Embracing God's Presence: Walking Through the Veil
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focuses on the concept of "Through the Veil," drawing from Hebrews 10:19-25. The veil represents the barrier between humanity and the divine, which was torn apart by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, granting us direct access to God. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, we now have the privilege to enter God's presence freely. Yet, many people, including churchgoers and even preachers, stand at the veil without walking through it. They engage in religious activities but do not experience the fullness of God's presence.
The distinction between religion and true Christianity is emphasized. Many people are religious—they attend church, read the Bible, and know the right words—but they do not truly know God. They stand at the veil, admiring its beauty, but hesitate to walk through and experience God's glory. True Christianity requires us to walk through the veil, embracing the sacrifice of Jesus and entering into a deep, transformative relationship with God.
Walking through the veil comes with a cost. It may lead to losing friendships and facing hardships, but it is essential for experiencing the power and presence of God. Those who stand at the veil often try to control others, preventing them from entering the Holy of Holies. However, we are called to walk through the veil, leaving behind those who hinder us and embracing the fullness of God's presence.
The message also addresses the importance of having a true heart and a clear conscience. We must not be conniving or harboring evil intentions. Instead, we should provoke one another to love and good works, building each other up rather than tearing each other down. As we walk through the veil, we experience the authority of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has the power to relieve us from our burdens and bring unexpected blessings into our lives.
Finally, the message calls for unity in the church, transcending racial and religious barriers. A church that promotes segregation is not right with God. We must see everyone as our brothers and sisters, loving and caring for them regardless of their appearance. By walking through the veil, we can experience the true unity and love that God desires for His people.
### Key Takeaways
1. Direct Access to God: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God, bypassing any need for a human intermediary. This access is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. We must move beyond mere religious activities and enter into a deep, personal relationship with God. [03:53]
2. Cost of Walking Through the Veil: Walking through the veil into God's presence comes with a cost. It may lead to losing friendships and facing hardships, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's power and presence. True Christianity requires us to embrace this cost and walk through the veil. [09:06]
3. True Heart and Clear Conscience: We must have a true heart and a clear conscience, free from evil intentions. This involves being honest, sincere, and not conniving. We should provoke one another to love and good works, building each other up rather than tearing each other down. [17:13]
4. Authority of the High Priest: Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has authority over all our burdens and challenges. When we walk through the veil and enter the Holy of Holies, we experience a relief and release that only He can provide. This trust in His authority brings unexpected blessings into our lives. [15:00]
5. Unity in the Church: The church must transcend racial and religious barriers, promoting unity and love among all people. A church that promotes segregation is not right with God. We must see everyone as our brothers and sisters, loving and caring for them regardless of their appearance. [24:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Boldness to Enter the Holiness
[02:35] - Prayer and Introduction
[03:53] - Direct Access Through Jesus
[04:52] - Religion vs. True Christianity
[05:38] - Standing at the Veil
[06:58] - Knowing the Right Words
[08:15] - Experiencing the Power of God
[09:06] - Cost of Walking Through the Veil
[10:03] - Entering the Holy of Holies
[10:56] - Constant Presence of God
[11:53] - Walking Through the Veil
[12:44] - Seeking the Flesh of Jesus
[13:33] - Trusting God Over Self
[14:22] - Praying to the High Priest
[15:00] - Authority of the High Priest
[15:34] - Unexpected Blessings
[16:08] - True Heart and Clear Conscience
[17:13] - Sprinkled from an Evil Conscience
[18:21] - Holding Fast to Our Faith
[19:20] - Provoking Love
[19:52] - Exhorting One Another
[20:35] - Blood of Calvary's Cross
[21:29] - Believers Know Believers
[22:27] - Coming Prepared to Worship
[23:26] - Fighting Against Religious and Racist Spirits
[24:15] - Unity in the Church
[25:04] - Different Method of Worship
[25:55] - Walking Through the Veil
[26:50] - Transparency and Helping Others
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 10:19-25
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the veil represent in the context of Hebrews 10:19-25?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in relation to the veil? [03:53]
3. How does the sermon distinguish between religion and true Christianity? [04:52]
4. What are some of the costs mentioned in the sermon that come with walking through the veil? [09:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to have a true heart and a clear conscience when approaching God, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:22? [16:08]
2. How does the authority of Jesus as our High Priest impact our daily lives and struggles? [15:00]
3. What does it mean to provoke one another to love and good works, and why is this important for the church community? [19:20]
4. How does the sermon address the issue of unity in the church, and what are the implications for a church that promotes segregation? [24:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual life. Are you standing at the veil, or have you walked through it to experience the fullness of God's presence? What steps can you take to move beyond mere religious activities? [04:52]
2. Walking through the veil comes with a cost. Have you experienced any hardships or losses as a result of your faith? How did you handle them, and what did you learn from those experiences? [09:06]
3. Do you have a true heart and a clear conscience? Are there any areas in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends to align with this teaching? [16:08]
4. How can you trust in the authority of Jesus as your High Priest to relieve you from your burdens? Share a specific burden you are currently facing and how you can entrust it to Him. [15:00]
5. In what ways can you provoke others to love and good works within your church community? Identify one person you can encourage this week and how you plan to do it. [19:20]
6. Reflect on the unity within your church. Are there any racial or religious barriers that need to be addressed? How can you contribute to promoting unity and love among all members? [24:15]
7. Think about your prayer life. Do you seek the flesh of Jesus Christ in your prayers? How can you deepen your prayer life to experience His presence more fully? [12:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Direct Access to God
Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God, bypassing any need for a human intermediary. This access is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. We must move beyond mere religious activities and enter into a deep, personal relationship with God. Many people engage in religious rituals, attend church, and read the Bible, but they do not truly know God. They stand at the veil, admiring its beauty, but hesitate to walk through and experience God's glory. True Christianity requires us to walk through the veil, embracing the sacrifice of Jesus and entering into a deep, transformative relationship with God. [03:53]
Hebrews 10:19-20 (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."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to move beyond religious activities and deepen your personal relationship with God?
Day 2: Cost of Walking Through the Veil
Walking through the veil into God's presence comes with a cost. It may lead to losing friendships and facing hardships, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's power and presence. True Christianity requires us to embrace this cost and walk through the veil. Those who stand at the veil often try to control others, preventing them from entering the Holy of Holies. However, we are called to walk through the veil, leaving behind those who hinder us and embracing the fullness of God's presence. [09:06]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: What friendships or comforts might you need to let go of to fully embrace God's presence in your life?
Day 3: True Heart and Clear Conscience
We must have a true heart and a clear conscience, free from evil intentions. This involves being honest, sincere, and not conniving. We should provoke one another to love and good works, building each other up rather than tearing each other down. As we walk through the veil, we experience the authority of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has the power to relieve us from our burdens and bring unexpected blessings into our lives. [17:13]
1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV): "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends to maintain a clear conscience?
Day 4: Authority of the High Priest
Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has authority over all our burdens and challenges. When we walk through the veil and enter the Holy of Holies, we experience a relief and release that only He can provide. This trust in His authority brings unexpected blessings into our lives. We must trust in His power and authority, knowing that He is capable of handling all our struggles and burdens. [15:00]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What burdens or challenges do you need to surrender to Jesus today, trusting in His authority to handle them?
Day 5: Unity in the Church
The church must transcend racial and religious barriers, promoting unity and love among all people. A church that promotes segregation is not right with God. We must see everyone as our brothers and sisters, loving and caring for them regardless of their appearance. By walking through the veil, we can experience the true unity and love that God desires for His people. [24:15]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and love within your church community, especially towards those who are different from you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Just because you read the Bible. And you go to church. Does not make you saved. These are the people that have not walked through the veil. They're standing at the veil. They see how pretty the curtain is. But. But they're hesitant to walk through the veil and move in to the glory of God. All of us this morning cannot stand and be spectators at the glory of God." [05:38] (42 seconds)
2. "I distinguish. Between religion. And true Christianity. Because many people are religious. They come to church. They wear the proper hat. They wear the proper clothes. But they don't know God." [04:52] (26 seconds)
3. "When we walk up to the veil of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we're to enter. We're to enter. Can I get an amen? I don't normally say that type of stuff. Because I don't care if you amen me or you don't. But I wanted folks to know you're here. I'm not in here by myself. Amen." [09:06] (24 seconds)
4. "I want you to walk in and get all you can of Jesus Christ. I want you to walk through the veil and you can leave me hanging from the veil. Don't you worry. You walk through in Jesus name. But our problem today. We're going up to the veil. And it looks. So pretty. We don't want to get dirty." [10:03] (32 seconds)
5. "When you walk into the holies of holies. And you walk through the veil. There is a relief. Like you've never experienced before. It is a release. In Jesus Christ. And then you'll start seeing. When you walk into the holies. The holiest things start happening. Yes Lord. When you're low on cash. Money shows up. Blessings come in. Blessings come in. Unexpected. When you walk through the veil. And you trust God." [15:00] (38 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Many people know all the right religious words. Many of them quote the Bible more than I could ever quote the Bible. And they're not right with God. They've got titles, but they're not right with God because they stand at the veil. They stand at the veil and they turn around and they lead people to focus on them and not focus on Jesus Christ." [06:58] (35 seconds)
2. "I want to have a true heart. I want my conscience clear. When I go to bed at night. When I walk out of here. And I don't see y'all no more. To Thursday. Or next Sunday. I want to make sure I've given you my all. In the Holy Ghost. Not David Ray. But the Holy Ghost. That I've given you what God gave me. To give you from this passage. That you walk away. Where you can fight another day. You can fight another hour." [16:08] (30 seconds)
3. "Let us hold fast. The profession of our faith. With what? Without wavering. Why folks come to church one Sunday. And miss three Sundays. Why? Because they're wavering. They're wavering. Because they're all about themselves. And they're not all about God. I would hate for God to come. And want a report. Of some folks the last 90 days. About your church attendance. Because we're wavering." [18:21] (34 seconds)
4. "We need to provoke love. Amen. Provoke love. My final thoughts. Verse 25. Hebrews chapter 10. Through the veil. I missed some things. But you're going to re-read this passage. Not forsaking the assembly. Ourselves together. But exhorting one another. Exhorting one another. Are you building up something? Who did you build up? This past seven days? Who did you exhort? Who did you exhort and build up? We're called, every one of us, to exhort and build people up. Not tear them down." [19:20] (54 seconds)
5. "The church of God is united with black and white. A church that is separated with only white folks or only black folks in it is a problem. They're not right with God. Because you are promoting segregation, you're out there and you've got a full house. And they're all white or they're all black. You're promoting segregation. You're promoting segregation. God help you when you walk into the holies of holies. You see everyone as your brother. You see everyone as your sister." [24:15] (39 seconds)