Carrying God's Glory: A Call to Intimacy

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to explore the profound message found in Exodus 25, where God speaks to Moses on the mountain, giving him a divine plan for the tabernacle. This plan symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people, eliminating the distance that once separated them. The tabernacle, made of wood and covered in gold, represents the glory of God shining through His people. It is a reminder that God’s presence is not confined to a mountain or a building but is meant to be carried with us wherever we go.

We are called to be vessels of His glory, much like the instruments and furnishings in the tabernacle, each serving a unique purpose. God sees each of us as a useful instrument for His kingdom, and it is through our consecration and obedience that we can fulfill this role. The love of God is different from any human love we may have experienced; it is a love that sacrifices and removes all hindrances to draw us closer to Him.

As we reflect on this message, we are reminded that it is not enough to receive the word from the pulpit alone. We must seek a personal, intimate relationship with God, allowing His presence to transform us. This transformation empowers us to share His love and glory with those around us, fulfilling His plan for our lives and our communities. Let us be encouraged to climb the spiritual mountain, to consecrate ourselves, and to carry the message of hope and salvation to the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Desire to Dwell Among Us: God's plan has always been to inhabit with His people, eliminating any distance between us and Him. The tabernacle symbolizes this desire, reminding us that His presence is meant to be carried with us wherever we go. [01:25:18]

2. The Unique Love of God: Unlike human love, God's love is sacrificial and removes all barriers to draw us closer to Him. This love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, offering us salvation and a personal relationship with Him. [01:31:58]

3. Our Role as Vessels of Glory: Each of us is seen by God as a vessel, created for His glory. We are called to consecrate ourselves, allowing God to purify and use us for His kingdom, much like the instruments in the tabernacle. [01:38:27]

4. The Importance of Personal Intimacy with God: It is not enough to receive God's word from the pulpit alone. We must seek a personal, intimate relationship with Him, allowing His presence to transform us and empower us to share His love with others. [01:41:36]

5. Carrying God's Glory to the World: Just as the Israelites carried the tabernacle with them, we are called to carry God's glory and message of hope to the world. This requires us to be active participants in His plan, sharing the gospel and being a light in our communities. [01:41:36]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25:18] - God's Desire to Dwell Among Us
[01:31:58] - The Unique Love of God
[01:38:27] - Our Role as Vessels of Glory
[01:41:36] - Carrying God's Glory to the World
[01:41:36] - The Importance of Personal Intimacy with God
[01:41:36] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 25:1-9: This passage describes God's instructions to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, symbolizing God's desire to dwell among His people.

- John 3:16: This verse highlights the sacrificial love of God, offering His Son for the salvation of humanity.

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific materials did God instruct Moses to use for the construction of the tabernacle, and what might these materials symbolize? [01:25:18]

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Moses and the Israelites in terms of their proximity to God? [01:25:18]

3. What role does the tabernacle play in eliminating the distance between God and His people according to the sermon? [01:31:58]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God's glory being carried by His people? [01:41:36]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a symbol of God's desire to dwell among His people, and how does this relate to the modern-day church? [01:25:18]

2. How does the sermon explain the difference between God's love and human love, and what implications does this have for believers? [01:31:58]

3. What does it mean to be a vessel of God's glory, and how can believers consecrate themselves for this purpose? [01:38:27]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of personal intimacy with God beyond receiving His word from the pulpit? [01:41:36]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to eliminate that distance and draw closer to Him? [01:25:18]

2. How can you demonstrate God's sacrificial love in your daily interactions with others, especially those who may not know Him? [01:31:58]

3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to be a vessel of God's glory. What actions can you take to consecrate yourself for this purpose? [01:38:27]

4. What practical steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week, beyond attending church services? [01:41:36]

5. Think of a person or community that needs to hear the message of hope and salvation. How can you actively participate in sharing God's glory with them? [01:41:36]

6. Consider the instruments and furnishings in the tabernacle, each serving a unique purpose. What unique purpose do you believe God has for you in His kingdom, and how can you fulfill it? [01:38:27]

7. Reflect on the concept of carrying God's glory wherever you go. How can you be more intentional about being a light in your community this week? [01:41:36]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Presence in Our Daily Lives
God's desire to dwell among His people is a central theme in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 25. The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence, a reminder that He is not confined to a specific place but is with us wherever we go. This symbolizes the elimination of the distance between God and humanity, emphasizing His desire for a close relationship with us. As believers, we are called to carry His presence in our daily lives, allowing His glory to shine through us in our interactions and decisions. This understanding transforms our perspective, encouraging us to live with the awareness that God is always near, guiding and empowering us. [01:25:18]

"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it." (Exodus 25:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you consciously carry the presence of God into your daily routine today, and what changes might this bring to your interactions with others?


Day 2: Experiencing God's Sacrificial Love
The love of God is distinct from any human love we may have experienced. It is a sacrificial love that removes all barriers to draw us closer to Him. This love is most profoundly demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, offering us salvation and a personal relationship with Him. Understanding this unique love challenges us to reflect on the depth of God's commitment to us and invites us to respond with gratitude and devotion. As we embrace this love, we are empowered to extend it to others, breaking down walls and fostering reconciliation and unity. [01:31:58]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love to someone in your life today, mirroring the love God has shown you?


Day 3: Becoming Vessels of God's Glory
Each believer is seen by God as a vessel created for His glory, much like the instruments and furnishings in the tabernacle. We are called to consecrate ourselves, allowing God to purify and use us for His kingdom. This involves a process of surrender and obedience, where we allow God to shape us according to His purposes. As we embrace our role as vessels of His glory, we become instruments through which His love and truth are revealed to the world. This calling invites us to live intentionally, seeking to honor God in all that we do. [01:38:27]

"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to consecrate yourself as a vessel for God's glory, allowing Him to use you for His purposes?


Day 4: Cultivating Personal Intimacy with God
It is not enough to receive God's word from the pulpit alone; we must seek a personal, intimate relationship with Him. This involves spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and being open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we cultivate this intimacy, we are empowered to share His love with others, becoming conduits of His grace and truth. This personal relationship with God is the foundation of our faith, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [01:41:36]

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your day today to deepen your personal relationship with God, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth?


Day 5: Sharing God's Glory with the World
Just as the Israelites carried the tabernacle with them, we are called to carry God's glory and message of hope to the world. This requires us to be active participants in His plan, sharing the gospel and being a light in our communities. As we embrace this calling, we become agents of change, bringing the love and truth of God to those around us. This mission challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that God will equip us for the work He has prepared for us. [01:41:36]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can share God's message of hope and love with someone in your community today, and how can you prepare yourself to be a light in their life?

Quotes

Here are the 12 selected quotes from the sermon transcript:

"Here we see in chapter 25 of Exodus how the Lord is speaking to Moses. El Señor está hablando con Moisés. Amén. Moisés está en el monte. Moses is at the top of this mountain. He is before the Lord in God's glory. Amen. Él está allí en ese monte, en la presencia del Señor, en su gloria. Amén. And Moses has left the children of Israel down at the base of the mountain." [01:25:18] (26 seconds)


"How many know it's not the will of God for his church or his people or his city, amen, to perish. Amen. We know that. That's good for us to know, hallelujah. But you got that word from a Bible study. You got that word by reading the word of God. You got that word by hearing pastor or bishop or another minister preach behind this pulpit, amen." [01:33:18] (23 seconds)


"But can I tell you, it is not the will of God that your only source of His glory, of His majesty, come from behind this pulpit. You got to be intimate with the Lord. Aleluia. Aleluia. Pero me permite, le voy a decir, no es la voluntad de Dios que solamente usted reciba una palabra de atrás de un púlpito. Usted tiene que tener una relación con el Señor." [01:34:51] (21 seconds)


"God's plan for this city. El plan de Dios para esta ciudad es que esta Pascua todos estemos activados a llevar este evangelio, esta palabra por toda esta ciudad. Amén. ¿Cuántos están conmigo? Amén. Es el plan de Dios que para esta Pascua este pueblo esté activado y salga a compartir el evangelio en nombre de Jesucristo con toda esta ciudad." [01:37:24] (32 seconds)


"The love that God has for you tells them, I've got to do away with whatever may hinder my love for them. Amen. The Bible says, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Amen. That whosoever believeth in Him shall be saved. Amen. La palabra del Señor nos dice en Juan capítulo 3, verso 16, que el Señor dio su Hijo, su unigénito, aleluya, para que cualquier que creyera en Él pudiera ser salvo." [01:29:35] (30 seconds)


"El Señor lo ve a usted como una vasija, un instrumento útil para su gloria. But I want to tell you, amen, under the unction of the Holy Ghost, God sees you as a vessel. Something that has been created, constructed, and edified for His glory. How so? De qué manera? ¿Cómo es posible? Well, we got to look at everything else that was created and placed in the tabernacle." [01:38:42] (26 seconds)


"Tenemos que ser testigos de la gloria de Dios. Usted debe ser testigo de la gloria de Dios. Aleluya. What does that look like? ¿Cómo se ve eso? Le voy a decir gente bautizada en el nombre de Jesús. What does that look like? That looks like people being baptized in the name of Jesus. That looks like people being healed in the name of Jesus. That looks like people being delivered in the name of Jesus." [01:35:35] (23 seconds)


"All you got to do is say, Lord, consecrate me, Lord. Lord, sanctify me with your word, Lord. Lord, if there's anything inside of me, God, aleluya. I ask, Lord, that you purify just like you purify gold. Let your fire, Lord, aleluya, consume. Let it cleanse anything that is inside of me, outside of me. Anything, Lord, that is not patterned after you, Lord." [01:40:21] (22 seconds)


"Because his glory was up there and not down there. He gave Moses the pattern so that when that tabernacle is constructed, now his glory is in it. Everywhere that Israel goes, pack it up, take it with you. Amen. Porque la gloria del Señor estaba en el monte y no la va a ser el Señor de un plan." [01:41:21] (26 seconds)


"Ya no es necesario subir al monte. It's no longer necessary to climb that mountain. But what is necessary is that you take it with you. Pero lo que sí es necesario es que lo lleve con usted. Don't get it." [01:41:59] (13 seconds)


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