He Makes Old Things New
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. — Acts 5:12-16
A lot is happening in the lives of these early believers. And this group keeps growing by the thousands. In addition, they have nowhere to meet. So notice where they're meeting. They are gathering on the Temple grounds in a place called Solomon's Portico. It was an open gathering area located on the eastern side of the Temple's Court. This area was a place that Jews came to worship, pray, and bring offerings regularly.
This was called Solomon's Portico because the original temple, known a Solomon's Temple, had a beautiful double-column area that was impressive in its design. While Solomon's Temple was destroyed in 586 B.C., some footings from this area remained. So when Herod completed the rebuild of the temple in 10 B.C., known as Herod's Temple, they reconstructed this Portico area on some of the original footings of Solomon's Temple. So for Jewish people, this area of the temple had a special historical significance. It would be much like the Western Wall or "Wailing Wall" does today.
But notice that something new was happening in this old place. It was a fresh movement of God. A temple is being built of a new form. It's not a Temple constructed by the human hands of Herod. It's not one built on the corruption of High Priests like Annas and Caiphas. Rather it's a Temple built by God. It is led by a new High Priest, Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit was leading the way.
This is evidence that God can build something new where something old ceases to exist.
So if you feel useless, broken, destroyed, beaten, or worn down by time, challenges, and sin. If you are sick and afflicted by the demons of your past — hear this! The same Spirit that worked in these people can do a new work in you right now. The Holy Spirit is excited to make what is old in you brand new. Right where you are, God can move again. He cannot be contained by a temple made with human hands. But God can live in a temple made by his hands. And that temple he made is you. His Spirit was made to dwell in you. And today, you can invite this Spirit into your life. God can make you new right now. All you have to do is surrender all you are to all of him. Let him be Lord of your life, and let him redeem you. And from here, he will build something new, where something old ceases to exist. Are you ready? If so, just right these words below:
God, I am ready to leave my old life behind. I <insert your name> am ready to live all in for you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and do new work today in me.
ASK THIS: What old thing do you need to leave behind today?
DO THIS: Invite the Holy Spirit to do a new work in you right now!
PRAY THIS: God, I am ready to leave my old life behind. I <insert your name> am ready to live all in for you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and do new work today in me.
PLAY THIS: All Things New — Elevation Worship.
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Some great history on the temple and great insights into the significance of God’s work in us. Peter was going to where the people were and Jesus asks us to do the same. Holy Spirit, give me the courage to go to the broken, lost, and the unbelievers and share the message of hope!
God I David am ready to leave the old, please fill me with the Holy Spirit.
God, I am ready to leave my old life behind. I, Eddie, am ready to live all in for you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and do new work today in me.
God, I am ready to leave my old life behind. I, Cory, am ready to live all in for you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and do new work today in me.
Pride, old habits, the life that is not a living sacrifice. Father may we all as men live all in for the glory of God and the good of each other.
Well… again, it’s awkward leaving personal comments on this. I do appreciate these vids. Lots I could say. Peace💀
Brother,
This is a safe place. We are here for you Brother. Don’t let the enemy silence you. Praying that you remove the barriers and open up. God bless.
God, I am ready to leave my old life behind. I GTT am ready to live all in for you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and do new work today in me.