The Temple of God's Presence: Beyond Walls (05/31/'24) -Passage

The Temple of God's Presence: Beyond Walls Revelation 21:22 states, "I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb." This verse is part of the vision of the new heaven and the new earth described in Revelation 21, where the apostle John describes the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Here are some key aspects of this verse: Meaning of the Verse No Physical Temple: In the new Jerusalem, there is no need for a physical temple. The absence of a temple signifies that God’s presence is fully manifest and directly accessible to all the inhabitants of the city. God and the Lamb as the Temple: The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) themselves are the temple. This signifies the perfect and complete presence of God and Jesus, eliminating any need for an intermediary structure or institution. Worship and communion with God are direct and immediate. Message for Today's Modern Church Presence of God: The modern church can take from this that God's presence is not confined to buildings or specific locations. Worship and communion with God can happen anywhere because God's presence is everywhere. This challenges believers to seek and recognize God’s presence in their daily lives, not just within church buildings. Christ-Centered Worship: The focus of worship should be on God and Christ, rather than on rituals or physical places. The essence of worship is a direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This can encourage churches to emphasize personal and communal relationships with Christ over formalities. Unity and Accessibility: Just as the new Jerusalem has no temple, the church today can strive to be more inclusive and accessible, breaking down barriers that might separate people from experiencing God's presence. This calls for a more open and welcoming approach to ministry and community. Anticipation of the Fulfillment: This verse also points to the future hope and ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. The modern church is reminded to live in anticipation of Christ’s return and the establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness. This hope can inspire and motivate believers to live faithfully and share the gospel. In summary, Revelation 21:22 emphasizes the direct and personal nature of worship in God’s ultimate kingdom, where His presence is fully realized. For the modern church, it highlights the importance of focusing on God's presence, fostering a Christ-centered community, being inclusive and accessible, and living in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 31, 2024)