A Temple

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) as a temple in which his Presence dwelled and which reflected his glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, So God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:26-27). “Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed” (Genesis 2:8).

In accordance with God’s instructions, Moses had the Tabernacle built in the Wilderness, and had it dismantled and rebuilt at each new location. God’s Presence dwelled among his people in that Tabernacle. Later, David decided to build a more permanent building, a Temple, to replace the Tabernacle. God approved the idea, but because David was a man of war, God chose David’s son Solomon for this task. So Solomon had a magnificent Temple built, but it was destroyed many years later. It’s much less impressive replacement was then built; but it too was later destroyed.

Before that however, God manifested his Presence in a far greater way, as foretold In Isaiah 7:14: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us” (Matthew 1:23). So the Son “tabernacled” with us, then told his disciples he would soon be leaving them, saying: "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-17). He later added “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth … and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13). And Peter wrote: “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

So, the Temple no longer stands on Mount Moriah, but God is here in a far different, more wonderful way! Paul asked: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19). So God’s Presence is not now in man-made structures; but in his people!

In my early childhood my parents came into contact with a church of a different denomination from the one we had been attending. I remember when we left the beautiful stone and brick church in a suburb and started attending services in a frame, one-room store-building in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The structure and number of people present were not impressive, but God’s Presence among the people was!

Jesus said that the Holy Sprit “will tell you what is yet to come;” but this has been claimed for both sides of conflicting views; so I hesitate to claim His authority for the following views; though they came from serious and prayerful study of the Scriptures. These related facts came to mind:

 My serious study also raised these questions:

This inquiry has strengthened my conviction that our ministry to small groups, formed for evangelism, fellowship, worship, discipleship, witness, and service without the requirement of membership in our In Christ Fellowship ministry, is “on target”; so we are determined to continue challenging everyone we can reach to:

The driving force of this ministry is concern for your soul and the souls of those you can influence. It takes time for groups to change doctrines as we believe they will in this case; but every day’s delay costs more souls; so, the response is up to you and to us—today!!!

Yours, "in Christ,"

Brother Jim, Founder

In Christ Fellowship

Website: www.InChristFellowship.org

Email: Support@InChristFellowship.org