The Spirit of God: Believers as Living Temples

CALL TO WORSHIP

Let us come into God’s presence. Let us come just as we are. Let us expect great things from God. Let us welcome the Holy Spirit and be set on fire today

HYMN

Come to us, creative Spirit (StF 726)

GATHERING PRAYER

  As we enter prayer now, we pause to be still.

  To breathe slowly, to re-centre our scattered senses

  Upon the presence of God

Father God, we thank you for sending your Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Fill our hearts with your love and help us to seek your face. Give us grace to turn to your world with a burning desire to bring your love to others. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Sometimes we try and build ourselves into a tower, cut ourselves off from others, forgetting that we need them too. Forgive us, great and glorious God, and break down our barriers. Sometimes we turn away from people of other cultures, just because they’re different. Forgive us, great and glorious God, and break down our barriers. Sometimes we cling on to our own prejudices, and don’t see diversity as a blessing. Forgive us, great and glorious God, and break down our barriers. Amen.

Lord of every language under the sun, you understand our every word. But, more than that, you read the thoughts of our hearts. You forgive us our sins, whoever we are, and whatever we may have done. Lord of every language under the sun, we rejoice in your forgiveness. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those that trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever Amen.

HYMN

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind (StF 394)

2 Chronicles 7:1-7

READING 1

Solomon Dedicates the Temple

7 When Solomon had ended his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and worshipped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.’

READING 2

Acts 2.1-12

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’

Reading 2

John 14: 25-27

25 ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

HYMN

Come down O love divine (StF 372)

SERMON

The Spirit of God: Believers as Living Temples

Looking at Acts 2:1–21, John 14:25–27, and 2 Chronicles 7:1–3

John Wesley’s heart-warming experience at a religious meeting on Aldersgate Street, London, is perhaps the most famous event in his life. After thirteen years of trying to attain a pure heart before God,

Wesley found in early 1738 that what he didn’t have was an assurance of salvation.  Then on May 24th, he found what he longed for:

“In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s ‘Preface to the Epistle to the Romans’.  About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

Immediately afterward, Wesley confidently shared his newfound faith with the group, and later that evening he visited his brother Charles and triumphantly exclaimed, “I believe.’

I wouldn’t dare to put words into Johns Wesley’s mouth but I’m sure the warming in his heart was the movement of the Holy Spirit, it may not have been flames descending, but maybe you too have felt the warming of your heart.

One day last week I was not doing anything particular or different than my normal routine when I was suddenly overwhelmed by this sense of love, it’s hard to explain and it didn’t last for long, but it has been on my mind ever since and I do wonder about it.

I’m sure that God’s spirit is active and around us all the time.

For me the idea that God’s Spirit doesn’t stay confined to a building but lives inside believers the greatest news in the Bible. Acts 2:1–21, John 14:25–27, and 2 Chronicles 7:1–3 show how this amazing change happened and what it means for people who follow Him.

Acts 2:1–21: The Day It All Changed

Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, was a game-changer for Christians. On that day, God’s Spirit came down like a powerful wind and flames of fire, filling a group of believers. Acts 2:2–3 says:

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them."

This was a sign that God wasn’t living in the temple anymore. He was now living in people who believed in Him. The fire and wind were like symbols of cleaning, energizing, changing, it shows how God’s presence can’t be limited. Later in the passage, Peter quotes the prophet Joel, saying:

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people."

That’s huge! It means God’s Spirit isn’t just for certain people or places—it’s for everyone who believes. From that moment on, believers became what you might call “living temples,” for God’s work on earth. He no longer remained in one place for one people but was the God for all people.

John 14:25–27: God’s Spirit as a Helper

In John 14, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit being like a guide and comforter for His followers. As He’s preparing them for when He’ll leave, He says:

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

Jesus is basically saying that the Spirit will be there to keep them on track, teach them, and encourage them. The Spirit moves believers away from relying on physical places, like temples, and instead opens their hearts as a place where God dwells. Jesus also offers them this promise:

"Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you."

This peace isn’t based on what is happening around them and us. it comes from having God’s Spirit inside you. It helps believers reflect God’s love and grace in a world that is in extreme needs it.

2 Chronicles 7:1–3: God’s Glory in the Old Temple

Before all this, God’s presence was closely tied to physical spaces, like the temple Solomon built. In 2 Chronicles 7:1–3, we read about how God’s glory filled the temple:

"When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple."

The temple was a place people went to connect with God. It was awe-inspiring and holy. But here’s the connection: this event mirrors what happened at Pentecost. Just like fire came down on Solomon’s temple, flames came to rest on believers in Acts 2. This shift—from a physical building to the hearts of believers—shows how God moved from rituals to real relationships with people.

What This Means for Believers

Believers becoming “living temples” changes everything. It means God’s presence isn’t stuck in one place—He can work through anyone, anywhere, anytime. This also shows how personal God is. He doesn’t just want people to follow rules; He wants to be close to them and work through them to make a difference in the world. And the people they meet.

Unity and Strength

The Spirit brings people together, no matter their differences. At Pentecost, people who spoke different languages suddenly understood each other. This unity lets believers work together for God’s purposes, showing how diverse but connected the Church can be. It always reminds me of the Tower of Babel where man’s desire to make himself the centre caused God to confuse their language, the events of Pentecost overturn this as people could understand again.

Changing Lives

When the Spirit lives inside believers, it changes them. It helps them grow into better versions of themselves, becoming more like Jesus in how they live and act. Being living temples means constantly being renewed and guided by God.

Purpose and Mission

Living temples aren’t just sitting around—they’re meant to share God’s love and message with others. Believers are called to serve, help, and spread hope. The Spirit gives them courage and compassion to do just that.

A New Way to Experience God

The move from temples to living inside believers marks a new chapter in how God works with humanity. Acts 2:1–21, John 14:25–27, and 2 Chronicles 7:1–3 all highlight this incredible transition. God’s Spirit is now available to everyone who wants to connect with Him.

Imagine your body as a temple—a little worn out from life’s inevitable adventures. You might think of yourself as a fixer-upper: some paint peeling, maybe a creaky door. But guess what? Just like any beloved building, your imperfections tell your story. The cracks show where you've learned, and the patches remind you of your journey. Plus, God put the blueprints together! So remember, building this temple isn't about perfection, but about welcoming His spirit in every little room of your life.

As living temples, believers have an amazing job: to carry God’s presence, share His love, and make the world a better place. It’s a powerful reminder that God is always at work, transforming lives and spreading hope.

HYMN

Abba Father, let me be yours and yours alone (StF 439)

COLLECTION

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Today we have heard miraculous stories of people both separated and united by language. Lord, we thank you for our mother tongue, the language that reveals our true selves. We rejoice in the gift of communication. Thank you that our words can be extraordinary when your Spirit breathes through them. Amen.

We pray, Holy Spirit, for all who lack confidence. For parents struggling to meet the needs of their families... Holy Spirit, affirm them today. For children struggling with their work at school... For teachers struggling to meet the demands of the day... For young people who feel misunderstood... For young adults struggling to find their place in the world... For carers trying to support and comfort those who are vulnerable… For the frail, facing diminishing strength and loss of identity... For all people struggling to be who they truly are... Holy Spirit affirm them – and us – today. Amen.

HYMN

Father God, I wonder (StF 72)

BLESSING

Lord, we have come together as your people. We have listened to your Word and joined together in your praise. Send us back to our daily lives, ready to share your good news through the coming week. Amen.