A New Sanctuary

O. T. #219  "A New Sanctuary"
Jan. 31, 2014
Exodus 25-Part 1
And let them make Me a sanctuary: that I may dwell among them.  Exodus 25:8

LET IT GLOW

Our church is still in the process of building a new sanctuary. The shell is up, and now the inside is taking shape. Our goal is to  prepare it as a place in which God is pleased to dwell with His people, our congregation. A place set apart for His glory, where He is praised, worshiped, honored.  I pray that He will walk among us as we worship there, convicting, leading, calling out His children for His glory. Also, only God's Word is preached and taught. Today's chapter speaks about a tabernacle. Do you know what that is?

We read back in Genesis where God walked with His people (Gen. 3:8; 5:22, 24; 6:9; 17:1). However, in Exodus, God said that He wanted to dwell with His people (Ex. 25:8; 29:49). Although, later when Israel sinned, the glory departed (1 Sam. 4:34-38).

The first of several dwellings in which God blessed with His glorious presence was built by Moses (Ex.40:34-38). It was called a sanctuary. A sanctuary is a consecrated thing or place; a holy place; a hallowed part (Strong's Concordance) Consecrated means to dedicate to a sacred purpose or service(Webster's Dictionary) We will get into the details of it later.

The second dwelling place was the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 8:10-11). The Prophet Ezekiel saw that glory depart (Ez. 8:4; 9:3; 10:4,18).


Do we respect our sanctuary, church building, as a place where God dwells? Is it different from other buildings, set apart. How is our attitude when we enter the sanctuary? Is it one of worship and praise to our God?

LET IT GROW

In the New Testament, we find God's glory returned to earth in the Person of Jesus Christ, His Son (John 1:14 where dwelt means tabernacle). Men nailed Jesus to the cross at that time.

God's people today are the temple of God:

• universally (Eph. 2:20-22),
• locally (1 Cor. 3:16),
• individually (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

We will  one day see the kingdom temple where God's glory dwells (Ez. 43:1-5). We will be in His presence eternally (Rev. 21:22).
[Resource: Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament]

Are we living like our God dwells within us? Are we led by the Holy Spirit in things we say, do, where we go? Is our body the temple of God?

Spurgeon said, "Faith is sometimes assisted by Experience and Experience sees His glory."

John 1:14 assures us: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

Is the Word, Jesus Christ who lived in the flesh, among us now? Have we experienced His glorious grace and truth today? Are we looking for Him in our life? In the lives of others? He is there!
It is so incomprehensible for me to think that a Holy God would love us so much that He would stoop to become a man, then die for us sinners.
Glory to the Risen Savior!

LET IT GO

Surrender my body and soul to be the temple of God.

Make my life, a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I'll be your living sanctuary, for You.
(Unknown source to me)

Walk and talk with Jesus along this road of life.