In this podcast, they explore the topics of restoration, being the temple of God, the generative nature of God's glory, the connection between the temple and Eden, and the significance of the river of life in bringing restoration and renewal.
Our hearts are the new temple meant to experience the resilience and nourishment of Eden.
By invoking the river of life, we can restore and replenish our souls, hearts, and bodies with its regenerative qualities.
Deep dives
The Provision of Eden and the New Temple
John discusses the provision of Eden and how our hearts are the new temple. He explores the promises of God for the healing of humanity and emphasizes that restoration comes in Eden language and imagery. Jesus referred to the kingdom of God as Eden, highlighting its significance as the habitat for which our hearts and souls were created. As the temple of God, our hearts are meant to experience the resilience and nourishment of Eden, pouring forth from us into the world.
The Glory of the Lord and the Filling of the Temple
The glory of the Lord is described as the generative, life-giving, and creative presence of God. In the temple, the menorah, gold, jewels, sense, beauty, music, and song were all intended to remind people of the Eden experience. Today, as the new temple, the glory of God is meant to fill our hearts and souls, serving as our source of hope, joy, love, and forgiveness. Being aware of the presence of the living God within us allows us to experience greater measures of the Eden presence and extend it to the brokenness in the world.
The River of Life and Invoking the Presence of God
The river of life symbolizes the regenerative, life-giving, and ever-flowing presence of God. As the temple of God, we can invoke the river of life to flow through us, restoring, renewing, and replenishing our souls, hearts, and bodies. By calling forth the river of life, we can receive its nourishment, healing, and shielding qualities. The exercise encourages envisioning the river, invoking it into damaged places, and inviting the river of life to flow into our souls, hearts, and bodies, shielding us from death and restoring our connection with God.