The Temple’s Magnificence – 1

Apostle Grace Lubega

Acts 3:1-6(KJV); Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

During the age of Catholic Christianity, (315 to 590 AD), the Church had grown excessively wealthy.

In this period, a story is told of Dominic, a Friar who had started an order of clergymen living lives of simplicity and poverty. When he was in Rome, seeking authorisation for his order, he was given a tour of the treasures of the Vatican.

The clergyman with him said, ‘Peter can no longer say, silver and gold have I none.’ To which Dominic replied, ‘No and neither can he say, Rise and walk.’

They had built great and impressive structures and this was their definition of magnificence.

They had buildings but without power, structures without the presence of God.

This was a misunderstanding of the magnificence of the Church.

It does not mean that the church should not have good physical structures. It should because this brings glory to God. It does not mean that the church should not have silver and gold or participate in the political arena where counsel is needed.

Regardless of the wonderful buildings, money and political influence, the author of beauty in the Church is the person of the Holy Spirit.

The manifestation of God’s glory and the demonstration of His power give the Church its magnificence.

Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 4:20, 1 Corinthians 2:4

GOLDEN NUGGET:

Regardless of the wonderful buildings, money and political influence, the author of beauty in the Church is the person of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for the Word for today. I know that the kingdom of God is not mere talk but it is in power. For Christ is both the wisdom and the power of God. I carry the fullness of God and so I carry power. I have been anointed for great things, to shake and empty hell and to demonstrate you everywhere that I am. This is my life and story. In Jesus’ name. Amen.