7 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

Icon:  Table of Shewbread

Icebreaker:

1. What is your favorite food? Why?
2. What is the best food diet for you? Why?
3. What food do you dream to taste?
4. What food have you eaten that you were not supposed to?

Challenge:

1. What is the connection of the food you eat to honoring God?
2. Why do we have to regulate our diet?
3. What “food” have you been eating that glorifies God?

Let’s go deeper.

Does the food you take help make the presence of Christ more visible? Yes or No, why?

THINK:

Do you eat to satisfy your appetite or do you eat to be healthy?

1. What are your resolutions about “eating the food that signifies God’s presence in your body” before, during or after you worship God?

Ex. When I go and worship God I must make sure that the food and drinks I take affirms the presence of god in me….

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is your group collective affirmation about worshiping God with regards to food?

Ex. Every time our Family/Group /Church will worship God. We will…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hands-On Activity

Make a list of foods or dishes or recipes that give you health and respects your Creator God.

Make a list of foods or dishes or recipes that satisfies your appetite but condemns the body to illness.

Practical Reverence:

Upon the table of shewbread were twelve cakes or loaves of unleavened bread, one loaf for each of the twelve tribes. These were placed in two rows or piles with frankincense placed on top of them (Lev. 24:5-8). “On the top of each row there was a golden dish with frankincense, which was burned before the Lord, as a memorial, at the end of the week, when the old loaves were removed and replaced by new ones . . .” Ex. 25:30. Frankincense was considered a valuable spice and was one of the gifts the Magi gave to baby Jesus (Matt. 2:1, 2, 11). It was burnt with many offerings and was one of the ingredients of the incense burnt in the Sanctuary.

Each loaf was made from two tenths deals or ephah of fine flour. This is about 3.6 quarts (4 litres approx.). As these cakes were unleavened and they were to be eaten by the priests a week old, they would have to be very large, flat cakes similar to tortillas etc., not loaves as we commonly think of bread today. “Shew-bread . . . literally, bread of faces; so called, either because they were placed before the presence or face of God in the sanctuary, or because they were made square, as the Jews will have it.” Ex. 25:20. In Numbers 4:7 the shewbread is called “the continual bread” and the NIV translates shewbread as “the bread of the Presence”. The shewbread represents Jesus Christ the “living bread which came down from heaven” and the “bread of life.” (Matt. 6:51; John 6:35.)

The showbread was kept ever before the Lord as a perpetual offering. . . . It was called showbread, or “bread of the presence,” because it was ever before the face of the Lord. It was an acknowledgment of man’s dependence upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that it is received only through the mediation of Christ. . . . Both the manna and the showbread pointed to Christ, the living bread, who is ever in the presence of God for us.  {FLB 197.2}

You are the Bread Table, Christ is the Bread

     “I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God,” “and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory” (Ex. 29:45, 43), was the assurance given to Moses.  {FLB 192.2}

     In the building of the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, Moses was directed to make all things according to the pattern of things in the heavens. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things, and in their similitude the tabernacle, with all that pertained to it, was fashioned.  {FLB 192.3}

     But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The revelation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness. Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice, was to teach--the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience unto life.  {FLB 192.5}

     Through Christ was to be fulfilled the purpose of which the tabernacle was a symbol–that glorious building, its walls of glistening gold reflecting in rainbow hues the curtains in wrought with cherubim, the fragrance of ever-burning incense pervading all, the priests robed in spotless white, and in the deep mystery of the inner place, above the mercy seat, between the figures of the bowed, worshiping angels, the glory of the Holiest. In all, God desired His people to read His purpose for the human soul. It was the same purpose long afterward set forth by the apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit:  {FLB 192.6}

     “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17.   193 {The Faith I Live By 192.7}

Applied Spirituality

You are a “special display stand” for a very special Bread only, but do you place inside you other things that goes against with the will of God that youworship?

Practical means to offer acceptable worship with our service being a whole body temple.

Who do I worship with my hands?

Refer to your response in the worksheet on the ‘Face it’ section.

When do I worship in vain with the food I take?

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar. And ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of Jehovah is contemptible.  Malachi 1:7 

How do I worship God with the food I eat?

I But Jesus answered, “The scripture says,  ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’ ”  Matthew 4:4 

How do I worship Jesus with my body?

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35  

How do I worship in Spirit and in Truth?

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

The Word Reincarnate

Insert your name or your appropriate pronoun on the blank and watch how the Word become flesh.

Whether, then, ________ eat or drink or whatever _____ do, _____do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

And Jesus said to ________, “I am the bread of life. ________ who comes to Me shall never hunger, and ________ who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If ________ eats of this bread, ________ will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. “John 6:51-58

Let us understand The Bread of Life, so we can fully grasp what we need to do before meeting the Holy God.

In summary:

So many tempting and salivating food out there. Admittedly, too hard to resist even though we know that it is not good for our body, and health. We rationalize, and back it up with biased scientific researches, just to justify our appetite. But, if your body is the temple of God, then you will maintain your temple worthy for the dwelling of the Holy God.

Are you ready to learn more about the Sanctuary and its relevance to our life? See you in the next study.

6 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

Icon:  Entrance

Icebreaker:

Place your shoes in front of you/ or the center of the group circle

Answer the following

1. What’s in a shoe? Describe
2. What do you like about your shoes?
3. When and where ONLY do you wear your shoes? Why?
4. When and where you take off your shoes? Why?

Challenge:

Shoes Off Policy: The priests were not allowed to enter the sanctuary with their shoes on their feet; for the particles of dust cleaving to them would desecrate the holy place. They were to leave their shoes in the court before entering the sanctuary, and also to wash their hands and their feet before ministering in the tabernacle or at the altar of burnt-offering. Thus was constantly taught the lesson that all defilement must be put away from those who would come into the presence of God.   174  {GW 173.3}

1. Should this be practiced literally?
2. Why one need to be “barefoot” when coming to God?
3. What are the “shoes of defilement” of your life that you need to remove before facing God?

Let’s go deeper.

What should you LET GO during worship time? Name 3 and share why?

THINK: According to a study, our shoes are full of germs. In a research conducted by the University of Arizona, it has been found that there are about 421,000 bacteria present in a shoe. So you can calculate for yourself how many will be in a pair of shoes.

1. What are your personal resolutions on “shoes off” issues as you worship your God?

Ex. When I approach God to worship I must TAKE OFF MY “SHOES of DEFILEMENT” such as….

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is your group collective affirmation about “shoes off” policy in worshiping God?

Ex. Every time our Family/Group /Church will worship God. We will…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hands-On Activity

Make a “No Entry Sign” for thing that should not interfere with your worship time.

Practical Reverence:

Shoes Off Policy Culture

There are cultures that still exist and practice removing footwear before entering a house or a temple. People ask about the practice, was it about the footwear? Or was it about the feet? Or was it about the building? Or was it about hygiene and health issue? Or was it about respect? Or was it about character?

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,  And He will dwell with them,  And they shall be His people,     And God Himself shall be with them,   And be their God.” Revelation 21:3.  {AA 592.3}

The Purpose of the Sanctuary

     And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Ex. 25:8.  {FLB 192.1}

     “I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God,” “and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory” (Ex. 29:45, 43), was the assurance given to Moses.  {FLB 192.2}

     In the building of the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, Moses was directed to make all things according to the pattern of things in the heavens. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things, and in their similitude the tabernacle, with all that pertained to it, was fashioned.  {FLB 192.3}

     So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai. . . .  {FLB 192.4}

     But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The revelation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness. Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice, was to teach--the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience unto life.  {FLB 192.5}

     Through Christ was to be fulfilled the purpose of which the tabernacle was a symbol–that glorious building, its walls of glistening gold reflecting in rainbow hues the curtains in wrought with cherubim, the fragrance of ever-burning incense pervading all, the priests robed in spotless white, and in the deep mystery of the inner place, above the mercy seat, between the figures of the bowed, worshiping angels, the glory of the Holiest. In all, God desired His people to read His purpose for the human soul. It was the same purpose long afterward set forth by the apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit:  {FLB 192.6}

     “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17.   193 {The Faith I Live By 192.7}

Applied Spirituality

Are you locked up in your own want, your own space, your own world, own life, your own business? Do these ” your own” encroached or takes over even in the “exclusive-for-God” time of worship?

Practical means to offer acceptable worship with our service being a whole body temple.

Who do I worship with my hands?

Refer to your response in the worksheet on the ‘Face it’ section.

When do I worship in vain with my life and service?

because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man… Romans 1:20-23 

How do I worship God with my body and service?

I LORD, who may enter your Temple? Who may worship on Zion, your sacred hill?  Those who obey God in everything and always do what is right, whose words are true and sincere, and who do not slander others. They do no wrong to their friends nor spread rumors about their neighbors.  They despise those whom God rejects, but honor those who obey the LORD. They always do what they promise, no matter how much it may cost. They make loans without charging interest and cannot be bribed to testify against the innocent. Whoever does these things will always be secure. Psalms 15:1-5

How do I worship Jesus with my life and service?

 Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. 2Corinthians 5:17 

How do I worship in Spirit and in Truth?

Come as living stones, and let  yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through  Jesus Christ.  1Peter 2:5 

The Word Reincarnate

Insert your name or your appropriate pronoun on the blank and watch how the Word become flesh.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17.   

And let ________ make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among ____. Exodus. 25:8 

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with _________,  And He will dwell with __________,  And _________ shall be His people,     And God Himself shall be with _________,   And be __________ God.” Revelation 21:3. 

Let us understand HOLINESS, so we can fully grasp what we need to do before meeting the Holy God.

In summary:

So many things we attached in our daily activities in life and we are caught in busyness.’ We have time for secular activities and spiritual activities. The secular time must not encroached and take over into your worship time.

Are you ready to learn more about the Sanctuary and its relevance to our life? See you in the next study.

5 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

Icon:  Laver

Icebreaker:

1. Each will do a catwalk like a model with their best pose.
2. Rate your body 1- 10, (10 as the highest and 1 as lowest)
3. What is the basis of a perfect body?

Challenge:

1. What is a clean body? When do you say that a body is clean?
2. How does detoxification help maintain a clean body?
3. Why “clear conscience” is better than outside appearance?

Let’s go deeper.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

We are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. How shall we do that? Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death the temptation to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. . . . The love of God must reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies are to be regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the body are to become the instruments of righteousness.  {AG 97.2}

1. What are your personal resolutions about “perfect beautiful body” issues as you worship your God?

Ex.  If my body is a temple of God then I MUST KEEP MY BODY CLEAN FROM…

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is your group collective affirmation about “CLEAN BODY” policy in worshiping God?

Ex. Every time our Family/Group /Church will worship God, we will…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Practical Reverence:

The Laver

At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and their feet whenever they went into the sacred apartments, or approached the altar to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord.  {Patriarchs & Prophets 347.3}

The laver was placed between the altar and the congregation, that before they came into the presence of God, in the sight of the congregation, they might wash their hands and their feet. What impression was this to make upon the people? It was to show them that every particle of dust must be put away before they could go into the presence of God; for he was so high and holy that unless they did comply with these conditions, death would follow. . . .  {GW92 162.2}     The Lord requires his ministers to be pure and holy, rightly to represent the principles of truth in their own lives, and by their example to bring others up upon a high level.  {Gospel Workers92 163.1}

     God requires all who profess to be his chosen people, though they are not teachers of the truth, to be careful to preserve personal cleanliness and purity, also cleanliness and order in their houses and upon their premises. We are examples to the world, living epistles known and read of all men. God requires all who profess godliness, and especially those who teach the truth to others, to abstain from all appearance of evil.–Vol. 2, p. 610.

  In short, be pure and holy, rightly to represent the principles of truth in our own lives, and by their example to bring others up upon a high level. Maintain personal cleanliness and purity and abstain from all appearance of evil, keep sanitizing self daily.

“Washing at the laver in the Mosaic dispensation corresponds in the Christian dispensation not only to the ordinance of baptism, but to the ordinance of feet washing, as instituted by Christ. John 13:12-17. This Christian service is as sacred as was that of olden time.

“As failure of a priest to wash before entering upon any service for the Lord meant death, Ex. 30:21,20, so to Peter’s refusal to let Christ wash his feet, Jesus said, ‘If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.’ John 13:8. ‘The service that Peter refused was the type of a higher cleansing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower.’ DA 646. The failure of a priest to wash was as really rejecting the Lord as was Peter’s refusal, and the penalty in both cases was the same.. With what reverence and humility should we participate in the sacred ordinances that point back to the sacrifice made for us on Calvary, and symbolized at the altar and at the laver!

“This Christian ordinance of feet washing provides for continual cleansing, Jesus said to Peter, ‘He that is washed – laved or baptized – needeth not save to wash his feet.’ John 13:10. When defilement is contracted in our daily walk, we come again and again in this sacred ordinance, where we renew our baptismal vows and receive renewed forgiveness. Then the righteousness of Christ is once more imputed to us, and by faith in Him we are justified.”
The Path To The Throne Of God by Sarah Peck, page 43.

The living water which we all need to be washed with and cleansed from all unrighteousness is the Holy Spirit. “. . . Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” John 7:37-39.

When Jesus Christ died upon the cross of Calvary a Roman soldier pierced his side to ensure that He was indeed dead. What flowed out? “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” John 19:34. The blood represents the blood that was placed on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and the water represents the water in the laver. The blood cleanses us by the death and blood of Jesus Christ, the water washed the person clean from guilt.

Applied Application

Does outward cleanliness is more important than cleanliness of the conscience?

Practical means to offer acceptable worship with our service being a whole body temple.

Who do I worship with my body?

Refer to your response in the worksheet on the ‘Face it’ section.

When do I worship in vain with my washed body?

Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself. What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. James 1:26-27 

How do I worship God with baptism?

And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1Peter 3:21 

How do I worship Jesus with water and spirit?

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” John 13:8  

How do I worship in Spirit and in Truth?

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 

The Word Reincarnate

Insert your name or your appropriate pronoun on the blank and watch how the Word become flesh.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on ________, and _______ shall be clean; I will cleanse _______ from all  filthiness and from all h__ idols. I will give _______  a new heart and put a new spirit within h__; I will take the heart of stone out of h__ flesh and give h__ a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within _______  and cause h__ to walk in My statutes, and _______  will keep My judgments and do them.” Ezek 36:25-27

“________ is already clean because of the word which I have spoken to h__.  John 15:3

Not by works of righteousness which ________ have done, but according to His mercy He saved _________, through the washing of regeneration (spiritual rebirth) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5

Let __________ draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having _________’s hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and _____’s body washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

Let us understand the WATER in the Laver, so we can fully grasp why we need to cleanse our body temple.

In summary:

The laver is a water container and it is a media to hold the water to help priests to be able to dust off dirt from their body. If you are the laver then you must be clean and allow the “Water” from God to cleanse you inside, and flow from you. While the act of washing is a symbolic mini baptism to wash our sins, the flowing of a living water out from us is the evidence of the fruits of the spirit in us. Keep sanitizing and maintaining a clean conscience is your acceptable worship.

Are you ready to learn more about the Sanctuary and its relevance in our life? See you in the next study.

4 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

Icon:  Altar of Offering

Icebreaker:

1. Ask for the cherished possessions from each members
2. Place them in the center of the group
3. Ask everybody to close their eyes
4. Start “pray” include “as I burn this possessions…”
5. Note your member’s reactions! Process the feeling and reasons.

Challenge:

1. You may let everything be lost except one thing, what would it be?  Why?
2. What are your most beloved possessions? 
3. Things you cannot live without?
4. Something you cherished and have waited for long to come true or acquire?
5. What will you do if someone will ask it from you? What will you do/say?

Let’s go deeper.

What should you LET GO during worship time? Name 3 and share why?

THINK: Nothing is too precious to God but you, and nothing is too precious to you but your cherished possessions. What is most important to God is your willingness to offer the best, yet this is blocked by your unwillingness to LET GO the thing you think is best for you.

1. What is the best offering you need to “let go” when you worship your God?

Ex. When I worship God I must LET GO __________  however important it may be, my God must be my priority during my worship time.

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is your family / group / church collective affirmation about OFFERING when worshiping God?

Ex. Every time our Family/Group /Church will worship God. We will…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hands-On Activity

Practical Reverence:

The Hand Over: Lesson from Abraham and Saul

By faith Abraham when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, . . . accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. Heb. 11:17-19.  {CC 56.1} 

1. ABRAHAM AS GOOD EXAMPLE

Abraham believes in God and His promises no doubt about it, but how about in practice?  

     God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect. He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar. That he might reach the highest standard, God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure.  {CC 56.2}

     The Lord spoke unto him, saying: “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ” “and offer him . . . for a burnt offering.” The heart of the old man stood still with horror. The loss of such a son by disease would have been most heartrending to the fond father, it would have bowed his whitened head with sorrow; but now he is commanded to shed the precious blood of that son with his own hand. It seemed to him a fearful impossibility. Yet God had spoken, and His word must be obeyed. Abraham was stricken in years, but this did not excuse him from duty. He grasped the staff of faith and in dumb agony took by the hand his child, beautiful in the rosy health of youth, and went out to obey the word of God. . . .  {CC 56.3}

     Abraham did not stop to question how God’s promises could be fulfilled if Isaac were slain. He did not stay to reason with his aching heart, but carried out the divine command to the very letter, till, just as the knife was about to be plunged into the quivering flesh of the child, the word came: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad;” “for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”  {CC 56.4}

     This act of faith in Abraham is recorded for our benefit. It teaches the great lesson of confidence in the requirements of God, however close and cutting they may be; and it teaches children perfect submission to their parents and to God. By Abraham’s obedience we are taught that nothing is too precious for us to give to God.  {CC 56.5}

• SAUL AS BAD EXAMPLE

     God had directed that only those consecrated to the office should present sacrifices before Him. But Saul commanded, “Bring hither a burnt offering;” and, equipped as he was with armor and weapons of war, he approached the altar and offered sacrifice before God. . . . If Saul had fulfilled the conditions upon which divine help was promised, the Lord would have wrought a marvelous deliverance for Israel, with the few who were loyal to the king. But Saul was so well satisfied with himself and his work that he went out to meet the prophet as one who should be commended rather than disapproved.  {CC 151.2}

     Saul endeavored to vindicate his own course, and blamed the prophet, instead of condemning himself. There are today many who pursue a similar course. Like Saul they are blinded to their errors. When the Lord seeks to correct them, they receive reproof as insult, and find fault with the one who brings the divine message.  {CC 151.3}

     Had Saul been willing to see and confess his error, this bitter experience would have proved a safeguard for the future. He would afterward have avoided the mistakes which called forth divine reproof. But feeling that he was unjustly condemned, he would, of course, be likely again to commit the same sin.  {CC 151.4}

     The Lord would have His people, under all circumstances, manifest implicit trust in Him. Although we cannot always understand the workings of His providence, we should wait with patience and humility until He sees fit to enlighten us.  {CC 151.5}

     Saul’s transgression proved him unworthy to be entrusted with sacred responsibilities. . . . Had he patiently endured the divine test, the crown would have been confirmed to him and to his house. In fact, Samuel had come to Gilgal for this very purpose. But Saul had been weighed in the balance, and found wanting. He must be removed to make way for one who would sacredly regard the divine honor and authority.  {CC 151.6}

Applied Worship

Are you so tied up to money, career, job, talent, time, family matters that drags you back from ‘offering yourself to the fullest for God? How much service do you share upon others?

“Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah, and their constant dependence upon the atoning blood of Christ. God expressly directed that every offering presented for the service of the sanctuary should be ‘without blemish.‘ Exodus 12:5. The priests were to examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject every one in which a defect was discovered. Only an offering ‘without blemish’ could be a symbol of His perfect purity who was to offer Himself as ‘a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ 1 Peter 1:19. The apostle Paul points to these sacrifices as an illustration of what the followers of Christ are to become. He says, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.‘ Romans 12:1. We are to give ourselves to the service of God, and we should seek to make the offering as nearly perfect as possible. God will not be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer. Those who love Him with all the heart, will desire to give Him the best service of the life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will.” (Patriarchs and Prophets by E. G. White, page 352.)

Practical means to offer acceptable worship with our being a body temple.

Who do I worship with my hands?

Refer to your response in the worksheet on the ‘Face it’ section.

When do I worship in vain with my life and service?

It’s useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. Isaiah 1:13 

How do I worship God with my body and service?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

How do I worship Jesus with my life and service?

 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”  John 8:10,11 

How do I worship in Spirit and in Truth?

“Let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28

The Word Reincarnate

Insert your name or your appropriate pronoun on the blank and watch how the Word become flesh.

I beseech you therefore, ___________, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of _______’s faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved _______ and given Himself for _________, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 

And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And ________, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present _________ holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–Colossians 1:20-22

Let us understand SOUL, so we can fully grasp what we need to offer as acceptable and holy to God.

In summary:

Are you ready to learn more about the Sanctuary and its relevance to our life? See you in the next study.

3 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

Icon:  Gate

Icebreaker:

1. What’s a gate? Enumerate its purposes
2. What do you like about gates
3. Why do need to close a gate?
4.  Should there always be guard on a gate?

Challenge:

1. What are the “gates” of the human body?
2. Name things that pass through these “gates”?
3. When do you close these “gates”?
4. Why do you need to guard these “gates”?
5. Note your member’s reactions! Process the feeling and reasons.

Let’s go deeper.

1. What are your personal resolutions about “gate keeping” issues as you worship your God?

Ex.  If my body is a temple of God then I MUST GUARD THE GATES OF MY SENSES FROM…

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is your group / church collective affirmation about “guard your gate” policy in worshiping God?

Ex. Every time our Family/Group /Church will worship God. We will…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Practical Application:

If your senses are the gates into your holy body temple what are the things would you ban from entering?

The Gate

The ‘gates’ of your body temple are your senses. Many things come in through these ‘gates’ both good and bad for the soul. Anything good does not blemish the body temple, and anything unhealthy, unclean, immoral or unholy defiles the body temple.

What’s in a gate?

In the beginning, a gate was a place between two parts of a wall, or a fence which could be opened and closed to let people go through it.  In the Middle Ages, a city gate also allowed people to go into a (walled) city. Nowadays, people also talk about gates at airports. When going on an aircraft, people need to get together in a certain area of the airport first. They then pass through some kind of doorway to get onto the plane. That is what is called gate. {WIKI}

Respect is Reverence and Reverence is Respect

Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, “The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. . . . This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28:16, 17.  540 {Child Guidance  539.6}   

 “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk 2:20.  {CG 540.1}    

Many . . . have no true appreciation of the sacredness of eternal things. Nearly all need to be taught how to conduct themselves in the house of God. Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence.  {CG 540.2}

To Be Sober and Quiet.–Do not have so little reverence for the house and worship of God as to communicate with one another during the sermon. If those who commit this fault could see the angels of God looking upon them and marking their doings, they would be filled with shame and abhorrence of themselves. God wants attentive hearers. It was while men slept that the enemy sowed tares.  {CG 542.2}

Not to Act as in a Common Place.–There should be a sacred spot, like the sanctuary of old, where God is to meet with His people. That place should not be used as    The sacred and common are so blended that it is difficult to distinguish them.  {CG 542.3}

Practice Reverence Till It Becomes Habitual.– Reverence is greatly needed in the youth of this age. I am alarmed as I see children and youth of religious parents so heedless of the order and propriety that should be observed in the house of God. While God’s servants are presenting the words of life to the people, some will be reading, others whispering and laughing. Their eyes are sinning by diverting the attention of those around them. This habit, if allowed to remain unchecked, will grow and influence others.  {CG 546.2}    Children and youth should never feel that it is something to be proud of to be indifferent and careless in meetings where God is worshiped. God sees every irreverent thought or action, and it is registered in the books of heaven. He says, “I know thy works.” Nothing is hid from His all-searching eye. If you have formed in any degree the habit of inattention and indifference in the house of God, exercise the powers you have to correct it, and show that you have self-respect. Practice reverence until it becomes a part of yourself.  {CG 546.3}

Applied Reverence

If our body is the temple of God, then it has perimeter fence and gates and we keep watch the gates by guarding it and regulating what should enter the body temple. We give respect and reverence to the creation of God which is your body temple by keeping it sinless and healthy. Because the body is made holy, therefore, only declared clean should enter the temple through its senses. You may place security measures, regulation or moral filters to check if those entering your body temple is beneficial in maintaining a sinless, holy, happy soul. There is no law in doing good, and there’s a lot of don’t. Though we have with all good intentions a lot of laws for our own good, yet many hates because it curtailed their freedom. God has given us freedom of choice, so we can exercise our intelligence, wisdom, and judgment, God never controlled his own children. Most of the time, we took control of ourselves and would even control God.

Practical means to conduct worship with our senses as part of the whole body temple.

Who do I worship with my senses?

Refer to your response in the worksheet on the ‘Face it’ section.

When do I worship in vain with my senses?

Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of (materialism, narcissism, desires, unhealthy lifestyles, etc) —none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. 1John 2:16 

How do I worship God with my senses?

“The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence (quiet down all your senses, and focus unto God) before him.” Habakkuk 2:20

How do I worship Jesus with my senses?

 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes (no other else) to the Father, but by me. John 14:6

How do I worship in Spirit and in Truth?

Whatever is covered up will be  uncovered, and every secret will be  made known. So then, whatever you have said in the dark  will be heard in broad  daylight, and  whatever you have whispered in private in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.(your body will reveal or expose the wrong done in itself e.g. unhealthy diet to body illnesses) Luke 12:3

The Word Reincarnate

Insert your name or your appropriate pronoun on the blank and watch how the Word become flesh.

The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk 2:20

“__________ be holy, because I (God) am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

Jesus said to _________, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No ________  comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with _________,  and He will dwell with __________,  and _________ shall be His people, And God Himself shall be with _________, and be _________’s God.” Revelation 21:3. 

Let us understand SIN, so we can fully grasp what we need to watch out for to keep this body temple pure and sinless.

In summary:

The sacred and the common as well blended that it is very hard to distinguish them. Level up your security measure to protect it. When your guards are lenient and compromising at the gates of your body temple then sin will take control of you.

Are you ready to learn more about the Sanctuary and its relevance to our life? See you in the next study.

2 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 ESV

Let the Bible speak about perfection

How do I know that I am already perfect?

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

How will I know I am perfect?

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 ESV

What areas of my life should go through perfection?

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3:2 ESV

What is the goal of being perfect?

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:12-15 ESV

When do we say I am already perfect?

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4 ESV

How do I know I am nearing perfection?

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 1 John 2:5 ESV

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:15 ESV

What to do with my hesitations and fear if I decide to go through the processes of being blameless and without blemish (perfect)?

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 ESV

If I strive to be sinless (perfect), will the devil harm me?

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 ESV

What should my lifestyle be to be completely perfect?

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25 ESV

What areas of my life that I should strive to keep away from sinning, so that my whole body remains sinless or perfect?

¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV

So, what then is the connection of my striving to perfection with God’s holiness?

…¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-17 ESV

Let’s see what holiness is.

Stay with us as we continue to discover the magnificent Sanctuary of God as it directs us to its various parts which all link to our holistic endeavors to becoming sinless or as the Bible termed it ‘perfect’.

1 of 12 Series: Sanctuary Made Simple and Relevant Today

God says “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”  Isaiah 66:1

“Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.”(1 Chronicles 16:23-29 NLT)

What is worship?

Worship is derived from the Anglo-Saxon meaning Worth-ship or Worthy

wor·ship (wʉr′ship) noun

reverence or devotion for a deity; religious homage or veneration

a church service or other rite showing this extreme devotion or intense love or admiration of any kind

transitive verb worshiped -·shiped or worshipped -·shipped, worshiping -·ship·ing or worshipping -·ship·ping

to show religious devotion or reverence for; adore as a deity

to have intense love or admiration for; adore or idolize

intransitive verb

to engage in worship, or perform an act of religious devotion; specif., to offer prayers, attend church services, etc.

a. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.

b. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.

Ardent devotion; adoration.

often Worship Chiefly British Used as a form of address for magistrates, mayors, and certain other dignitaries: Your Worship.

verb worshiped wor·shiped or wor·shipped, worshiping wor·ship·ing or wor·ship·ping, wor·ships

verb, transitive

To honor and love as a deity.

To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion. See Synonyms at revere¹.

verb, intransitive

To participate in religious rites of worship.

To perform an act of worship.

Origin: Middle English worshipe, worthiness, honor, from Old English weorthscipe : weorth, worth; see worth ¹ + -scipe, -ship.

What do we use to worship God?

1. Is it the church building?
2. Is it the materials and equipment you use for worship
3. Is it our body and soul?

Yes, we use them all, all are necessary but one is most important. Which among the given is most important to God? Yes, the soul in the human body, and this body though sinful yet declared cleansed through the death of Christ (1 Cor 6:11). We therefore have to maintain sanctifies and pure because God would want to “dwell” or stay in and for the soul to be saved from destruction.

Yes, we congregate in our corporate worship and the purpose for that is for the ‘saints to fellowship together. Saints having fellowship together may strengthen, encourage each other in the Lord. But at the end of the day, salvation still individual. not because you are part of the congregation, you feel assured that you will also be saved. Belonging to denomination brand does not guarantee salvation. Salvation is through having a close relationship with Christ Jesus (Jn 14:6) and God the Father (Psalms 62:1)

Watch this to understand.

Credit to The Bible Project for this awesome work.

In short

Worship is a way of reconnecting back to God. After the fall of man into sin, God initiated the first move to be close to His most treasured creation the humans through love and grace. Man originally was the bearer of the image of God until sin came in. Sin made man and God distant, but God initiated the first effort to reach out and ask man to make Him a “dwelling place” that He may stay close with them. there are ceremonious task in keeping the tabernacle / temple clean and in this ceremonies man got caught into corruption. so to end this, Christ came and declared all cleansed through His blood making everyone God’s personal “living temple”. So, if you are having a relationship with God then you will make your body a temple really fit for God to dwell therein.

The holistic worship is an active act of honor and love to God having the whole being and body be engaged in worship. It mean the act of religious devotion is not limited to a day or holy hour of worship. The worship God is trying to tell and illustrate through the biblical tabernacle transcends to all aspects of our life ( 1Cor 10:31).

Sin has affected all aspects of our life and we think that sin is only in the heart or mind and it has nothing to do with my behavior, the food I eat, the clothes I wear or the way i deal with other people. Below is the diagram of the tabernacle a visual aid to point to us areas of our life that needs to be reformed, cleansed and sanctified through and by Christ. If I am having relationship with God my body is a His dwelling place God then which aspect of my body should I set as exclusively for God? Some part only or the whole body? Check this out.

We will see more in details as we go through each parts of the tabernacle in the next series.

Tabernacle, sanctuary, temple, church they are all synonymous which means “God’s dwelling place”. Where is the this temple now? Why was it discontinued? The temple buildings were given for its purpose for us to understand God’s Plan of Salvation. The building is important though but do building structures need salvation? No, not the temple structure nor the ceremonies in it. It is the human that is most important to God. As it is written, “God so love the world that he gave His only Son. That whosoever believes should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16) and abolished the corrupted ceremonies that goes with earthly sanctuary (Hebrews 10:19-22; Matthew 27:51)

After which, did you know that the public temple then was transformed into personal one that everybody can have connection with God or that God wants to reside in your very own body. Really that close as opposed to staying in some Holy place at a distant. And to stop corrupt priests, burdensome ceremonies, no more selling and buying of forgiveness and salvation. Did God do this for the tabernacle? No! Was it for the believer? Yes! And what was the tabernacle then for? Ah, that is what we will discover in this series.

Does this “God’s dwelling place” still exists? Do you know where that “temple” is now? After the buildings failed its per-supposed function, it was transformed in to a more personal approach. Then the focus was system-process but it was transformed into personal end-user application. God will no longer dwell in the building structure but will dwell inside your body. Yes, your own physical body! Yes, you are now the temple of God! Yes, God deals with each of us individually and so he declared through his apostle that you, your whole body/being is ‘the temple of God’ (1 Cor 3:16). If that is the case, we are each responsible in managing this “dwelling place of God” to be as He prescribed it, and studying the essence of this “temple body” you will understand the “Plan of Salvation, Justification, Sanctification, Perfection, Faith that works, Stewardship, Baptism, marriage, Sabbath, and foremost is our relationship and Worship of Christ, and God the Father. Yes, it is an “all-in-one’ understanding all aspect sense of our spiritual endeavors.

From Structural to Ceremonial to Mobile

Why was it stopped? It was a magnificent plan for men, but man fall short of obedience to God. God never failed man, but man failed God. Such system even though perfect but was corrupted by sinful men. Hence, the decision for the Son of God to come down and save us, taking all of us out from further destruction. Nevertheless, the tabernacle is one visual aide to help us understand the rudiments of faith and salvation.

The very central point of all is the way each of us worship our Creator and Redeemer which reflects and reveals the degree of our relationship with God the Father and God the Son.

In this series we will study the Old Testament biblical tabernacle, each part, the significance, and essence of each furniture to our spiritual life. Much more we will see how it was made so easy and relevant for us today to help us achieve the “perfection” (Matthew 5:48) Christ gave as a challenge.

This is a 12 part series of study included in the study are visual aids, Bible references, group guide for discussion

What are our objectives for this iWorship series?

How would we approach this study?

What would be the expected impact to each believer and the corporate church?

The materials can be studied as an individual or you may want in group together for each session. There is a summary, an individual reflection sheet, a discussion guide whether you are alone or with a partner or group. You may want also to do the crafts with the teens to help them really appreciate the tabernacle concept.

Looking forward to a spiritual nurturing and growth as we continue to learn more about God’s plan of salvation.

Be open-minded