A New Temple

Pastor Hilton preaches from 2 Corinthians 6:16, examining the pattern of God dwelling among His people. He addresses the modern 'home church' movement, affirming that while early New Testament Christians gathered in homes, the Bible also shows the development of established local assemblies with specific addresses, like those in Revelation. The core message traces God's pattern from the Old Testament tabernacle to Solomon's temple, emphasizing that God gave Moses a precise pattern because it foreshadowed greater spiritual realities. The tabernacle's temporary sacrifices pointed to Christ's eternal sacrifice. Solomon's temple, grander and more permanent, illustrates that God desires to scale His dwelling from a temporary tent to an established, glorious temple. Pastor Hilton stresses that Jesus Himself came as both the sacrifice and the temple, and He weeps over those who miss the time of their visitation. The sermon applies this pattern to the believer: you are the temple of the living God. Using 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19-20, he warns against defiling that temple and urges purification. The spiritual purpose is a call to readiness: to purge oneself from fleshly lusts and become a holy vessel, sanctified and meet for the Master's use. God is visiting tonight, seeking a vacancy in willing hearts. The altar call invites response to make oneself a prepared temple for His indwelling presence.