Accessing God's Presence: Transformation Through Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Posture of Our Hearts in Worship

In our busy lives, it's easy to let our minds wander during worship. However, worship is a sacred moment where we communicate with our Creator. This time should be set apart, free from distractions, to honor God's presence. By focusing our hearts and minds on God, we allow Him to cleanse and transform us. Worship is not just about singing songs or saying prayers; it's about engaging with God on a deep, personal level. This engagement requires intentionality and a heart posture that is open and receptive to His presence. [34:10]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: What distractions do you need to set aside to fully engage in worship? How can you prepare your heart to meet with God in a more meaningful way today?

Day 2: The Old Testament Tabernacle's Limitations

The Old Testament tabernacle was a marvel of its time, constructed with the finest materials. However, it was made of earthly elements and required constant maintenance. It served as a temporary solution, pointing to a greater reality in Jesus Christ. The tabernacle was a foreshadowing of something far superior—Jesus, who offers a permanent and perfect way to God. Unlike the tabernacle, which was accessible only to a select few, Jesus' sacrifice grants all believers direct access to God's presence. [49:10]

Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV): "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."

Reflection: How does understanding the limitations of the Old Testament tabernacle deepen your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice? What does it mean to you that Jesus provides a permanent way to God?

Day 3: Access to God's Presence

In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and that too only once a year. However, Jesus' sacrifice has changed everything. Now, all believers have direct access to God's presence. This access is a profound privilege, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence and assurance. We no longer need an intermediary because Jesus has made a way for us to approach God directly. This access should not be taken lightly but should be cherished and utilized in our daily lives. [10:07]

Ephesians 3:12 (ESV): "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Reflection: How often do you take advantage of the direct access to God that Jesus has provided? What steps can you take to draw nearer to God with confidence and assurance today?

Day 4: Transformation from the Inside Out

The old tabernacle rituals could only cleanse externally, but Jesus' sacrifice transforms us internally. His blood not only covers our sins but removes them, offering true moral and spiritual purity. This inner transformation is essential for living a life that reflects God's holiness. Unlike the temporary and external cleansing of the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice provides a permanent solution to our brokenness. This transformation from the inside out is what enables us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character. [12:39]

Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' transformative power? How can you invite Him to cleanse and renew you from the inside out today?

Day 5: God's New Work in Us

God is always doing a new thing in our lives, moving us from the old to the new. This process can be challenging as it confronts our past and requires us to change. However, it is through this transformation that we become more like Jesus, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Embracing God's new work in us means being open to change and willing to let go of old habits and mindsets. It is a journey of continual growth and renewal, guided by the Holy Spirit. [46:52]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What old habits or mindsets is God calling you to let go of? How can you embrace the new work He is doing in your life today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we focused on the importance of the posture of our hearts as we come into God's presence. It's easy to let our minds wander to the concerns of daily life, but we must remember that worship is a holy moment where we communicate with our Creator. We honored God's many names, including Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha, and prayed for those in need, such as the family of 13-year-old Addie who tragically drowned. We also celebrated new life with the birth of Cooper Patrick Smith.

We then delved into Hebrews 9, exploring the Old Testament tabernacle and its significance. The tabernacle, though magnificent, was inferior to what is in store for us in heaven. It was made of earthly materials, served as a temporary solution, and only a select few had access to its most holy places. The tabernacle was a foreshadow of something greater—Jesus Christ, who provides us with direct access to God through His sacrifice.

The Old Testament practices were necessary for their time but were ultimately limited. They dealt with external purity and could not transform the inner man. In contrast, Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from the inside out, offering a permanent solution to our brokenness. We now have the privilege of entering the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God, through Jesus Christ.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Posture of Our Hearts in Worship: It's crucial to focus our hearts and minds on God during worship, resisting distractions. This holy moment is an opportunity to communicate with our Creator, who is eternal and unchanging. By doing so, we honor His presence and allow Him to work in our lives, cleansing and transforming us. [34:10]
2. The Old Testament Tabernacle's Limitations: The tabernacle was a marvel of its time, constructed with the finest materials. However, it was made of earthly elements and required constant maintenance. It served as a temporary solution, pointing to a greater reality in Jesus Christ, who offers a permanent and perfect way to God. [49:10]
3. Access to God's Presence: Unlike the Old Testament where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, Jesus' sacrifice grants all believers direct access to God's presence. This access is a profound privilege, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence and assurance. [10:07]
4. Transformation from the Inside Out: The old tabernacle rituals could only cleanse externally, but Jesus' sacrifice transforms us internally. His blood not only covers our sins but removes them, offering true moral and spiritual purity. This inner transformation is essential for living a life that reflects God's holiness. [12:39]
5. God's New Work in Us: God is always doing a new thing in our lives, moving us from the old to the new. This process can be challenging as it confronts our past and requires us to change. However, it is through this transformation that we become more like Jesus, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. [46:52]
### [46:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:10] - The Posture of Our Hearts in Worship
[35:23] - Honoring God's Presence
[36:11] - Prayer for Addie's Family
[37:27] - Celebrating New Life
[38:14] - Introduction to Hebrews 9
[39:22] - The Old Testament Tabernacle
[40:42] - The Role of the High Priest
[41:19] - The Power of God's Word
[42:17] - Jesus and the New Covenant
[43:07] - The Old vs. The New
[44:15] - God's New Work in Us
[46:52] - The Old Tabernacle's Inferiority
[49:10] - Earthly Materials and Temporary Solutions
[10:07] - Access to God's Presence
[12:39] - Inner Transformation
[13:39] - The Power of Jesus' Blood
[14:11] - Closing Prayer and Song

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the key elements found in the Old Testament tabernacle as described in Hebrews 9:1-10?
According to the sermon, what are some of the names of God that were honored during worship? [34:10]
What specific event was prayed for during the sermon, and what was the congregation's response? [36:11]
How did the pastor describe the process and significance of moving the Old Testament tabernacle? [49:43]

Interpretation Questions

Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of the posture of our hearts during worship? [34:10]
How does the Old Testament tabernacle serve as a foreshadow of Jesus Christ according to Hebrews 9 and the sermon? [57:13]
What does Isaiah 43:18-19 mean when it says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past"? How does this relate to the sermon's message about God's new work in us? [44:57]
In what ways does the pastor suggest that Jesus' sacrifice offers a more profound transformation compared to the Old Testament rituals? [12:39]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own worship practices. How can you better focus your heart and mind on God during worship to resist distractions? [34:10]
The sermon mentioned the tragic drowning of 13-year-old Addie. How can you support and pray for families in your community who are going through similar tragedies? [36:11]
The birth of Cooper Patrick Smith was celebrated during the sermon. How can you celebrate and support new life and milestones within your church community? [38:14]
The pastor spoke about the limitations of the Old Testament tabernacle and the greater access we have through Jesus. How can you take advantage of this direct access to God in your daily life? [10:07]
The sermon emphasized inner transformation through Jesus' sacrifice. Identify one area in your life where you need inner transformation. What steps can you take this week to invite Jesus into that area? [12:39]
The pastor mentioned that God is always doing a new thing in our lives. What new thing do you feel God is doing in your life right now, and how can you embrace it? [46:52]
Reflect on the concept of moving from the old to the new as described in Isaiah 43:18-19. What old habits or mindsets do you need to leave behind to fully embrace the new work God is doing in you? [44:57]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "So Lord, today, as we have sung these songs of worship, it is my prayer that our hearts and minds have not wandered away from this moment. Lord, that we have captured the here and now. That we have captured Your holy presence. That we have dug our heels in against the distractions, and released our burdens to You." [34:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We're not where we need to be, but we're a lot farther from where we used to be. And for that, God, we say thank You. And we give You praise and we give You honor. We honor Your presence in this house. We honor Your name in this house. We honor Your Son, Jesus Christ, in this house. We honor the Holy Spirit in this house. Because there is none other like You, God." [35:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Aren't you glad Jesus is doing a new thing inside of you today? He goes on to say, now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The entire book of Isaiah prophesies of a day when things would be made new by the birth of one child that would bear the weight of the sins of the world on his shoulders and become the once and for all sacrifice for all of humanity." [45:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Only the blood of Jesus can relieve when life pressures are closing in. Only the blood of Jesus can redeem and reclaim the lost. Only the blood of Jesus can rebuild a marriage that is broken. Only the blood of Jesus can restore hope in the hopeless. And only the blood of Jesus can bring life, love, and light to the darkness. Only the blood of Jesus will satisfy to break the bondage of sin. Only the blood of Jesus will do that." [13:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The good news is, when Jesus gave his life on the cross, what used to separate us from God was torn from the top to the bottom, and the way was altered. When Jesus opened into the Holy of Holies, when Jesus was crucified on the cross in Matthew chapter 27, it says this in verse 50, and when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit, and at that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom, the earth shook, the rocks split." [10:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The writer of Hebrews, he's reminding the audience of the practices of the Old Testament. And he wants to divert their attention from the old, which is what they want to return to. They want to exchange the life they now have in Christ to go back to the old practices. And he's trying to divert their attention to get them to understand that those things are what once was and they need to focus on what is now and what will be in the future." [43:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The further you moved into the tabernacle, the more intimate the relationship got with God. Do you understand that? Because at the outer court, there's nothing wrong with us being in the outer court, and I'm talking about a church. We all love to celebrate, right? We all love the fast songs and the songs that make us feel good when we're singing them. But the closer we get to God's presence, the more the Holy Spirit deals with us on the internal side." [59:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The purpose for the Spirit's infillment in the life of believer is to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So after these Spirit-filled men were finished with the construction of the tabernacle, it was set in place and dedicated to the God of Israel. And the Bible tells us that once it was dedicated, that the glory of God moved into the sanctuary, but it was still a building built of earthly elements and constructed by human hands." [54:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The old tabernacle ceremonies could not do that. And therefore it rendered it inferior. This morning as we close our gathering, I'm going to go to the piano I'm going to sing an old song that we, I don't think we've done here at all for a number of years. But it kept coming to my mind over and over and over again. we were walking, as I was walking through the study of this message, and thinking about the blood of Jesus and how it's applied to our lives and how it changes us and transforms us from the inside out." [13:39] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So God speaks to Moses, his servant, and talks about Bezalel being filled with the Holy Spirit to do the work required. You have to understand this is a rare occurrence in the Old Testament. There are a few leaders and judges that the Bible says were also filled with the Spirit. There's Joshua, Othniel, Gideon, and Jephthah. They were all filled with the Spirit. These men were set apart to carry out the purpose that God had given them." [53:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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