson, we'll examine the function of the local church. Paul tells us, "In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit" (v 22). What a wonderfully awesome truth: God is building Christ followers together into His dwelling place in the Spirit! Praise God forevermore! We understand that in the Old Testament, the temple was the special place where God would meet with His people and reveal Himself. But now, not in a physical structure, but in the hearts of His people gathered together in one location, knit together in love (Colossians 2:2), God dwells! As implied in verse 22, the church as God's dwelling place must be holy. God does not dwell where sin is tolerated, ignored, or excused away. The question becomes, "how much of our behavior would we change if we sensed that we're gathering every week in a place where God in all His holiness dwells?" If you had an awareness of God's presence in your life personally, would you live differently? This is why we must become God-inside-minded! It's when we're God-inside-minded, that we'll be careful to walk in holiness! When we understand and embrace that both individually and collectively, the living God dwells in our midst, we will be careful to walk in holiness! This also means that whenever Christ followers come together as a local body, we should come to MEET WITH GOD! God is the reason for us gathering together! We desire to sense His presence in our midst! As Moses prayed (Exodus 33:15), if the Lord's presence does not go with us, we don't want to go at all! So pray and prepare your heart before you gather with those of like precious faith, "Father God, I want to meet with You! I want You to show Your glory in Your temple!" Commit yourself to the local church because it's the household of God! Your move. Be encouraged!