Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12
Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.
Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister
Notes:
Behind the curtain, we begin to understand that sin must be atoned, never just excused. We stop comparing ourselves with others and use mercy the way God uses it—as one more way to give everyone every possible chance.
Desmond Doss and Dr. Stephen Covey's Seven Habits (so far...)
1) Be proactive & focus on your circle of influence
2) Begin with the end in mind
3) Put first things first
Ryan Leak: God makes things grow, not us.
C.S. Lewis: ...When you have done right, the rest lies with God.
1 Corinthians 3:6
According to Jesus and Paul, mercy means... ...holy unfairness
...thinking win-win (the 7th Habit!)
...following Christ's example
Matthew 18, 5:7, & 6:12; Philippians 2:2-11
Mercy is atonement, not compromise, and it means that we pay the price! Philemon, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 2:4
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer...
How do You want to draw us in? How do You want to send us out?