God wanted worship to be carried out only in the place where he had established his name. For Israel, this place was the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

God is transcendent (above all things) and omnipresent (present everywhere), yet he chose one place for Israel to worship him. Solomon later asked how the God of Heaven could be housed in a human structure.

1 Kings 8:27
But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!

However, the answer is that God’s name stands in his place. The Tabernacle and then the Temple belonged to Him and bore his name, likewise the church. So they were, in a sense, his dwelling places. This is why it is wise to keep yourself holy and be of sound mind when you are in church. Even in some churches like Celestial church of Christ, you are to abstain from sexual activities for a minimal of three days before entering the inner most section of the church. This is the place where the altar is placed. The altar symbolises the presence of God. Just like the days of old.

Proverbs 22:1
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver and gold.

The church is the representative of Christ on earth. Within, as the body of Christ, we are the central sanctuary. Wherever is love, the Spirit of the Lord resides. Magnificent and glamorous buildings aren’t bad, as long as the central sanctuary is holy. The temple Solomon built in Jerusalem is evident to this fact.
   
1 King 8:10-13
When the priest came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priest could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple.

Hallelujah!

Then Solomon prayed, “O Lord, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness. Now I have built a glorious Temple for you, a place where you can live forever!”

I pray that the Glory of the Lord will continue to manifest wherever he chooses to dwell in Jesus Name. (Amen)

It is wise to include this prayer when praying for the church we attend, so that the evil one will be rendered ineffective. (Amen)

Exodus 3:5
“Do not come any closer, “the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”

Let it be embedded in you, that when you step into a place of worship, you are on “holy ground”. Let me press this further.

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and its entire people belong to him.

The eyes of the Lord covers the whole earth. For he laid the earth foundation on the sea and built it on the ocean depths. Have it in you that, as you walk on the earth, you are on holy ground. Be aware of this at all times. Then the fear of God will captivate you, which is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 22:10
Throw out the mocker, and fighter goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

Are you among those who mock in church? Do you realise that doing so, you are acting on behalf of the devil. You are creating havoc in the church. Stop it now!

CONCLUSION
God made his home in a sanctuary that bore his name. His glorious presence manifested in fire and cloud during the wilderness wanderings of the people of Israel as a constant reminder that his name is there. The same God is still at home with us. As He has chosen to dwell within the body of Christ by his Spirit, he can/will choose to dwell within YOUR inner most sanctuary (your heart and life).

John 1:14
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Have you seen his glory yet? I have. What are you waiting for? Allow him now into your central sanctuary. For in him, we move, live and have our being.

God bless