Accessing God's Presence: The Call to Worship

Summary

Today, we gathered not just within the walls of a building, but in the presence of the living God who invites us to draw near to His throne. The privilege of worship is not about the place, the music, or the routine—it is about the reality that the King of Kings has torn down every barrier so that we can come boldly before Him. Reflecting on Hebrews 10:19-22, we considered the awe-inspiring truth that, through Jesus, we have access to the Most Holy Place. In the Old Testament, God’s holiness was so overwhelming that only the high priest could enter His presence, and only once a year, shielded by ritual and sacrifice. The tabernacle, with its veil and its sacred spaces, was a constant reminder of both God’s desire to dwell among His people and the chasm that sin had created.

But Jesus, our great High Priest, did not simply open a door—He tore down the veil entirely. He made a way for us to be cleansed, to be made holy, and to come into the throne room of God not as fearful outsiders, but as beloved children and royal priests. This access is not something to be taken lightly or treated as a mere formality. When we come before the King, we are called to come with reverence, with sincerity, and with a posture that reflects our love and awe. Too often, we become casual, distracted, or even indifferent, forgetting the cost and the privilege of being in His presence.

Worship is not about our comfort or our preferences; it is about expressing our love to God in the way He desires. It is about letting His holiness seep into every part of our lives—our service, our homes, our communities—so that others might see that there truly is a living God among us. The invitation is not just to observe from a distance or to let someone else draw near on our behalf, but to step into the Most Holy Place ourselves. The question is not just how to worship a King at His throne, but whether we truly desire to do so. God is calling us to deeper intimacy, to repentance for where we have taken His presence for granted, and to a renewed commitment to draw near with full assurance of faith.

Key Takeaways

- The Holiness of God Demands Reverence
God’s holiness is not a comfortable or tame attribute; it is a consuming reality that once required strict boundaries and rituals for anyone to approach. The Old Testament tabernacle and its veil were not just symbols, but necessary protections for unholy people in the presence of a holy God. Understanding this helps us recover a sense of awe and reverence when we come before Him, rather than treating worship as routine or casual. [43:20]

- Jesus Tore Down the Veil for Intimate Access
Through His sacrifice, Jesus did not merely improve our access to God—He completely removed the barrier. We are invited to come boldly into the throne room, not as outsiders or through intermediaries, but as cleansed and beloved children. This access is a costly privilege, and we are called to approach with sincerity, gratitude, and faith, never forgetting what it cost for us to draw near. [50:20]

- Worship Is an Expression of Love, Not a Checkbox
True worship is not about fulfilling a duty or following a script; it is the heartfelt expression of love for God, shaped by His own desires. Our posture, our attention, and our willingness to be changed should reflect the reality that we are in the presence of the King. When worship becomes routine or distracted, we risk missing the transformative encounter God intends for us. [55:15]

- The Invitation Is to Be a Priest, Not Just a Spectator
God’s desire is not for us to remain at a distance, content to let others draw near on our behalf. Each of us is called to be part of His royal priesthood, to enter the Most Holy Place, and to let His holiness flow through us into every area of our lives. The question is whether we truly want this intimacy, or whether we are content with secondhand experiences of God. [01:03:07]

- Repentance and Response Open the Way for Deeper Encounter
Recognizing where we have taken God’s presence for granted or made worship about ourselves is the first step toward renewal. Repentance is not just about guilt, but about realigning our hearts to desire and pursue God’s presence above all else. When we respond—whether by changing our posture, our habits, or our priorities—we open ourselves to the fullness of what God wants to do in and through us. [01:06:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:33] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage
[36:24] - Returning to Worship After Disruption
[37:43] - Mixed Emotions in Coming Back
[38:51] - Worshiping a King, Not an Idol
[40:21] - Reading Hebrews 10:19-22
[41:20] - The Tabernacle: Gate and Altar
[42:12] - The Purpose and Detail of the Tabernacle
[43:20] - The Power and Danger of Holiness
[45:01] - The Veil and the Ark: God’s Throne
[46:52] - God’s Presence Among the Nations
[48:57] - The Paradox of God’s Holiness
[49:39] - Jesus, the Great High Priest
[50:20] - The Veil Torn: Access to God
[53:45] - The Father’s Call and Our Response
[55:15] - Worship as Love Expressed
[57:37] - Recovering Reverence in Worship
[58:54] - Drawing Near with Assurance
[01:03:07] - Where Are You in the Story?
[01:06:12] - Responding to God’s Presence
[01:08:03] - Hard Questions and the Desire to Draw Near
[01:18:05] - Final Blessing and Next Steps
[01:20:17] - Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Drawing Near to the Throne

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### Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 10:19-22, what has changed about our access to God compared to the Old Testament system?
2. In the sermon, what was the purpose of the veil in the tabernacle, and what did it represent? [[45:01]]
3. What does the preacher say about the difference between being a “priest” and being a “spectator” in worship? [[01:03:07]]
4. How does the sermon describe the way Jesus changed our relationship to the Most Holy Place? [[50:20]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why was it so significant that only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year? What does this tell us about God’s holiness? [[43:20]]
2. The sermon says Jesus “tore down the veil entirely.” What does this mean for how we approach God today? [[50:20]]
3. The preacher talks about worship as “expressing our love to God in the way He desires.” What might it look like to worship God on His terms, not just our own? [[55:15]]
4. The sermon challenges us to consider if we truly want to draw near to God, or if we’re content with secondhand experiences. Why might someone prefer to stay at a distance? [[01:03:07]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon warns against becoming casual or distracted in worship. What are some specific ways you have found yourself treating worship as routine or just a checkbox? What could you do differently this week to approach God with more reverence? [[56:48]]
2. When you think about the “veil” being torn, do you feel like you are taking full advantage of the access Jesus has given you to God’s presence? Why or why not? [[50:20]]
3. The preacher described different “places” people might be: in the nations, in the camp, serving as a priest, or entering the Most Holy Place. Where do you see yourself right now, and what would it look like to take a step closer? [[01:03:07]]
4. The sermon calls us to let God’s holiness “seep into every part of our lives.” Is there an area of your life—at home, at work, in your relationships—where you have kept God at a distance? What is one step you could take to invite His presence there? [[01:04:45]]
5. The preacher encouraged changing your physical posture in worship as a way to express love and reverence. Is there a new way you could physically respond in worship this week (raising hands, kneeling, standing, etc.)? How might that help you focus on God? [[55:15]]
6. Repentance was described as realigning our hearts to desire God’s presence above all else. Is there something you need to repent of—like indifference, distraction, or self-focus in worship? How can you make that change starting today? [[01:06:12]]
7. The sermon says, “God is calling us to deeper intimacy.” What is one practical way you can pursue deeper intimacy with God this week, either alone or with others? [[53:45]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have confidence to enter God’s presence, no longer separated by a veil or limited by our unworthiness, but welcomed as beloved children into the throne room of a holy King. This access is not a small privilege—it is the fulfillment of God’s desire to dwell with His people, made possible by the blood of Christ, who tore down every barrier so that we might draw near with assurance and faith. Let this truth sink in: you are invited, not as a distant observer, but as a welcomed guest, to come before the King with reverence and awe, knowing that your place is secured by grace, not by your own merit. [49:39]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: What would it look like for you to intentionally set aside time today to enter God’s presence with confidence, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for the access Jesus has given you?


Day 2: The Holiness of God and Our Reverence

God’s holiness is not a distant, abstract concept but a powerful, awe-inspiring reality that both draws us in and humbles us. In the Old Testament, His holiness was so overwhelming that only the high priest could enter His presence, and only with great caution. Now, though the veil is torn, we are still called to approach Him with reverence, recognizing that worship is not about our comfort or preferences, but about honoring the One whose presence transforms us. Let your posture, your attention, and your heart reflect the weight and wonder of being before a holy God. [44:07]

Exodus 25:21-22 (ESV)
"And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel."

Reflection: In what practical way can you show greater reverence in your worship today—whether in your posture, your focus, or your words—acknowledging the holiness of the God you approach?


Day 3: Worship as Love Expressed God’s Way

Worship is not a routine or a performance, but the genuine expression of love for God, shaped by His own design. When we truly love and honor someone, our body language, our words, and our actions change; so it should be with God. Whether you raise your hands, kneel, or simply sit in awe, let your worship be a heartfelt response to His presence, not a checkbox or a habit. Ask God to help you move beyond comfort and routine, and to express your adoration in a way that honors Him as King. [55:15]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one new way you can physically or emotionally express your love for God in worship today, stepping beyond your usual comfort zone?


Day 4: Becoming a Royal Priesthood

God’s desire is not just for a select few to draw near, but for all His people to become a royal priesthood—those who not only serve but abide in His presence and carry His holiness into every area of life. You are invited to move beyond being a spectator or a servant who checks boxes, and instead become a conduit of God’s presence, letting His holiness seep through you into your home, your work, and your community. Embrace the privilege and responsibility of being a priest who draws near, listens, and reflects God’s glory to the world. [01:04:45]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you sense God inviting you to step into your role as a priest—bringing His presence and holiness to those around you in a tangible way?


Day 5: Responding to the Invitation—Drawing Near with Sincerity

The open invitation to God’s throne room is not meant to be taken for granted or left unanswered. Each day, you are called to respond—not with indifference or distraction, but with a sincere heart and a desire to draw near. Whether you feel worthy or not, whether you are busy or hesitant, God longs for you to come closer, to repent of complacency, and to experience the fullness of relationship He offers. Today, let your worship be marked by intentionality, repentance, and a longing to know Him more deeply, trusting that He meets you with grace and love. [01:08:03]

James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: Is there an area of your heart or life where you have been holding back from God’s presence? What step can you take today to draw near to Him with sincerity and openness?

Quotes

The paradoxical problem of God's holiness is he's a holy God that wants to dwell with an unholy people. And the tabernacle wasn't the solution to that. Jesus was. And that's really what this passage in Hebrews is saying. [00:49:25] (18 seconds)  #JesusSolvesTheHolinessParadox Edit Clip

``We have a great high priest that has made a sacrifice once and for all. Not to just crack open the veil. Not to just make it a little clearer to see through. Not to give you a protective suit. To tear the veil down and to wash you white as snow. That you, an unholy being, can become holy. And you can be in the presence of God. [00:50:07] (32 seconds)  #VeilTornForAccess Edit Clip

Because the veil has been torn down. The throne room is open. You can come anytime you want. And I think sometimes that accessibility means that we don't come at all. That we lose the value of it. That when we come, we spend more time talking at him than talking with him. That when we come, we come more to plop down on his couch and make it about us than to worship. [00:54:26] (30 seconds)  #OpenThroneRoom Edit Clip

If you've ever felt unworthy to ask the Lord for something, you know what it feels like to approach the throne with faith. God, I don't feel like I can ask this of you, but I'm going to approach your throne with faith. God, I don't know that I feel your presence, but I'm going to approach your throne with faith because of the blood of Jesus that we could draw near. [00:59:16] (29 seconds)  #ApproachWithFaith Edit Clip

Christ has made a way for us to come into the throne room of a holy King, not just for our service. You've got to hear me because some of us are stuck in this, not just for our service, not just for what you can do for Him, not just for your venting, not just so you can drama dump to Him, but to draw closer to a heavenly Father who is also the heavenly King. [00:59:45] (27 seconds)  #DrawNearToFather Edit Clip

Christ has made a way for us that we would no longer be limited to a one time of year temporary band -aid access to Him that a lesser priest goes and makes atonement in hopes that it sticks, that we can abide in Him, that Christ made a way for us so that we could no longer have a veil separating, that it's no longer in this tabernacle that's in this one remote, unique place that we have to travel to go to, but so that you can be the living temple, that the most holy place is right where you are. [01:00:14] (38 seconds)  #PermanentAccessThroughChrist Edit Clip

Maybe you're a priest. Maybe you're serving in the holy place or the courtyard. Maybe you're content with checking all the boxes. Maybe you spend all of your religious time, your spiritual relationship serving others and doing the tasks and doing the stuff. Maybe you're like Martha and you're so busy serving the king that you never sit down in his presence. There's so much more that he wants for you than that. Come into the most holy place. Come in with that reverent respect, with that anxious excitement. [01:04:13] (41 seconds)  #ChooseToWorship Edit Clip

Let his holiness seep through you into the tasks that you do, into the holy place in the courtyard where you're serving God and you're serving his people. Let his holiness seep through you into your camp, into your home, into your family, into your community. It doesn't have to be you doing it by yourself. It's never meant to be you doing it by yourself. You're a conduit that God can live and breathe through you. [01:05:05] (25 seconds)  #PriestOrServant Edit Clip

I think we need to repent of the times that we've taken worship for granted that we've used it as a checkbox that we've kind of daydreamed our way through it that we've not given Him the attention that we've barely noticed when He walked into the room. [01:07:43] (18 seconds)  #ThroneRoomEverywhere Edit Clip