Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.
1Kings 8:27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
Acts 7:48Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
49Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me?
Corinthians 5:1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
Temples, synagogues,churches and various houses of worship are found all over this world. We read in the above that God does not dwell there.
At times the above verses have been used as the reason to tell others to leave the church, but Scripture doesn't exactly communicate that either. Others will use such verses to back up their own reasons as to why they will not attend.
Well, Jesus taught in the temples back then and through Scripture this day - He is still teaching!
The church we enter is referred to as a "House of Prayer."Part of Isaiah 56:7 is -"for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
A House of Prayer. God can hear us. No matter where we are, God can hear us. The church was designed according to His purpose. Come to church and lift up your prayers . Listen to the names of others mentioned on the prayer list and bring them into your prayers.
What burdens you ? Give it to our gracious Lord no matter where you are- as well as in His House of Prayer.
All are welcome to come to church and the church family is recognized and heard even when just two or three are gathered together. It is written: Matthew 18: 19“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Another purpose for the church is found written in Ephesians 3:9 "and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.
The Scriptures are read in church and the whole of Scripture points to Jesus Christ. The Sheep of His Pasture are fed on the Bread of Life. Read and listen to the Scripture readings when you attend church. Set your mind on the Words of Jesus and keep them as a precious treasure in your heart.
Where God Dwells ?
There is an eternal house of Heaven. See Corinthians 5:1 again written above. This is sacred truth.
See the words of Jesus again - My Father who is in heaven.
Acts 7:49 above also mentions - " heaven is my throne" .
In Psalm 33 it is written : 13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
The prayer that Jesus taught to pray tells us where God is:
Luke 11:2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
God knows all things from Heaven. Go to church and lift up your prayers there.
Sing to Him your song of faith with the voices of others.
Greet others in your Christ family with peace in your heart and be thankful for all His promises.
Many churches have a food pantry. Get involved with it. You will make a family you have never met smile or perhaps you have met them in church and didn't realize their food hardship .
He may not dwell there, but He certainly hears and sees His children and remains near us...always. He may not dwell there but the ministry of Christ Jesus remains fruitful and strong.\0/\0/
How do you feel when you hear the church bells ring ? For me, it is one of happiest sounds I will ever know. The rings are heard here and elsewhere in this universe by the One who created all things. Amen.
Thank you for reading and may God continue to richly bless you.
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