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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.
