Albany Missionary Baptist Church (Albany, Oregon)

New Testament Church

Marks of A New Testament Church

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1. HEAD AND FOUNDER OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

Col. 1:18
  • Jesus Christ is the head and founder of the Church.
Eph. 5:23
  • The Pastor or Deacon is not to run the Church.
  • A board of directors is not to run the Church. Christ, and Christ only, runs the Church.
Eph. 4:5
  • Christ chose one and only one institution to carry out his work
  • Jesus didn’t give authority to every church out there to preach the Word.
  • He gave it to the Church–one that meets His qualifications.
  • Faith = A system of doctrine and teaching,
Eph. 3:21
  • The Church that Jesus Christ established is the only church we can give God honor and glory in.
Matt. 16:18
  • The Church that Jesus established will never die out.
  • The same things the first church taught and believed in are still taught and believed today.
  • Christ is that rock.
1Cor. 10:4
  • Jesus is the rock, the foundation that the Church is built upon.
  • Anything other than that of Christ will crumble.

2. RULE OF FAITH AND PRACTICE: Everything we need to know about God is found in His book.

II Tim 3:16-17
  • The Bible (scriptures) is a perfect book.
  • Every aspect of our life, any problem we might face, the answer can be found in God’s Word.
  • Verse 17, Unto all good works, (everything).
II Pet. 1:20-2 1
  • Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the word of God was wrote
II Sam. 23:1,2
  • Man didn’t write the Bible, (not man’s ideas).
Ps. 119:160
  • The Bible is perfect – man is not.
Jer. 1:9
  • Man cannot put together something that is perfect.
Jer. 36:-14
Rom. 2:2

  • Judge according to Truth.
John 17:17
  • God’s Word is Truth.
John 12:48
  • The scriptures were put together over a period of 1,500 years by over forty different men. Many men wrote not knowing anything of the other.
  • Each book in the scriptures perfectly fit together.

3. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE CHURCH: The name is not important but what it teaches

II Tim 3:l6-17
  • All scripture must be studied.
  • A church is to teach the entire Word of God, not just the parts that make us feel good.
  • The only way a person can teach is through study.
II Tim. 4:1-5
  • You cannot teach something if you don’t know it.
Prov. 2:1-6
  • How to study.
I Cor. 9:14,27
  • You cannot effectively preach it unless you live it.
Ecc. 12:12
  • Studying is a weariness to the flesh.
  • The Word of God just won’t metaphysically come to you, you must dig it out.
Matt. 28:18-20
  • The only way a church will remain strong is by following II Timothy 2:15
  • When a Church no longer studies or prays, it begins to spiritually decay.
  • A Church is made up of individual members. This church is only as strong as you.
  • A Church must preach it, practice it, and have a lineage back to Christ.

4. ITS POLICY: Congregational, every member having equal vote; truly democratic.

Acts 1:15-26
  • Mathias is elected by the Church to fill the office of Apostle.
  • All those present at the Church took part in the vote, (about 120.)
Matt. 20:24-28
  • Every member is equal.
  • No man or group of people is to run the Church; the Church is to be a democratic body.
Matt. 23:5-12
  • No one member is to be lifted up and be over one another.
I Cor. 12:12,13
  • In God’s eyes, we area the same whether rick or poor. God looks on all the same.
I Cor. 12:24-26
  • Jesus said to humble ourself
  • We’re not to look for God to humble ourselves, we are to do it.
  • That is the only way to serve the Lord.
  • Put the Lord first, others second, and “me” last.
Acts 1:15-26
  • An example of a Lord’s New Testament Church voting,
Acts 6:1-5
  • There were about 120 people in the Church and they all voted. All having an equal vote.
  • Parents need to teach children who are members the importance of voting.

5. MEMBERSHIP: Who can be members? Those who are saved and scripturally baptized. Requires a person to exercise free will, therefore must have the ability to reason.

Acts 2:37,41,47
  • A question asked, what must I do to be saved?
  • Answer, repent. After repentance comes baptism.
  • Baptism does not save anyone.
  • Saved according to the scriptures.
  • Baptized according to the scriptures.
  • “for” means because of.
  • Baptize because sins are forgiven, not to forgive sin.
Rom. 6:1-7
  • “into” means with reference to.
Rom. 5:1
  • Baptized not to become a Son of God, but to manifest that you are a Son of God.
I John 1:7
  • Free will must be exercised.
I Cor. 12:18
  • Infants cannot exercise free will.
  • After all requirements are met, the Lord adds to His church
Acts 16:30-31
  • Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way a person can receive Jesus Christ.
I John 5:10
  • Not by any other means that what God has set in order.
Acts 4:12
  • God’s way is the only way for salvation.
  • Without salvation God’s way, a person is dead and is on the road to Hell.
Rom. 10:10
  • With the heart a man believes in Jesus.
  • With the heart comes faith.

6. ORDINANCES: Baptism and Lord’s Supper

BAPTISM:

A. Baptism: Five elements necessary for scriptural baptism:
  1. Candidate must be saved.
  2. Proper Authority (New Testament Church)
  3. Proper Administrator (God-called, ordained man)
  4. Proper mode (complete immersion)
  5. Proper purpose (desire to be obedient)
Matt. 3:7-12
  • Must be saved.
Acts 2:38,41
  • John the Baptist demanded evidence of salvation.
Acts 8:36,37
  • Not just anyone can be baptized.
  • Repentance (accepting Christ) then Baptism follows
Rev. 1:5
  • Baptism does not wash sin away. It testifies that our sins were already washed away (by the blood of Jesus Christ).
B. Proper Authority:

Mark 1:1-8
  • John the Baptist was given authority by God to prepare the way.
John 1:6-8
Matt. 3:13-17
  • Jesus Christ comes to John the Baptist for baptism, yet, Jesus had the authority. Why did Jesus go to John?
C. Proper Administration: The authority lies within the Church. The Church does the baptism through a proper administrator. A God-called, ordained man, fitting the qualifications for a Bishop, is the only example found in the scriptures administering baptism.

Acts 8:35-39
  • Philip, the evangelist, sent by the Church in Jerusalem baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.
Acts 21:8
  • Philip formerly a deacon, but not at this time.
Acts 16:31-33
  • Paul and Silas baptize the jailer after repentance.
  • Baptized not to wash away sin, but to show publicly he had been saved. He was baptized with reference to salvation.
D. Proper Mode: Greek word for baptism is "Baptizo", which means to immerse, or plunge.

Matt. 3:13-17
  • Jesus went down into the water and straightway he came out of the water.
John 3:23
  • John baptized in an area where there was much water
  • According to the scriptures, baptizing is always done in water.
  • Baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection. Shows that old life has been done away with.
Rom. 6:1-7
  • Baptism is to show forth a public testimony that we believe in the death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism shows a picture of the resurrection.
I Cor. 15:1-4
  • (1) death (2) burial and resurrection. According to the scriptures.

LORD’S SUPPER: Closed, local, visible assembly.

Matt. 26:26-29
  • Closed: Every time the Lord’s Supper is instructed in scripture, it is members of that Local Body partaking in it.
  • Visible: Only those members present took part in the supper. Nowhere do you see the Church taking the supper to members not present.
  • They must assemble in church capacity in order to take part.
Ex. 12:42-48
  • The Lord’s supper shows a picture of Christ’s death. It is a type of passover.
I Cor. 10:14-22
  • Should we fellowship with those who do not follow the scriptures? The word “communion” means fellowship.

7. OFFICES OF THE CHURCH: We are not to add more or take away from.

I Tim. 3:1-13
  • The scriptures show only two offices within the Church; Bishop (pastor) and Deacon.
  • Jesus Christ did not institute Priest, Archbishop, Rabbi, etc.
Acts 6:1-7
  • Deacons were instituted in the Church to help the Bishop with the physical and spiritual needs of the Church.
  • They are not called of God, but chosen by the church.

The Calling:

Rom. I1:29
  • God does call men.
  • Calling to the ministry (preach) is not a job, but a way of life.
  • A lot of people like the title. Many answer the call, but don’t surrender to the work.
I Cor. 1:18, 21, 26-31
  • Don’t be lifted up in your calling,
  • It’s a call to complete surrender of service to the Lord.
I Peter 5:1-4
  • To be an example
Heb. 13:17
  • The responsibility
II Tim. 4:1-5
  • Charge to preach.
Is. 58:1
  • Cry loud and faint not.
Jer. 20:9
  • Once called, always called. Can you keep from it?

Bishops:

I Tim. 3:1-7
  • Pastoring is a work. God won’t use a lazy man.
  • Must have a burning desire to Pastor one of God’s churches.
  • Prayer and Bible study is the key.
  • Blameless does not mean sinless, but a legal charge cannot be brought against.
  • One that does not get caught up in the affairs of this world.
  • The husband of one wife (one means first). Also, since it says “husband”, this means that it is a man. Women are not called to either the position of Bishop or Deacon.
  • If a man has to be married to be called, then the only one in scripture qualified would be Peter. Paul nor Jesus married, however who was the first Pastor of the Lord’s New Testament Church? Jesus Christ.
  • Sober means one that has self-control. He must have his flesh under subjection.
  • Of good behavior, simply put, to be a gentleman.
  • Apt to teach. One who can rightly divide the Word of God. Must preach to them, but also teach them.
  • Not given to wine – not a partaker of drinking.
  • No striker. Not necessarily one who physically fights, but also who fights with his tongue.
  • Not greedy of filthy lucre – not desiring to be richer than you need to be.
  • Patient. Someone who can get along with others and longsuffering.
  • Not a brawler. Not someone who fights.
  • If a man of God does not meet these qualifications, they must desire and strive to meet them.
  • One who ruleth well his own house – a man that leads his house by example.
  • Not a novice-not a newcomer to the work.
  • Must have a good report by those who are not necessarily a part of the church.
  • Must be grave; serious minded.

Deacons:

Acts 6:1-15
  • Deacons called by the church
  • Deacon not to do physical, but to oversee physical work.
  • Deacon is also to be spiritually minded.
  • Deacon is a help-meet for the Pastor.
Acts 7:51-60
  • Stephen, the Deacon, not Pastor, preaches to the people.
I Tim. 3:8-13
  • Not double-tongued, i.e. saying one thing and doing another.
  • Holding the mystery of faith-one who knows the word of God and lives it.
  • Let them prove themselves. Not necessarily setting them aside for a time, they should already be doing these things or they won’t do them.
  • Husband of one (first) wife.
  • Their wife must be sober, self-controlled.
  • One who does not backbite and is faithful in the Word.
  • A man who uses the office of a Deacon well, has some rewards waiting for him.

8. THE WORK OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH is to teach, baptize, and then teach to observe all things.

*Jesus has all power. The church does not. The church only has the
authority that God gave it in His Word.

Matt. 4:17-22
  • Be fishers of men.
Matt. 28:18-20
  • Teach Jesus Christ to the lost world (preach the gospel)
Acts 1:8
  • After a person accepts Jesus, baptize them.
  • After baptism, teach them to observe all the commandments of God
Acts 2:37-47
  • Day of Pentecost, Peter through the Church, preaches (teaches) Christ.
  • Must realize our only obligation is to preach Christ, baptize those who believe and continue to teach the doctrines of Christ.
  • Then the Lord will bless the church and He will add such as should be saved
  • But we cannot teach something we do not know.
Rev. 2:1-7
  • Thou has left thy first love.
Mark 12:28-34
  • How to love the Lord.

9. FINANCIAL PLAN: Tithes and Offerings through free will offering.

Tithes: The first fruit, the very best; a tenth part.
Offering: Above and beyond your tithe.

The Lord's work is supported by giving of your BEST. The Bible says to honor the Lord with our first fruits.

Prov. 3:1-9
  • A tithe is a tenth part.
Lev. 27:30,31
  • A tithe comes from the top.
Deut. 26:2,16
  • Our gross, not our take home pay.
  • Do we really live by faith? What does it take to live by faith?
Mal. 1:6-8
  • Israel continued to serve God, but they were giving Him their seconds-giving their leftovers.
Mal. 1:13
  • God demands our very best in all things, financial and spiritual.
Hag. 1:5-7
  • Is giving to God a weariness for you?
Luke 6:38
  • Does it maybe bother you to give your best?
What do we give God in our time? Job, Family, Relaxation: Does God receive the time we have left over?
  • Where does study, sincere study, and prayer fall in your life.
  • Do we rob God in our time.
  • Israel became lifted up in “self” because they were God’s chosen people. They took for granted what God had done.
Mal. 3:8-10
  • When we fail to give God our best, we are robbing God and cheating ourselves out of a blessing.
  • God demands the first of our fruits, money, time, service, etc.
  • When we give to God willingly, God will bless us abundantly.
I Cor. 16:2
  • God is talking to the Church.
  • We are to give on the first day of the week.
  • An offering only comes after a tithe.
II Cor. 9:6-8
  • We are to give as purposed in our heart. If you cannot give
  • willingly, God does not want it. Let us make no mistake, God
  • does not need our money
John 15:10-11
  • He wants us to give willingly so that He might take care of all our needs.
Ps. 37:25
Phil.4:19

10. WEAPONS AND WARFARE: Word of God, sword of the Spirit. Our weapons are to be spiritual, not carnal.

II Cor. 10:3-5
  • Our war is not in the flesh.
  • Our weapons are not carnal (fleshly), but of God (spiritually)
  • The only hope of victory is by the sword of God – His Word
Heb. 4:12
  • With God’s word, we have power.
  • When we present God’s word, it strikes a man to his core of his being.
  • God’s Word brings all things out.
Eph. 6:10-18
  • Just as a soldier goes into battle with his weapons and armor, so must we
  • The armor of God only covers the front. The back is exposed, why?
  • God intended for us to always be going forward, not backward.
Matt. 28:18-20
  • The purpose of the Lord’s church is to preach the gospel to all the world and to teach them to observe all things. That’s all.
  • In order for us to proclaim God’s word, we must get our flesh out of the way.
  • You cannot proclaim something if you do not know it.

11. CHURCH’S INDEPENDENCE: Separation of Church and State.

Matt. 22:21
  • We are to obey the laws of the land.
  • Children of God are to pay taxes, etc.
  • We are to obey the laws of the land until it interferes with God’s law.
Acts 5:27-29
  • We are to follow God’s law over man’s law.
  • God has commanded us to preach the gospel no matter what happens.
Matt. 28:18-20
  • Jesus said all power is given unto me.
  • When there is no longer separation between Church and State, the Church is no longer under God’s law, but mans.

12. ITS EXISTENCE: How long will the Church exist?

Matt. 16:18
  • God will build His Church, and God is in control of keeping it in existence.
  • The Church never has, nor ever will, die out.
  • The same church that Jesus established is the same church today.
Eph. 3:21
  • The only place we can give God glory is in His New Testament Church
  • The gates of Hell shall never prevail, throughout all ages, world without end.

Alter of Incense-Tabernacle Lesson 13

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Alter of Incense Tabernacle lesson 13

Text:  Exodus 30:1-10;  37:25-29

The altar and it’s carrying poles were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold.  The altar was 1.5 feet square and 3 feet high.  It had a crown similar to the table of Shewbread.  It had sides (not legs).  It had a “horn” at each corner. Incense was burned on this altar every morning and evening.

This piece of furniture is called both the Golden Altar and the Altar of Incense.

Exodus 40:26-27; 30:6  The altar of incense was “before the vail” (in front of the vail).

It was in a straight line with the brazen altar and Laver in the court, and before the Ark of the Covenant.  Showing, in type, that you cannot get to God without going through all of these:

  • Altar of sacrifice (salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, repentance after salvation)
  • Laver (baptism and afterwards, as a child of God, cleansing by repentance and confession of sins)
  • Altar of Incense (prayer)

Alter of Incense-Tabernacle Lesson 13

Altar of Incense is a type of the prayers of the saints

There are conditions to be met before prayer is heard.

Exodus 30:9  strange incense or misuse of a sacrifice meant incense (prayers) not reaching God

Hebrews 10:31 willful sin hurts prayers

Psalm 141:1-2   Prayer set before God as incense

Revelation 8:3-4  In heaven, the altar of incense (golden altar) is before the throne. The angel had a golden censer with much incense, to offer up the prayers of all saints to God upon His Throne.

Luke 1:5-13  John the Baptist father Zacharias was in the temple, incense burning on the altar, when angel appeared to answer his prayers. V.6 Elisabeth and Zacharias were in fellowship with God so prayers were answered (righteous before God and walked in His commandments).

Before prayer is heard, there must be salvation at the brazen altar, baptism and daily cleansing at the laver, and there must be anointing

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 Prayers after salvation should be heard, new creature, love is constraining us to live for God, keeping us unspotted from world, like ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1 Being separate means our prayers are received. When we cleanse ourselves and “perfect” holiness.

1 John 2:20-27  Anointing which we have received

We are anointed and have the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Convicter, and Guide as a result of Church membership.

  • Exodus 29:7  Psalm 133  As the high priest was anointed for service, our anointing sets us up for a life of service also (when we joined ourselves to His Church).
  • Acts 10:38; 1:8 The same power God the Father gave Jesus (anointing from the Spirit) while he was here is available for use today in His Church (through the Spirit as Comforter) to carry out His work.
  • Psalm 145:18-19  God is near and answering prayers through His Spirit…when in truth and them that fear Him (reverence, respect, in fellowship).

Sin is the cause for unheard and unanswered prayer

  • Psalm 66:18  Iniquity = sin, as saved children of God, when we allow sin in our hearts, God will not answer our prayers.
  • Isaiah 59:2  sin separates us from God, prayers not heard.  God cannot look upon sin (Jesus was forsaken by God the Father on the cross when He took our sin upon Himself).  Romans 8:3 God condemns sin.
  • Isaiah 64:7
  • Micah 3:4 Hide His face.
  • Proverbs 15:29; 28:13  God far from us, we won’t prosper, no mercy.
  • Isaiah 55:6-7 God won’t hear, won’t pardon and give mercy.
  • 1 Peter 3:12 Righteous are heard.
  • Acts 2:41-42 Continued in prayer (heard/answered) because they were following God.
  • Isaiah 1:15  hands full of blood = evil deeds, prayers not heard.
  • John 9:31  God hears prayers of those that worship Him and do His will.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14  Turning (repenting) of our sin, praying in humility to God will be a prayer that God hears. Answered prayer begins with the prayer of salvation. Until we are saved we are not in a position to be looked upon by God, He does not see Jesus blood covering if we are lost and cannot look upon sin.
  • 1 John 1:8-10 Acknowledgment of our sins and confession is required in order to once again be in a position for our prayers to be heard.

The fire from the altar of incense was lit by the fire from the brazen altar (which came from God)

  • Leviticus 9:24  Fire came from God
  • Leviticus 6:12 – 13  Was to never go out.
  • Leviticus 10:1-2, 10   When Nadab and Abihu offered fire that was not from the brazen altar they were killed.  God demands a difference between holy and unholy.

Christ is our Altar, or Mediator between us and God

  • 1 Timothy 2:5  There is one mediator between us and God, Jesus.
  • Romans 8:34  Jesus at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
  • Hebrews 4:14-16  Better than Aaron, our high priest is sinless, we can come boldly to God’s throne because of Jesus.
  • Hebrews 7:25  Jesus our high priest will forever be able to intercede for us.
  • John 16:23  Prayer needs to be through Jesus to reach God the Father.

Any preacher, church member, or church will not learn much or have any power without a strong prayer life

  • James 5:13-18  Prayer works when we are righteous, have faith, and are fervent.
  • Acts 4:24, 31  Power of prayer when done together can be mighty. 

Incense represents the prayers of the saints

Revelation 5:8  Odors is incense, vials full of incense.

Incense is sweet and precious to God

  • Exodus 30:34-35 Incense was reserved just for God’s use
  • Selfish, foolish prayers are abominations to God
  • Ecclesiastes 10:1 Prayers mixed with selfish or misguided motives cause the whole prayer to stink before God.
  • James 4:2-3  When our desires don’t match up with God’s will, our prayers are “amiss”. We ask and receive not.
  • Proverbs 28:9  When we ignore God’s Word, don’t read it, don’t listen to it, don’t heed what it says, our prayers are meaningless.  God’s Word is God speaking to us, if we shut Him out, He will shut us out.

Abomination = hateful and despised Psalm 66:18 iniquity

The incense was to be burned when the lamps were trimmed

Exodus 30:7

  1. God does not appreciate one way communication. If Aaron had just trimmed the lamps (picture of God’s Word, God speaking to us) and not burned the incense (picture of prayers going to God), it would have been a one way communication.
  2. Bible study and prayer (two way communication) go hand in hand.

The Candlestick and altar of incense went hand in hand.

Aaron needed the candlestick burning before he could burn the incense, showing we need God’s Word and the Spirit (oil in candlestick represents Sprit) to know the proper way to approach God in prayer.

  • Luke 11:1 As Jesus taught how to pray, God’s Word does that for us.
  • John 15:7  God’s Word in us helps our prayers.
  • 1 Timothy 4:12-16 When God’s Word and Prayer are together, V.16 God’s work can be accomplished.

God’s Word tells us to pray

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17  without ceasing   Acts 6:4 Continually.

 

The lamps were trimmed in the morning and evening (when incense was to be burned)

Shows that prayer and God’s Word are to be considered frequently.

  •  Psalm 55:17 Prayer is to be often.
  • Daniel 6:10  Even when it was hazardous to his health Daniel prayed 3 times a day, towards the temple (where God’s house was).

Altar of Incense on the Day of Atonement

Exodus 30:10; Lev 16:11-19, 33 

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, for Priest, Tabernacle, and People (V.33).

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the priest took coals from the altar of incense and put them in a censer; after entering the Most Holy Place, he put the two handfuls of incense on the burning coals, and the cloud of the incense covered the mercy seat.  Than the blood of the sacrifice offerings (bull and goat) were sprinkled on the mercy seat.  V.18 Afterward he put blood of the bull and of the goat on the horns of the altar of incense.

  1. The blood on the horns of the altar of incense came from the sacrifice at the brazen altar. Showing that a sacrifice was needed when it came to prayers.

For us today, Jesus blood (sacrifice) enables us to approach God’s throne, and for our prayers to be heard and answered because of that blood.

  • Hebrews 10:10 We are sanctified or made acceptable by Jesus offering of Himself.
  • Hebrews 4:16  We can come boldly to God’s throne because of our High Priest Jesus.
  • John 20:17 Jesus blood was required at the throne of God in order to fulfill the price for our sins, for our prayers to be heard by God, just as the blood on the horns of the altar of incense
  • 1 John 5:14 Prayers that are within God’s will are going to be heard.

The four horns on the altar of Incense show us Christ’s prayer went out to the four corners of the world (went to all people). His blood was shed for all (blood on the horns went to four corners).

  • 1 Timothy 2:1-4  It is our job today to reach out (pray for) to all people.
  • Galatians 6:10 Especially those in our Church and in the work.
  • Ephesians 5:25-30 Jesus loved the Church and died for it.
  • Acts 20:28  Church is special, purchased with Jesus blood.
  • Malachi 1:11 Jesus name is great and prayers (incense) should be proclaiming this throughout the world.

 

Conditions to answered prayer

  • Romans 8:26  We need the Spirits help with our prayers.  We need the Sprits conviction also to remind us of those unconfessed sins that hinder prayer.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:15  We need the Spirit and we need to know what we are praying for, understanding God’s will, praying outside of God’s will means prayer not answered.
  • Matthew 6:5-15  Model prayer, example from Jesus on how to pray, not to recite.

Are we always repeating the same thing in prayer, v.7 vain repetitions, just to have something to say.  In congregation prayer, when we are praying, we are talking to God, not to each other, we should not have mindset that we are impressing anyone with our prayer.

John 15:17  Having issues with our Brethren will cause prayers to be not heard.

1 John 3:22  Disobedience (not keeping His commandments) means not receiving what we ask.

Abiding in Christ (in His body) affects prayers

Luke 19:46  The Church (God’s house) is the House of Prayer.

Fellowship and obedience affects prayers

Isaiah 56:6-7  Those that are obedient (saved, faithful member of His Church) are in a position to come to Church which is the House of prayer and have our prayers heard by God.

2 Chronicles 6:5-6; 7:15-16  The tabernacle was the place where God was to hear their prayers (altar of incense).  Then the Temple.  Today, the Church.  V.15 “God’s eyes and ears will be attentive to prayers made in this place”.  V.16 That is where God meets with us, where we worship which includes prayer.

The Gate of the Tabernacle-Tabernacle Lesson 5

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Gate of the Tabernacle

Click Here to download and/or print this lesson

Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 27:16-19; 38:18-19

 The only door through which one could gain entrance to the outer court was located on the east side. It would have been lit up by the morning sun.  The gate was 20 cubits wide (30 feet) and 5 cubits high (7.5 feet, same as courtyard). It was made up of 4 colors (blue, purple, scarlet, and white) sewed together (needlework or embroidery).  It was held up by four pillars.  See picture three.

The four pillars were the same as those used in the courtyard fence.  Made of wood that was set in brass socket foundations with silver caps and hooks.

Each section (between each post) of the gate was 5 cubits by 5 cubits, 5 represents grace. So there is abundant grace available to come to Jesus.

Acts 15:11; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 1:9  Because of God’s grace (favor, goodwill, love) we are invited to come to the “gate”.

 

 One Gate (one way into inner court – to salvation)

A.      God has always had just one way to himself, that one way is through Jesus His Son.

John 10:7-9 Jesus is the door of the sheep. You have to go through Jesus to be part of the flock (for salvation) and to be part of His Church (pasture where sheep are fed).

John 14:6  Jesus is the ONLY door (way) to God.

Acts 4:12  Jesus is the only one that can save us, salvation is not in any other way.

John 6:44  Only One Spirit can draw us to salvation to the One Jesus. Without the drawing of the Spirit we can be saved even if we want it..we can’t save ourselves.

John 10:1 Those who find other ways to God will be judged as thieves and robbers.

Matt 7:21-23  Those who think they have found a way through the Gate other than through Jesus will be sadly mistaken at judgment time.

The Gate

A.     The width of the gate is to teach man there is ample room for all who come on God’s terms.

Matt 11:28  It is like Jesus stands before us with out-stretched arms, “Come unto Me”.

Matt 7:13-14 Even though all are invited to enter the Gate into the Kingdom, the way is narrow or restricted by God’s requirements (Repentance and faith in Jesus).

Ephesians 3:14-21 In regards to sizing up God, Paul encourages us to know or comprehend (grasp) the fullness of God (v.19).  Eph 1:23 that fullness can be realized when we are part of His body, the Church.

Romans 5:8  How big is God’s love?

John 3:16 God’s love is big enough to give His only Son, enough so that “whosoever” or anyone that believeth, denoting no limitation to the door size, all can come in.

The Fine-Twined Linen

A.     The gate was a hanging of fine twined linen that was of needlework of four colors. The four colors stand for the four Gospels.

Closeup of Tabernacle Gate

  1. Purple – Matthew – royalty:

Matt 1:21-23; 2:2    God with us.  King of the Jews.

Rev 19:16 King of Kings. Phillip 2:9-11 All bow to Jesus.  Heb 8:1 sitting with God.

  1. Scarlet – Mark – sacrificial suffering of our Savior: the color of blood

Mark 10:45 Give His life a ransom for many.  Col 1:14 Redemption through His blood.  Heb 2:9 Lowered Himself, died for us.

  1. White – Luke – His purity:

Luke 1:35 That Holy thing which shall be born.

Luke 2:14  At His birth, Glory to God in the highest.

Luke 23:4, 14 I find no fault in this Man.  Heb 4:15 Sinless.

  1. Blue – John – Heavenly origin:

John 1:1-2; 3:13,31; 6:32-33,58  Come from Heaven.

1 Cor 15:47-49  the Man of Heaven.

1 Tim 3:16 God was manifest in the flesh.

B.     The needlework of the Gate was the work of people filled with the Spirit. The stitching together of the four colors was of the finest linen the world had, and needlework of the embroiderer was God led. Ex 35:25-26  God lead woman.

Matt 19:23-24 The needlework of the Gate can be seen as going through the eye of a needle.  Easy if you set your eye on the goal of getting through, hard if you are still hanging on to the world (your money is more important).

 

The four pillars, set in sockets of brass.

A.     These pillars stand for the four Gospels anchored in judgment.

2 Cor 5:21  All who reject the Gospel will be judged by them because of what Christ suffered for us.

Acts 17:30-31  Brass stands for earthly judgment.  Rev 1:15 Jesus was shod with brass, bringing judgment.

The Gate, in type, is the way into the Kingdom, it is one of three entrances of the Tabernacle.

 A.     The three doors represent Jesus:

The Way (first door, gate),  salvation is the first door to God. John 14:6

The Truth (door into Tabernacle proper),  Church membership is the second door, gives access to Comforter, position to be part of the Bride.

 The Life (veil into the holy of holies). Being part of the Bride gets you to the throne of God.

Rev:21:10-12, 21, 25  New Jerusalem will have 12 gates, all kept open.

The Court of the Tabernacle-Tabernacle Lesson 4

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 27:9-19; 38:9-20

 

The court was a perfect oblong, twice as long as its breadth, being 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide (about 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, a cubit is about 18 inches or 1.5 feet).  It was 5 cubits high (7 ½ feet high). See picture one.

Pillar of the tabernacle

The outer courtyards construction was upon 60 pillars. See picture four.

They were all set into 60 brass sockets for a foundation.

Each pillar had a chapiter (ornamental head or cap), which was overlaid with silver.

Each had a silver hook on which the curtains were hung.

There were 20 pillars on the South side, and 20 on the North side.

There were 10 on both the East and West side.

They were all united to each other by a silver connecting bar, called a silver fillet.

 

 The need for the court wall

A.      To teach man he was outside and God was on the inside.

Ephesians 2:14 There is a wall between God and lost man.

Isaiah 55:6 Man was to come to the Tabernacle to find God.   Isa 59:1-2 Sin makes us hide from God, separates us.

God desires for Man to find Him (Gen 3:8-9, Luke 19:10).

When God and Man come together (man gets saved) there is rejoicing.

B.      Once inside the court, man could have communion and fellowship with God in His Kingdom.

John 3:1-5  As Jesus taught Nicodemus, salvation gets you into the kingdom of God.

The Tabernacle proper (structure in the court) was in the court like the New Testament churches are in the Kingdom, but the churches are not the Kingdom, nor the Kingdom the churches.

The court is a picture of the Word of God

A.   The Word reveals how sin has been judged and put under foot (brass sockets)

Brass speaks of judgment. 

Num 21:9 – Brass serpent had to be looked at to be cured

John 3:14 – Brass serpent was a picture of looking to Jesus

Rev 1:15 – Jesus feet like fine brass, bringing judgment.

Col 1:20 – Man must pass through the judgment of God before he can have peace (reconcile with God), and that is through repentance and faith in the shed blood of Christ.

B.     The theme of redemption, running through the whole Bible, is sometimes called “the scarlet thread of redemption”. Here it is seen as the silver fillet of redemption, extending to the full measurement of the court.

1 Peter 1:18-21 Redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Titus 2:11,14 – Redemption available for all.

 

The “fine twined Linen” hangings are a type of Christ, our Righteousness

A.    Our Holy God cannot bear the presence of sin, but in matchless love, He provided righteousness for every sinner who will receive it as a free gift of His grace.

John 3:16 – He loved the whole world, gave His Son.

2 Cor 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us so we could be right in God’s eyes.

B.    The “fine twined linen” that formed the court of the tabernacle spoke eloquently of all that God is in His sinless, spotless Person, and of all that He requires of the sinner who would enter into His holy presence unafraid and unashamed.

Hebrews 4:14-16  We can come boldly to the throne of God because of Jesus.

C. The white linen hanging that surrounded the court of the tabernacle also served as a constant reminder to the sinning Israelite that God’s dwelling place is holy.

  1. It reminds His people to live apart from the heathen, godless world. Romans 12:1-2
  2. The Hebrew tabernacle is a type of the church, as well as a foreshadowing of the Lord Jesus.
  3. We are exhorted by the Holy Spirit to a life of separation from the godless, Christ rejecting world.

II Cor 6:11-18 – be separate.

Titus 2:12 – live godly.

1 Peter 1:16 – Be holy as God is holy.

Cords attached to pillars:

Hosea 11:4  Cords of the tabernacle drew man to God. Connected to silver on pillar, attached to ground via brass stakes. Shows Jesus holds our spiritual lives secure, as He is our Redeemer and Judge.

 

The hooks and chapiters of silver are symbolic of Christ, our Redeemer Silver stands for redemption.

A.   This silver was a part of the redemption money given by the children of Israel

Exodus 30:11-16; 38:25-28  The redemption money was a memorial, to make an atonement (redeem) them.  It was used to get the silver for the pillars (fillet, hooks, and capiters)  and for the sockets for the sanctuary.

Matt 26:14-15  30 pieces of silver was the price of Jesus betrayal.  Matt 27:3-10  (Zech 11:12-13) Drove Judas to suicide, money used to buy potters field.

Compare:

Before an Israelite could be a soldier for God’s people, he had to present to the Lord a ransom for his soul. Redemption money.

Before we can become soldiers of the cross, we must be redeemed by the blood of the Son of God.

Eph 2:13, 19 – We are no longer strangers, we become part of the household of God, “nigh” or close to God.  Our ransom has been paid.

2 Tim 2:3-4 As soldiers we are not to be traitors, to remember who redeemed us.

Tabernacle and New Testament Church Analogy-Tabernacle Lesson 3

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THE ANALOGY (similarity) BETWEEN THE TABERNACLE AND NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Lesson by: Bro. Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 25:8, Psalm 77:13, Hebrews 8:2

God appointed the holy place for the construction of the Tabernacle and the foundation of the New Testament Church.

A.      The Tabernacle: God appointed the Holy Place for it’s construction.  Exodus 3:5, 12, 18.

B.      The foundation (Jesus) of the New Testament Church was appointed by God.

 1 Cor 3:11; Isaiah 28:16; Eph 2:20; Matt 16:18; Acts 10:37-43.

 

  1. Devine blueprint
  2. The Tabernacle was built after Devine blueprint. Exodus 25:9; Hebrews 8:5
  3. The New Testament Church was built by God.
  4. Ephesians 3:9-10 (from the beginning was planned, now known by the church).
  5. John 17:4 (finished the work thou gave me to do).
  6. Matt 16:18 (I will build my Church).
  7. Hebrews 8:2 (God pitched not man)

 

  • Sanctified (made holy) by God

  1. The Tabernacle was sanctified by the Glory of God. Exodus 29:42-46.
  2. God sanctified His Church by giving it His glory.
  3. John 17:22 (all the glory God the Father gave to Jesus, He gave to His church).
  4. Hebrews 2:11 (He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified).
  5. Hebrews 13:12 (Sanctified by His blood).
  6. Hebrews 10:14 (His one offering made us acceptable forever in God’s eyes).
  7. Rev 1:6 (Made us kings and priests, holy).

 

  1. No fleshly (sensual pleasure) worship
  2. The Tabernacle was to have NO sensual (pleasure) worship.
  3. Exodus 30:34-38. The perfume was not to be used for personal fleshly use (like we would use perfume today), it was strictly for worship, pure and holy.
  4. The New Testament Church is not to have also.
  5. John 4:23-24 (God is spiritual, worship must be spiritual, not flesh pleasing, and be based on truth of His word).
  6. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (God has allowed that veil or barrier to be removed between Himself and us (liberty) and as He is spiritual and glorious, so are we (in the same image).
  7. Ephesians 2:22 (We are the Church, a habitation of God through the Spirit).
  8. Colossians 2:2-23 (God has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge(v.3), we are complete in Him(v.10), we have buried the old fleshy person(v.12), now part of the Body (v.19), no longer subject to satisfying the flesh (v.23)).
  9. Hebrews 2:3 (We need to heed to the spiritual things we have, not to neglect the salvation and life we are to live for God, to no longer be subject to the flesh).
  10. Jude 17-19 (As we get closer to the Lord’s return, will we fall back to our sensual ways, turning our backs on God, walk after ungodly lusts?).

  • Fed by God

The people for whom the Tabernacle was constructed were fed in the wilderness.

 Psalm 78:19-26. God supplied the needs of the people with water and food (manna and quail) while they were in the wilderness.

Deut 8:2-4 Clothes never wore out.

Water (Ex. 17:6, Num 20:11)  1 Cor 10:3-4 water was picture of spiritual.

Manna (Ex. 16:4, 14-15, 31, 33-35)

Quail (Ex 16:12-13, Num 11:31)

  1. So our Lord fed the people from which He built the New Testament Church.
  2. Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9 Jesus fed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread and some fish.
  3. John 21:1-14 After Jesus resurrection he helped feed the disciples.
  4. Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus supplied money to pay taxes.
  5. Matt 4:4 God feeds us spiritually via His Word.
  6. John 4:31-38 Jesus food was the Father’s will.

 

  1. Anointed before God’s glory filled it
  2. Aaron and his sons were anointed before Tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord.
  3. Exodus 28:40-41 Before Aaron and sons could minister as priests, they had to be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified.
  4. Exodus 29:5-7 Anointed with oil by pouring on his head.
  5. Exodus 30:30-33 the anointing oil could not be used for anything else.
  6. Exodus 40:12-15 Washed with water, than anointed. Set apart for God’s service.
  7. Numbers 7:1 After being erected, before it could be used, this anointing had to occur.
  8. It was also true with the Lord and His Church
  9. Matthew 3:16-17 Jesus was baptized, anointed, to do the work of a priest.
  10. Luke 4:18-19 (from Isaiah 61:1-2) Jesus came as the anointed One.
  11. Hebrews 1:9; 2:9, 11 Jesus was anointed by God as we are, but Jesus higher (above thy fellows) more superior .
  12. John 20:21-23 Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection and breathed on them the Holy Spirit (anointed). This was to comfort and encourage them until the day of Pentecost, they did not receive Comforter here, was done on day of Pentecost.
  13. 2 Cor 1:21-22 Anointed us. Given us “earnest” portion of Spirit to seal us.
  14. Eph 1:13-14 Earnest of our inheritance. We have to be saved before God’s glory can fill us.

 

  • God spoke out from after it was assembled

  1. God spoke from the Tabernacle. Leviticus 1:1
  2. God is forever with His Church, speaks to us through the Word and Spirit. As we (church members) preach the gospel, we are speaking His words, should be as if God Himself is speaking.
  3. Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the world.
  4. Mark 16:15 As we preach the gospel, we are conveying God’s words. Heb 4:12 The Word of God is what is alive that we are using. Isa 55:10-11 Word is alive, it grows where planted.  Acts 7:38 “Lively” is alive.
  5. John 13:20 As we go in the name of God, it is a if God goes.
  6. Revelation 1:12-20 Jesus will forever speak as the Head of His Church (alive for evermore), He holds the keys to Heaven and Hell.

 

  • The place of testimony (definition of testimony: evidence in support of God, declaration of the precepts of God, support of or proof of)

  1. The Tabernacle was the place of testimony. Numbers 1:50 Everything about the Tabernacle was a testimony to God, even the Levites themselves.
  2. The New Testament Church is the place of testimony.
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:6 The work that Jesus came and accomplished, the results are seen (should be reflected) in us.
  4. Revelation 12:17; 19:10 The testimony of Jesus. The gospel  (teachings of, message of, doctrines).

 

  1. Lord walked in.
  2. The Lord walked in the Tabernacle.
  3. Acts 7:37-38 “He that was in the church in the wilderness”. God was visible as the cloud by day and fire by night.
  4. Leviticus 26:11-12 Set His Tabernacle among them, I will walk among you.
  5. 2 Samuel 7:6-7 David’s desire to build the Temple, God had always dwelt and walked in the Tabernacle.
  6. The Lord walks in His Church.
  7. Revelation 1:13 The Lord has always been in the midst of His Churches.

 

  1. We are to encamp next to.
  2. The Levites were to encamp near it
  3. Numbers 1:50-53 The Levites made the work of the Tabernacle their whole life. They lived next to it.
  4. The Lord’s church members are to do the same
  5. Hebrews 10:25 If we are not near it, how can we assemble with it?
  6. Ephesians 3:21 If we are not present during services, how can we give Him glory?
  7. James 4:7-8 Living lives close to God means God is close to us.
  8. Acts 2:44-47 Were together, had things in common, one accord, Church was a priority.
  9. See Last paragraph of the Church Covenant. We are to always be members of, and in attendance, the Lord’s Church.

 

  1. God is always present to lead the people.
  2. The cloud was always above to lead the people.
  3. Numbers 9:15-23 God was the Cloud by day, pillar of fire at night. When the cloud moved, they moved.
  4. The Holy Spirit is always ready to lead His Churches today.
  5. Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always”. Psalm 23 Shepherd is always with His sheep.
  6. Acts 1:8 At the day of Pentecost the “Holy Spirit is come upon you”, the Comforter resided with the Church.
  7. Romans 8:14, 26 Spirit is here to led us, we are to receptive to Him.
  8. 2 Corinthians 3:17 The Spirit in our midst is the same as Jesus being in our midst, they are both God.
  9. Luke 11:13 God gives the Holy Spirit to us, as Comforter.
  10. John 14:26 God is in our midst as the Comforter.  1John 5:7  Spirit is God.

 

  • God is leading.

  1. The Tabernacle and it’s people were led from one wilderness to another by the Lord.
  2. Numbers 10:11-12 Where God led, they followed.
  3. The Lord is leading His Churches today by the Holy Spirit in their midst.
  4. Ephesians 5:18; 4:30 We are to be filled with the Spirit, to be led by Him.
  5. Romans 8:36-39 Nothing can separate us from God.

 

  • Followed God by following the structure God put in place.

  1. The tabernacle people, by tribes in their own particular service, marched under their own standard, or leader.
  2. Numbers 10:14-28 There was structure when they moved. God expects things to be done orderly and without confusion.
  3. New Testament Churches should follow their leader, as he follows Christ.
  4. Acts 20:28 Paul admonished the leaders of the churches to feed the congregations, to watch over it.
  5. 1 Corinthians 4:16 As Paul followed God, they were to follow him.
  6. Ephesians 4:11-16 God gives the Church leaders such as pastors to help the body, help it mature and be strong for God. Heb 13:7, 17
  7. 1 Tim 5:1,17-19; 1Cor 14:33,40  God has a structure in place to not have confusion.

 

  • No other place of worship.

  1. The Tabernacle people were commanded not to build any other place of worship.
  2. Joshua 22:19, 29 Any other worship outside of what God instituted was rebellion and idolatry. 1 Kings 12:25-33 Man made church put of convenience. 1 Kings 13:34 Was sin.
  3. All “church-makers” today are forbidden.
  4. Matthew 15:8-13 If God did not start it, it was/is not God’s. Acts 8:11-17 example of church starting a church (lineage).
  5. 1 Corinthians 3:11 The only foundation God recognizes is the one Jesus laid (Matt 16:18).
  6. 2 John 9 For God to be part of it, it needs to follow the doctrine of God. 1 Tim 3:15 The truth is in the church Jesus started, not man made churches.
  7. Revelation 2:1-4 Leaving God out of our worship means leaving “our first love”, none of it matters to God, He will have “somewhat against us”.

 

  1. Have keepers to watch.
  2. The Tabernacle had keepers to watch.
  3. 1 Chronicles 9:17-25 These porters were to watch over the Tabernacle and it’s service.
  4. New Testament Churches have watchers.
  5. Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe (watch over).
  6. Mark 13:34 As church members we are to be a porter, to watch over, be busy working while the Master is away.
  7. John 10:1-5 There is only one way to enter the door of the Church, only one Porter, that Good Shepherd is Jesus. Only one Porter for the sheep to follow.
  8. 2 Timothy 4:5 Watch and endure, share the gospel (evangelize).
  9. Ezekiel 33:7-8 Watchman is like a keeper. (Acts 20:31, 2 Thess 2:3 watching, not deceived).

 

  • Laws to govern.

  1. There were laws demanding certain actions so they could abide in the tabernacle
  2. Judges 17:6 Man needs laws, left to himself we go against God.
  3. Psalm 15:1-5 walk uprightly, act a certain way, heart in right place.
  4. Numbers 15:30-36 Break the laws and you were put outside the camp, and killed at times. There was no sacrifice or offering for intentional sins (Achin and family).
  5. Numbers 12:14-15 Miriam’s sin, going against Moses caused her to be put out of the camp for 7 days, to be removed from where God was, away from the Tabernacle.
  6. The Lord’s Churches also have laws.
  7. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Practice Church discipline to keep the Church blameless, unspotted (Eph5:25-27 part of bride). Matt 16:19 eternal ramifications if outside the church. Heb 10:26-31 church members outside the church are not in a good place. Acts 5:5 mistreat the church can lead to bad things.

Tabernacle Lesson 1-Introduction to the Tabernacle

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Tabernacle Model

Click Here to download and/or print this lesson

Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Lesson material outside of the Bible taken from:

  • Outlines “The Tabernacle, Lee Wright” from Bro. Barnett
  • Book – The Tabernacle of God in the Wilderness of Sinai 1977
  • Transparencies from Bro. Barnett tied to the book “The Tabernacle of God in the Wilderness of Sinai”
  • Book – Bible Analysis by Albert Garner 1956
  • Book – Tabernacle Fires by Lee Wright 1998
  • Book – ABC’s of the Tabernacle by E.E. Crawford 1974
  • Book – The Golden Key by Ben Bogard (tenth edition 1987)

 

Introduction to the TABERNACLE

Text: Exodus 25:8, Psalm 77:13, Hebrews 8:2

  • The tabernacle portrays many things about God, including many types of Christ, such as His work of salvation represented in the sacrificial acts. It shows a type of worship of the saved in the church today.
  • It is the first habitation that God ever caused to be built for Him.
  • The tabernacle is a type of the church and of heaven. A “shadow of Heavenly things” (Heb 8:5).  The part of the Tabernacle called the “Holy Place” is a type of the church, and the part called the “Holy of Holies” is a type of heaven.
  • The tribe of Levi supported the daily operation of the Tabernacle, with the priesthood handling all the sacrifices in the courtyard. Only the high priest could enter into the “Holy of Holies”. (Num 8:14-26).
  • All of the sacrificial offerings brought to the Tabernacle pointed to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. (Heb 10:14).

 

  • Materials:

To the casual observer, it was just a skin covered tent with a wall of snow white linen around it.  You could not tell from the outside what it was made up of.

  • Over two thousand four hundred pounds of gold.
  • Over eight thousand pounds of silver.
  • Over eight thousand pounds of brass.
  • The best fabrics, cloth of blue, purple, scarlet, and hundreds of yards of the finest twined linen ever spun.
  • The finest lumber was hewn and sawed.
  • Goats hair and animal skins were prepared and finished to perfection.
  • The most expensive studded gems, oil for light, sweet spices, anointing oil, and incense.
  • Cords for the brass pins were made ready.
  • This structure was worth more than one and one half million dollars.
  • It was built by a people transit from Egyptian slavery who were camped in the wilderness, at the foot of Mt. Sinai. It was built to be portable and was moved many times.
  • Outside the courtyard wall, thousands of people were encamped. The Tabernacle with the funnel shaped cloud above was the center of attraction.
  • Used for about 500 years, until the Temple was built. 1 Kings 8:1-11

 

  • How it came to be

Exodus 24:12,18, 25:1,8-9, 31:1,18 Idea came from God. During the forty days and nights Moses spent on the mountain, he received not only the tablets with commandments of God, but also the divine instructions for the construction of the tabernacle.

 

  • Tabernacle statements of facts:

  1. Where God met, dwelt, and revealed Himself to His people Exodus 25:8, 22, Exodus 29:42-46.

Today He does this through His Church.  Matt 16:18., John 14:18-26, 2 Cor 6:16-18, Eph 3:21.

 

  1. The place where God spoke to His people. Exodus 29:42

Did speak to His people while here  Hebrews 1:2, Acts 1:2-3

Continues to speak today. Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22.

 

  1. The place where God accepted offerings. Lev 1:1-4  The animal was the sacrifice for the person’s sins (atonement).

Today we are acceptable through Jesus.  Through His grace. Eph 1:6, 2:8-9.  Rom 5:8-10.

Acceptable through service  Rom 12:1-2,  14:17-18;  1 Tim 2:1-4, 1 Peter 2:20.

 

  1. The place where God forgave the sins of the people. Lev 4:20, 26  6:7 (even trespass sins against each other).

Our sin nature is forgiven through Jesus   Eph 1:7, Mark 2:10

The Church is to practice forgiveness   Eph 4:32, Matt 6:14-15, John 20:23 (eternal consequences),  2 Cor 2:6-7 (Church can’t hold forgiveness ransom).

 

  1. The place where God received gifts. Exodus 23:15 (none shall appear before me empty), 28:38 (hallow in all their holy gifts).

Now Jesus receives through His Church.  Heb 7:8, 13:15-16

Why Teach From the Tabernacle

It’s place in Scripture

A.      2 Timothy 3:16-17 The study will be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

B.      John 5:39, 46. With this study we can better know the “all things” of God.

 It’s picture to the present

A.      Hebrews 9:9  The Tabernacle is a “figure” (likeness) of the present.

B.      Hebrews 3:1-6  Moses’s house (Tabernacle) was a picture of Christ’s house (Church).

C.      1 Cor 10:6,11  The Old Testament (including the teachings of the Tabernacle) is to be our example for today.

It’s Use as a dictionary to the New Testament

  1. The Tabernacle helps give meaning to our study of the New Testament.
  2. The book of Hebrews is an example, how the contrast of the tabernacle to Jesus and the Church gives us a better understanding of the New Testament (Hebrews 3:5-6; Hebrews 5:1,5; Hebrews 8:1-2, Hebrews 9:11).

It’s order of building

  1. Several times God ordered Moses to build it according to the pattern shown to him while he was on Mt. Sinai. Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; Acts 7:44; Numbers 8:4; Hebrews 8:5.
  2. No human invention (think we can improve what God has already shown us) was allowed. Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 16:25.
  3. It’s pattern was to represent the things of heaven and of the future Church. Hebrews 3:5; 9:23-24; Acts 7:37-38.

It’s teaching is used by Christ

  1. Luke 24:27, 45 Jesus used the Old testament (including the Tabernacle) to help show Himself. To help our understanding of what He has done for us and what it means.

It’s study spotlights Christ as worthy

  1. Christ is worthy of more glory than the house He built (the Church), in His earthly ministry, and the Tabernacle built by Moses. Heb 3:1-6;

Matt 16:18 He built His Church, died for it.

Acts 7:37-38 Everything pointing to Jesus who was to come.

Ex 25:8 His place to meet with His people.

Heb 8:1-2 He is our high priest forever.

John 17:4 what more could he gave done or given?

Eph 2:20-22 the building (Church made up of us “stones”) has Jesus as the corner stone, the central piece, the foundation.

It’s prophetic study shows us what Heaven will be like

  1. Rev 13:6; 15:5; 21:3 Everything about the Tabernacle had a purpose in regards to showing how heaven was going to be.  A picture or model of heaven.