Tag: Christian Life

Reflections on Exodus 25-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today describes how the tabernacle is to be made.

  • Giving – Before the tabernacle can be made, there must be materials.  So God tells Moses to call for a freewill offering toward the building of the tabernacle.  All who have a heart to give are to give.  What work of the Lord moves your heart to give?
  • God’s presence – Why should they build a tabernacle?  So God may dwell with them.  Almighty God will dwell in their midst.  Many years later, the God will become flesh and dwell (or literally – tabernacle) among us in the person of Jesus (John 1:14).  Today God dwells in his church by His Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16-17) and in each Christian individually (I Corinthians 6:19-20).  How should we live in light of his presence with us?  (Read the passages from I Corinthians for some ideas.)

Exodus 25-30: The Tabernacle

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(25, 29) What is the main purpose of the tabernacle according to 25:8 and 29:45-46?

How does the tabernacle point forward to Jesus (John 1:14) and the church (I Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:19-22)?

How should we live as a church in light of this truth?

(25-27, 30) God instructs Moses to make numerous items to place in the tabernacle. What is the purpose of each? What symbolism, foreshadowing, or application might be found in each?

Ark and Mercy Seat (Hebrews 4:14-16) –

Veil (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-25) –

Altar of Incense (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4) –

Table (Matthew 6:11, John 6:35) –

Lampstand (John 1:4, 8:12) –

Bronze Basin (John 13:5-10, I John 1:9) –

Bronze Altar (Hebrews 10:11-14) –

(28-29) How does the ministry of the high priest point to Jesus – a better high priest (Hebrews 7:25, 9:24-26)?

(28-29) The priests were to be washed, clothed, and anointed (29:4-7) so that they might serve God (28:1, 3, 4).  We are called a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9).  In what way have we been washed (I Corinthians 6:9-11), clothed (II Corinthians 5:21), and anointed (II Corinthians 1:21-22) to serve the Lord?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Forgetting the Past – Ed Welch (CCEF)
Scripture does help us with our painful pasts, but it does more than that. It tells us to forget things we want to remember, and remember things we are likely to forget.

The Character of the Christian: Mature and Humble – Tim Challies
Christian leaders—and all Christians—are to strive to become more like Christ—they are to grow in spiritual maturity. As they grow in maturity, they will necessarily grow in humility.

10 Things to Remember When Reading the Bible – Vern Poythress (Crossway)
God’s redemption takes place in history. Christianity is not merely a religious philosophy, a set of general truths about God and the world. At its heart is the gospel, the good news that Christ has come and has lived and died and has risen from the dead, and now lives to intercede for us. God has worked out our salvation by coming in the person of Christ and acting in time and space. The message of what he has done now goes out to the nations…

18 Things to Pray for Your Church – Jonathan Leeman (TGC)
It’s comparatively easy for you and me to pray for ourselves, our families, and our friends. But how can we learn how to pray more fervently and consistently for our local churches?

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Reflections on Exodus 23-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God continues to give the people of Israel some specific applications of the 10 Commandments, and then confirms his covenant with them.

  • No other gods – Israel is to drive out the inhabitants and their gods from the land lest their gods become a snare leading Israel astray.  What gods in our land have become a snare to you?  What gods tempt you to serve them, to trust them, to put them before the one true God?
  • God’s covenant confirmed – The people agree to obey God’s laws, and then offer sacrifices to God.  Moses takes some of the blood from the sacrifices and throws it on the people, declaring, “Behold, the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you.”  Many years later, before offering himself as a sacrifice, Jesus will pass the cup, saying: “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).  The Lord’s Supper is a regular confirmation of God’s new covenant with us through Jesus Christ.  As such, it is a reminder of what God has done for us, and our commitment to live for him.  Do you approach the table this way?
  • Seeing God – Moses and a select number have the privilege of seeing the beauty of God, and even get to eat in his presence!  In the Lord’s Supper, we have the privilege of seeing a glimpse of God as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and even get to eat in his presence!  Have you approached the table this way?

Sermon Songs: Missions

On By BrianIn Sermon Songs

MusicNotes

We follow our Savior’s command
Jesus Christ to proclaim
Planting His church in ev’ry land
That all may know His name
Enabled for this ministry
By God’s powerful grace
Many from sin will be set free
Their Savior ever praise

Now together the church partners
With those God calls to go
Our gifts to them the church offers
That they the seed might sow
And for a harvest we will pray
Outpourings of His grace
Faithful until that glor’ous day
We all will see His face

 (To the tune of “We Sing The Greatness Of Our God”)

Reflections on Exodus 21-22

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God gives the people of Israel some specific applications of the 10 Commandments.  Consider:

  • God’s Love – Law after law shows God’s concern for people as he limits retribution to fit the crime, and protects the vulnerable (the poor, sojourners, widows, orphans) from mistreatment.  Do you have this same heart for people?  How does it show in your life?
  • God’s Justice – Closely related to his love is his justice.  God’s laws are designed to create a just society for the nation of Israel.  People are to treat each other fairly and rightly.  How well does that describe your interactions with the people in your life?
  • God’s Authority – Finally, these laws remind us of God’s authority.  God has the right as Israel’s Redeemer and God to command them.  And God has the right as our Savior and God to command us.  Do you recognize his authority in your life?  Are you walking in obedience to His Word?