Whether under mango trees or in a large church, God dwells among the people. He lives in their hearts and in His congregation. The Chief Apostle recently gave a tour of this dwelling place.
God dwells among His people
Almost 2,800 people gathered in the shade of some mango trees in Moïssala in southern Chad on 17 January 2025. The Bible text for this divine service was: “For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place” (Psalm 132: 13).
The focus of the sermon was on divine election. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider made it clear that God has chosen to dwell with His people. This choice is an expression of His love and His desire to be close to humankind. This is linked to a great responsibility: God not only lives among us; He wants to live, work, and reign in us.
The temple of God in ancient times
Already in the Old Testament, God made choices. “He chose Abraham and said to him, ‘Leave your country and go to a place I will show you,’” the Chief Apostle explained. Abraham believed God, obeyed Him, and became a source of blessing for many. The people of Israel were also chosen by God. They were not more in number than any other people, nor were they the best. God’s choice cannot be explained. He chose to make Israel His people, to dwell with them, and to bless them.
In return, God expected the people of Israel to faithfully keep His commandments and serve Him. This was to be the visible response to their election: a life in accordance with God’s will. The Chief Apostle put special emphasis on the following: “God chose Zion, a mountain in Jerusalem, and said, ‘This is where you shall build the temple.’” Those who wanted to meet God had to go there, even if they lived far away. It was there in the temple that God dwelt among the people.
God Himself dwells in Christ
Divine selection continued in the New Testament in a unique way. In Jesus Christ, the Son of God came into the world as a man to bring salvation. He was in perfect agreement with God’s will because He Himself was God incarnate. Through His life, His obedience, and His sacrifice, He became a great blessing for all human beings.
But God’s election was not limited to Christ alone. God chose Himself a new people—His new worldwide people. We cannot explain why we belong to it. “We are not better than others,” the Chief Apostle clarified. “There are many, many people who are better.” But God has decided, “I want to be with you. I want to dwell with you.”
He dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit. But this nearness to God is not an end in itself. Those who are chosen by God have a mission to accomplish. “He wants to reign in our hearts.” Our own lives must be characterised by faith, trust, obedience, and active charity. “He wants us to be immediately recognisable as Christians, as people who live in accordance with the gospel of Jesus.”
The temple of God in modern times
This election and choosing continues to the present day: God has prepared a dwelling for Himself on earth. As He once chose Zion, God has now chosen His church as the place where His presence can be experienced, the Chief Apostle explained. Those who want to meet God must go where He has sent His Apostles. “Jesus said: this is My church in which My Apostles serve. If you want to meet Me, you must come to where the Apostles are.”
It was God who decided to impart His sacraments and His word through the Apostles. “The first Apostles were not the perfect.” But God called them and gave them power and a mission. “Even today, the Apostles, the servants He has chosen, are not perfect. But it is through them and the Holy Spirit that we can receive salvation.”
Toward the end of the service, Chief Apostle Schneider pointed out, “God has chosen us. He wants to be with us. And He wants us to be with Him forever.” This election is irrevocable. God does not go back on His decision. But it is up to us to decide whether we accept the offer.” The Chief Apostle concluded his sermon with a declaration, “We are happy to have been chosen by God and want to consolidate our election.”