Bridging the Divide: God's Invitation to Intimacy

Devotional

Sermon Summary

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips


It's a divide which is the result of Adam's rejection of God in the Garden of Eden. When that occurred instantly, a line of separation was created and a separation between God and between man. It's a separation that exists unto this present day, this present moment. [00:03:30]

We must understand it as in no way compromising or hindering in any way God's omnipresence, meaning God is everywhere, nor does this separation in any way interfere with God's engagement with men and women. However, this separation did and continues to create consequences. [00:04:00]

God's plan is not some kind of contingency plan B. It's not some alternative arrangement just in case things didn't work out the way he had planned them or intended them to work out. The fact of the matter is, and let's be clear about this, nothing just nothing at all can ever overturn God's eternal purpose. [00:07:15]

God's redemptive plan, as a matter of fact, his redemptive plan even in this very moment in which I'm speaking, is just continuing to unfold perfectly. Everything, every particular, every detail of his pre-ordained purpose and plan and intent is unfolding perfectly right on schedule. [00:07:30]

The tabernacle was a predecessor to the temple which would be erected ultimately as we know well. But at this particular time, as God gives the designs out, he says this... everything was would hold significance. It would all in one way or another point forward to the redeemer who would come. [00:11:30]

The veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. Attempting to read on, this is the old King James translation, some parts of it little awkward perhaps for some. [00:15:00]

This veil is dividing between the world that we're familiar with and another world if you like another kingdom altogether, symbolically and with some tangible evidence that God has ordained. He will abide there upon the ark between the caribbean, the place where the blood will be sprinkled. [00:21:00]

The paschal lamb in the temple was being slaughtered, and at the same moment this enormous curtain had suddenly spontaneously it seemed ripped into two and opened up the holiest of all. This would be without any question a thoroughly alarming event for all who were present in the temple. [00:28:00]

The man on the center cross was not just some any man. He was the incarnate son of God. He was Jesus. With his flesh torn and with his blood flowing, that man on the central cross ripped open a far greater curtain than the one in the temple that day. He eliminated the barrier. [00:30:00]

Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say his flesh. Charles Wesley and you know how much we appreciate the words of Charles Wesley. [00:31:40]

For some of you, you need to know that there is a way back to God. We used to sing this when I was a boy: there's a way back to God from the dark paths of sin. There's a door that is opened and all may go in at Calvary's cross is where you begin when you come as a sinner to Jesus. [00:33:00]

This is that rest. It's that rest in his presence, in his holy presence, a rest of love, rest of cleansing, a rest of fellowship with God. Amen. This is why the ripping of that curtain really matters and is really significant. [00:34:38]

Ask a question about this sermon