Experiencing God's Intimacy: Meeting Him in Sacred Spaces

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God desires to meet with us personally and intimately. This is not just a historical or theological concept but a present reality that each of us can experience. We began by celebrating the delivery of 500 Bibles to San Quentin Prison, a testament to the power of God's Word and the generosity of His people. This act of service is a reminder that God is actively working through us to reach those in need.

We delved into the idea of making space for God in our lives, drawing from Exodus 33, where God promises to meet and speak with Moses. This promise is extended to us today, emphasizing that God wants to meet with us face-to-face, or "presence to presence." We examined the Old Testament tabernacle as a physical representation of how we can approach God, highlighting the importance of sacrifice, cleansing, and entering His presence with thanksgiving and praise.

The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes our access to God's presence, made possible through the cross. We are invited to experience this intimacy with God in three primary places: mountains, tabernacles, and secret places. While God can speak to us anywhere, there is a pattern in Scripture where He meets us in designated spaces. This requires us to respond to His invitation by seeking Him with all our hearts.

We discussed the significance of mountains as places of encounter, where God calls us to leave behind our desires and ambitions to reach new spiritual heights. Similarly, the gathering of believers in temples and tabernacles is where God promises to dwell among us, emphasizing the importance of community and corporate worship.

Finally, we explored the secret place, a personal and intimate space where we meet with God alone. This is where we find our true identity and receive His affirmation. Jesus modeled this by seeking solitary places to pray, and we are encouraged to follow His example. The secret place is where we hear God's voice, receive His guidance, and experience His love.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Desire for Intimacy: God longs to meet with us face-to-face, as He did with Moses. This intimacy is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who seek Him. By making space for God in our lives, we open ourselves to His presence and guidance. [04:09]

2. The Significance of the Tabernacle: The Old Testament tabernacle serves as a blueprint for approaching God. Through sacrifice, cleansing, and thanksgiving, we enter His presence. The tearing of the veil signifies our access to God, made possible by Jesus' sacrifice. [06:56]

3. Meeting God on the Mountain: God calls us to spiritual elevations, leaving behind our desires and ambitions. By responding to His invitation, we encounter Him in profound ways, experiencing transformation and renewal. [12:15]

4. The Power of Community Worship: God dwells among His people when they gather in His name. The church is a living temple where we experience His presence and grow in faith together. Being part of a faith community enhances our spiritual journey. [14:29]

5. The Secret Place of Prayer: The secret place is where we meet God personally, away from distractions. In this intimate space, we hear His voice, receive His love, and find our true identity. Jesus modeled this practice, and it is essential for our spiritual growth. [22:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:09] - The Tearing of the Veil
- [06:56] - God Speaks in Designated Spaces
- [10:17] - Responding to God's Invitation
- [12:15] - Spiritual Elevation on the Mountain
- [14:29] - The Power of Community Worship
- [18:05] - Meeting God in the Secret Place
- [20:39] - Jesus' Example of Solitary Prayer
- [22:09] - The Importance of the Secret Place
- [26:17] - The Father's Waiting Heart
- [28:21] - Praying for Prodigals
- [29:58] - Practical Steps for the Secret Place
- [31:51] - Establishing a Secret Place
- [32:26] - Shutting the Door to Distractions
- [35:38] - The Deepest Longing of the Human Heart

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 33:11
- Psalm 91:1-2
- Matthew 6:6

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the tabernacle in the Old Testament, and how does it relate to our access to God's presence today? [04:09]

2. How did the sermon describe the tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion, and what does this symbolize for believers? [06:56]

3. According to the sermon, what are the three primary places where God invites us to meet with Him? [10:17]

4. What role does community worship play in experiencing God's presence, as discussed in the sermon? [14:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "presence to presence" communication with God, as described in Exodus 33:11, challenge or affirm your current understanding of intimacy with God? [18:05]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Old Testament tabernacle serves as a blueprint for approaching God today? [06:56]

3. How does the sermon interpret the significance of mountains as places of spiritual elevation and encounter with God? [12:15]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of having a "secret place" for personal prayer and communion with God? [22:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you make more intentional space for God in your daily life, similar to the tabernacle's design for worship? [06:56]

2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community worship. How can you actively contribute to your faith community to enhance collective worship experiences? [14:29]

3. Consider a "mountain" in your life that God might be calling you to climb. What steps can you take to leave behind personal desires and ambitions to reach new spiritual heights? [12:15]

4. Identify a specific time and place where you can establish a "secret place" for prayer. How will you ensure this space remains free from distractions? [29:58]

5. Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's presence. How can you cultivate more of these moments in your everyday life? [18:05]

6. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking God with all your heart. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue God more diligently? [10:17]

7. How can you encourage someone in your life to find their own "secret place" and experience the intimacy with God that the sermon describes? [22:09]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Invitation to Personal Encounter
God desires to meet with us personally and intimately, just as He did with Moses. This is not a distant theological concept but a present reality available to everyone who seeks Him. By making space for God in our lives, we open ourselves to His presence and guidance. This involves setting aside time and creating an environment where we can focus on Him without distractions. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes our access to God's presence, made possible through the cross. We are invited to experience this intimacy with God in designated spaces, whether in community or solitude. [04:09]

Exodus 33:11 (ESV): "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent."

Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside this week to meet with God, free from distractions?


Day 2: The Tabernacle as a Blueprint for Worship
The Old Testament tabernacle serves as a blueprint for approaching God, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, cleansing, and thanksgiving. Through these acts, we enter His presence, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace. The tearing of the veil signifies our access to God, made possible by Jesus' sacrifice. This access is not limited to a physical location but is a spiritual reality that we can experience in our daily lives. By understanding the significance of the tabernacle, we can approach God with reverence and gratitude, knowing that He desires to dwell among us. [06:56]

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."

Reflection: How can you incorporate elements of sacrifice, cleansing, and thanksgiving into your daily worship practices?


Day 3: Ascending the Mountain of God
God calls us to spiritual elevations, inviting us to leave behind our desires and ambitions to reach new heights in our relationship with Him. Mountains in Scripture often symbolize places of encounter and transformation, where God reveals Himself in profound ways. By responding to His invitation, we can experience renewal and a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. This requires a willingness to let go of earthly attachments and seek His presence with all our hearts. [12:15]

Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV): "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully."

Reflection: What personal ambitions or desires might you need to set aside to ascend the spiritual mountain and encounter God more deeply?


Day 4: The Power of Community Worship
God dwells among His people when they gather in His name, making the church a living temple where we experience His presence and grow in faith together. Community worship is essential for our spiritual journey, as it provides support, encouragement, and accountability. By participating in corporate worship, we join with others in praising God and seeking His guidance, strengthening our relationship with Him and with one another. The gathering of believers is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace, drawing others to Him. [14:29]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community to enhance the worship experience for yourself and others?


Day 5: Discovering the Secret Place
The secret place is where we meet God personally, away from distractions, to hear His voice, receive His love, and find our true identity. Jesus modeled this practice by seeking solitary places to pray, emphasizing the importance of personal communion with God. In the secret place, we can be honest and vulnerable, allowing God to speak into our lives and guide us in His truth. This intimate space is essential for our spiritual growth, as it helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and understand His purpose for us. [22:09]

Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What steps can you take to create a consistent and meaningful secret place for prayer and reflection in your daily routine?

Quotes



The hands of God ripped that 60 foot veil in half from top to bottom so that common folks like y 'all and myself could enter into the very presence of God. I love this artist rendering, here's a couple of them, of that veil being ripped that had stood there for so many centuries in all the tabernacles. And God said, not only am I allowing you access to my presence, but the glory of God would permeate the earth and it all happened because of the cross. [00:05:01] (28 seconds)


God meets with, speaks with, and forever changes those who first, they go to the mountain he instructs them to climb, to those who build the tent or tabernacle that he designed, and those who intentionally and consistently find him in the secret place. Now it's the Holy Spirit. This is not based on works whatsoever, but here's how it works. God in his kindness he draws you he invites you up the mountain he invites you into his temple and tabernacle and he welcomes you and invites you into the secret place. [00:07:38] (33 seconds)


Now you are the temple of the Lord. And so we take the literal in the Old Testament, we apply it to the spiritual in the new. Look at this in Ephesians 2 .20. Together we are his house. Can you read the bowl with me out loud? Together. Together, hey, we're built on the foundation, apostles and prophets, and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. [00:15:11] (24 seconds)


He's a God that wants to meet with you in secret. He wants to meet with you face to face. Now, maybe you're new to the team here, you know, the thought of the veil being ripped and seeing the awesome presence of God. Maybe that's a fearful thing and you're thinking, well, I'm not sure I want to be that close to God. And I don't know about all this face to face stuff. Let me tell you something. You were designed to see him face to face. [00:18:57] (24 seconds)


Inside the tent of meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face or presence to presence as one speaks to a friend. This is God's desire. I just want to get very practical for a moment and talk about your secret place life as we conclude today. Psalm 91 says, he who dwells where? In the secret place of the most high shall abide. It means rest, remain, camp, permanent residency under the shadow of the almighty. [00:19:58] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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