Saturday, November 14, 2015

Sunday Circles - Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Sunday Circles
        Building Your Family With Friends
Church On The Rock
Gtcotr/sc111515

Prayer
Hymn: Give Thanks Unto the Lord
Memory Verse: Psalms 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.

Lesson: The Tabernacle
The tabernacle was comprised of three well defined areas, each one with its own purpose. These areas afforded a progressive approach to God and teach us how we should come before Him.

Pastor remarks and intro of first principle

First Principle: The Outer Court
Scripture Reference: Psalms 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
The gates of the outer court were opened to anyone who wished to bring a sacrifice or offering to God.
This is the place where sins were covered and relationship restored.
Everyone was welcome, priests and parishioner, saint and sinner alike to make their petitions to God.
The approach to the outer court was made with thanksgiving, both in their heart and with outward expression.
Most people only ever experienced the outer court of the Tabernacle.
Question: To what can we liken our outer court experience in our lives today?
Follow Up Question: Why do you imagine that the outer court was the first and by far the largest court and experience in the Tabernacle?
Conclusion: Everyone is welcome to come to the altar of forgiveness and present themselves before God and partake of the blood of The Lamb. We should remember that both our approach to God and the petitions and offerings we bring, should be bathed with thanksgiving.

Pastor remarks and intro of second principle

Second Principle: The Inner Court
Scripture Reference:   Psalms 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
While everyone was welcomed into the outer court, only the servants of the Lord could enter the inner court.
While the outer court was a place of God serving man, the inner court was a place where man served God.
Having passed through the open gates and the large outer courts, the Levites would wash themselves and enter the Holy place to offer their prayers of intercession upon the altar of incense.
This smaller room was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
While the outer court was entered with thanksgiving, this Holy Place was accessed with praise.
Question: What are some differing aspects of thanksgiving and praise?
Follow Up Question: Discuss the difference between God serving man and man serving God.  
Conclusion: While we thank God for all He has done, even when we did not know Him, love Him, or serve Him, we also have opportunity to step closer in faith and praise Him for what He will yet do. It is in this praise that we commit ourselves in service to Him.


Pastor remarks and intro of third principle

Third Principle: Holy of Holies
Scripture Reference:   Psalms 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
This was the smallest room in the Tabernacle and the most holy place on the planet.
It contained the Ark of the Covenant, which held and manifested the presence, the power, and the glory of almighty God.
In Old Testament times, the only person who could enter this room was the High Priest, and then only once per year on the Day of Atonement.
If the priest himself was not pure in heart and right before God, he would die immediately.
For this reason, a rope was tied to him and bells attached to his robe so that he could be retrieved if necessary.
Upon the death of Jesus, the curtain to the Holy of Holies, which had separated man from God, was torn and the way opened for whosoever would come and worship almighty God and bless His name.
Question: What must it have been like to have been excluded from serving God and unwelcomed in His presence?
Follow Up Question: What is it like to now be welcomed in His presence so that you may boldly approach the throne of grace any time you wish?
Conclusion: It is a marvelous thing to enter the presence of God and it should be done with great worship, reverence, and respect. Our approach to God has not changed. We begin with a heart of thanksgiving for all He has done and continue drawing closer by offering ourselves in praise for what He will yet do and, ultimately, find ourselves at His feet worshipping Him for who He is. Thanksgiving, praise, and worship …

Pastor closing remarks

·        Connect Cards, Offering and Prayer, Memory Verse

·        Pre-Praise & Worship Prayer will be hosted in the Sanctuary Studio. Worship will begin in just a few minutes.