Call Me Bethel

Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel [House of God]. (Genesis 35:15 NIV)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV)

Those who belong to Christ—"the anointed One"—are called Christians, both because He purchased us with His blood and we belong to Him, and because we are anointed with His Holy Spirit.

Each of us replaces the Old Testament temple as a place of sacrifice and as a place for the glory of God to be made manifest. The temple was a beautifully adorned house of prayer for which Jesus was zealous. Would it be accurate to call us "Bethels?"

Lord Jesus, thank You for sanctifying us with Your blood, so Your precious and glorious presence may remain with us. Thank You for Your Spirit’s love, joy, and peace. Please make us a fitting residence for Your Holy Spirit.

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