FRIDAY September 8, 2023
God Dwells Within Us
“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.”
Acts 17:24-25
Paul proclaimed to his audience of intellectual philosophers that God was the Creator of heaven and earth. His sermon began with the power of God. He is the Creator of all things. As God is the Creator of all things, the Athenians should realize there was no logical reason to worship false idols of gold, silver, marble, wood and stone. God made all these materials. He is the One who is deserving of our worship.
God created man in His own image: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 2:27). Paul caused them to further consider, “How do you think you breathe through your nostrils every day? Your gods do not breathe! God created you to have life!” Think about it. It is mankind who tries to make gods after his own image.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, we find the truth that God does not live in idols or buildings. When a person becomes born again of the Holy Spirit, their human body becomes the Temple of God: Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
When Jesus encountered the woman at the well, He cut through her religious conversation with one important truth: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Being religious does not save a person from eternal death. You need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ––you must be born again (John 3:3).
Even today, many different religions offer prayers and even food to worship gods that cannot speak, hear or see. If you know God, proclaim Him to those who are ignorant of Him. People want to hear about eternity.
The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us when we believe in Christ and are redeemed. It is through the Spirit that God reveals mysteries to us, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
~Francine Rivers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
