Bible Reading – Ephesians 2:19-20
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.
Devotion
Here, Paul communicates that the church, the body of Christ, is a dwelling, a permanent temple of God in the Spirit. Today, God indwells believers not buildings. In his commentary on the book of Ephesians, J.V. McGee writes, “The purpose of the church as a temple is to reveal the presence and the glory of God on earth.” It is important to note that Paul speaks of the church as a temple which is currently under construction.
Each individual member of the church is fitted into the total structure so that God’s purposes can be fulfilled. Here Paul reminds his Gentile readers that though they were strangers and alienated from God, their present position is infinitely better. They are no longer strangers and foreigners. They are now fellow citizens. This citizenship is not based on earth but in heaven.
As believers, we are part of a dynamic movement of God that began at Pentecost and continues until the day of Christ Jesus. Oak Pointe Church is a Spirit-empowered movement of changed lives on mission to bless the world through the spreading of the Gospel. Be a part of what God is doing in the world today!
The Big Question
How would you describe the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your life? How is your life revealing the presence and glory of God here on earth? How is your life daily being transformed into the image of Christ? What part are you playing in this Spirit-empowered movement to change lives and share the Good News of Jesus?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.