Life has been quite a journey lately, filled with ups and downs. But always remember, as believers, we are assured that all things work together for our good, as we are called according to His purpose. The word "purpose" derives from "prothesis," signifying that we are destined to fulfill a specific role on Earth for our King and His kingdom.

In this message, I want to address the influence of society and the world, constantly bombarding us with emotions, desires, and preferences, attempting to dictate how we should think and behave as citizens of the Kingdom of God. It's crucial to remember the origins of the term "Christian." The world coined it to describe those who followed Jesus Christ, emphasizing the distinction between believers and non-believers. Similarly, today's world seeks to dictate our thinking and behavior, but we must recognize that we are commissioned to govern the Earth, to rule, and to exercise dominion. This divine gift is exclusive to Kingdom citizens.

Amidst the noise of the world, I embarked on a personal journey through Scripture, reading from the Book of Matthew to the Book of Revelation in a span of two weeks. Now, I'm delving into the Old Covenant, starting with Genesis. This deep dive led me to a profound revelation: God has always desired to dwell among us.

From the very beginning, in Genesis, God created the Earth and fashioned a garden, a place ready for His dwelling. He longed to commune with humanity, walking with Adam in the cool of the day, establishing a perfect fellowship. However, as sin entered the world, this close relationship changed. Access to God's presence became restricted, and a complex system of sacrifices and rituals emerged. Humanity needed intermediaries, like the high priest, to approach God.

But then came the transformative event—the cross of Calvary. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, a new covenant was established, offering believers a profound privilege. We now have the right to boldly enter the presence of the Lord, not through a temple or tabernacle but through our very beings. We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and this understanding changes everything.

In the old system, the temple was open only on the seventh day, and people had to follow specific procedures to access God. After Calvary, we became the temple, the holiest of holies, where God resides by His Spirit. This means we no longer have to wait for a specific day or event to meet with God; we can continually abide in His presence. Prayer is no longer confined to a specific time or place; we can pray continually because God dwells within us.

Miracles have always fascinated me. Over my 40-plus years of ministry, I've witnessed incredible acts of divine intervention. From healing cancer to raising the dead, I've seen the power of God on display. However, there's a crucial shift in perspective that we need to embrace. Miracles should not be limited to church gatherings or special events. We have the Holy Spirit within us, and we can release His power into everyday life.

Think about how Jesus ministered during His time on Earth. He didn't restrict His miracles to synagogues or gatherings. He walked the streets, entered people's homes, and released the power of God wherever He went. The woman who touched the hem of His garment experienced healing because the power of God flowed from Him. Our role is to strengthen the inner man, stir up the gifts within us, and allow the Holy Spirit to use us as vessels of His power.

It's time to break free from the religious mindset that confines ministry to specific settings. Instead, we should be like vessels, ready to spill out the power of God wherever we go. Whether we're at a church service or a gas station, we should be available vessels for the Holy Spirit to use. This season offers an incredible opportunity for us to understand our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit.

The world is grappling with issues related to identity, whether it's in matters of gender or personal purpose. The root of these struggles often lies in a lack of understanding of who we are. As believers, our identity is clear: we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit. We should no longer question our purpose but embrace the truth that we carry the presence of God within us.

In 2023, let's make it a year of letting go of the old and embracing the new. Let go of former limitations, mannerisms, and ways of doing things. Allow yourself to become an empty vessel, ready to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Strengthen your inner man through deep dives into Scripture, worship, and spending time in God's presence. When you're full, the Holy Spirit will tip you, and His power will spill out, impacting the lives of those you encounter.

As I prepare for upcoming journeys and ministry, I'm excited about the prospect of being a vessel used by God, whether in a church service or on the road. I don't want to be the one who decides when to tip; I want the Holy Spirit to do it as He sees fit. I want to be a living testimony of God's presence, ready to pour out wherever I go.

In conclusion, remember that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, a dwelling place for God's presence. Allow yourself to be filled to the brim with His Spirit, and let His power spill out into the world. Whether you're at home, at work, or on a journey, you carry the presence of God within you. Embrace your identity and be a vessel of His love, power, and grace.

May this message resonate with your heart and inspire you to live as a temple of the Holy Spirit, impacting the world around you. God bless you as you walk in His presence and purpose.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace, the absence of all things harmful, the presence of all thing beneficial, nothing missing, nothing broken. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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