Acceptable Worship

 A Better System of Worship

Book of Hebrews Chapter 12 Verses 18 through 29

What is true worship? We could say that worship is the act of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being who is the Lord Jesus Christ.

The term "God" is such a generic term that sometimes I hate to use it and use the term Lord or Lord God.

It seems that everyone who has ever lived has a god that they worship!

Even the Atheist has a god! They put their own selves in the position of being god and they think they can tell all others what to do. 

This is acting somewhat like a god.

Some people have many gods.

As Christians we are to reverence our Lord God! In the Old Testament He says His name is Jehovah.

He says He is the "I AM” because He is self-existing, and He is.

It is our Lord God who is the Giver and the Taker of life!

We could say our reverence is the fear that is within us, that is acceptable to the Lord God Jehovah.

You see if our worship is not acceptable to the One True God then it is not worship!

We also know Him as the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We also know Him as God the Holy Spirit!

We are to acknowledge His perfection.

We should be unwilling to offend Him.

We should have that admiration of someone so great He is unfathomable.

We are to respect Him.

We are to respect everything that He says.

We are to respect everything that He does because everything the Lord does is the right thing to do.

We are to love Him and show that love to Him.

We are to talk to Him just like He is with us at all times because He is!

True worship must be of a spiritual nature, and it must be in accordance with the truth of God as revealed to us in the Bible.

Remember the Scriptures recorded in the Bible are the words that our God chose to use to teach us about Him.

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

He did not have to reveal Himself to us! Think about that for a moment.

Worship involves presenting all we have in our heart, our body, our soul, and our entire being, to our Lord God!

Rom 12:1  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. 

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

As Christians, we are to be devoted to our Lord God Almighty!

What is true worship?

Act 24:14  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, "believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets": 

Act 24:15  And have "hope toward God", which they themselves also allow, that "there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust". 

Act 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, "to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men". 

This is the Apostle Paul describing to us true worship.

True worship is an expressed service of thought, speech, or action that ascribes glory to the One True God!

Let us begin:

*****Heb 12:18  For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 

Heb 12:19  And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 

We must be clear, "no one" can approach God and be acceptable to God who is imperfect, "no one"!

No human being can become perfect without the Lord Jesus Christ, who says we must be "Born Again"!

Imperfect beings can never become perfect beings!

It is a simple law of creation; imperfection can never be made perfection!

Once a thing is imperfect, it can never become perfect, it is impossible!

These things are true upon this earth, but God can do the impossible!

So, what can be done?

We could say that life is a race to perfection, but a race that cannot be won without the Lord Jesus Christ!

We must still understand it is God who will first call! 

No one can approach God who has not been called by Him!

Once called, we must decide if we are going to approach God or not.

There is where the "gift of choice" becomes so important!

It is the call of God that enables a person to believe!

"It is then a human responsibility to answer the call of God"!

We must clearly understand that God will not just wait around to see if we will answer His call!

God is not governed by situations outside of Himself! 

God's purpose will be achieved with us or without us!

Again, we must understand that God took it upon Himself to reveal Himself when He did not have to, so everything God now does is according to His own purpose!

In reality, God has sent out an invitation to join Him in His realm!

His realm is not upon this earth!

The first approach to God was the Old Covenant.

The second approach to God was the New Covenant.

The approach of the Old Covenant was an external, material approach to God.

People had to approach God to receive His Word and His Law.

The people approached God at Mount Sinai an earthly place, not Spiritual nor Heavenly, just a physical place upon this earth.

When we approach God with material and physical things, these things will not last, this approach will never last long because all material things never last.

A Christian must approach God with a Spiritual approach!

When we try to approach God through the Old Covenant of the Law, we will stand before God condemned!

When we stand before God according to His "Grace", we will be justified.

Just as if we had never sinned!

Mat_20:16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Mat_22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.

The children of Israel stood before God at the base of an erupting volcano, yet when God spoke His voice was so full of authority and so sure, it drowned out the noise of these things and the people became more frightened of God than the noise of Mount Sinai.

This is when the children of Israel decided they had a need of a mediator and Moses was God's man chosen for this position.

These people were so frightened of God, they did not want to hear from Him anymore!

We cannot be saved unless we hear for God in a personal way.

We cannot worship God unless we have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus!

*****Heb 12:20  (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 

Heb 12:21  And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 

Why could not God deal with Israel as He deals with the Church?

They could never overcome their true fear of God in order to approach Him in a Spiritual manner!

They could not make themselves believe they could have of a higher understanding of God.

Even Moses got caught up in this fear, as we all would have on this day.

Exo 20:19  And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 

They were as little children, who wanted to see past His voice in order to believe!

Exo 19:16  And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 

We could say that God was preaching that day to the congregation of these Hebrews, who were so afraid they could understand the message.

When people approach God according to the Law, they must approach God cautiously, because each broken Law will see the wrath of God.

This is the fear that God intended for them to realize. 

This is the fear that God wants us all to realize, we absolutely do not want to see the wrath of our Heavenly Father.

We just do not want to see the wrath of God!

God has shown us a way to avoid His wrath by His Son Jesus!

The second approach, the New Covenant removes the wrath of God!

*****Heb 12:22  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 

Heb 12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

The New Covenant is a Covenant of "Grace"!

The true approach to God today is by this New Covenant!

The Old Covenant, the Law is our "schoolmaster" to teach us about sin not about salvation!

Gal_3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal_3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

This new approach to God is Spiritual and it is Heavenly!

It is by the cross of Christ Jesus that a doorway is opened for us to enter into Heaven, which is where our Lord is located right now.

This Mount Zion that is the place of the city of the New Jerusalem.

Mount Sinai is earthly and physical!

Mount Zion is both Spiritual and Heavenly!

What does the Church say?

2Co 5:1  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

We should know that  there are angels around every child of God to help and protect us, but there are still more angels in Heaven than can be counted.

These angels are perfect and when we get to Heaven we will have been perfected.

Rev 5:11  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Rev 5:12  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

In fact, we will join them singing this same song!

It is by this New Covenant, that the Church will enter into Heaven and there is no other path but by the Church!

That One, who is the Firstborn, is of course the Lord Jesus Christ!

He is also God and the Judge of all things, but we can be assured He will only judge according to the Word of God!

The Lord Jesus is First Born of the Church, but He is also the Founder of the Church, the Author of Salvation, the Beginning of the Truth, and Savior of the Church.

Those who are part of the true Church, are the same ones whose names are written in Heaven in the Lamb's Book of Life.

We get to Heaven, we will join not only the angels, but also to those who have gone on before us who have already reached that state of perfection.

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 

Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 

Those that can reach Heaven's gates are the same ones who have been judged by God and are then "justified".

Each believer has been judged while in this body of flesh and justified to enter in Heaven!

Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 

Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 

It is also important that it is this same Judge who will judge the unbeliever!

Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 

Heaven is the place where all the Saints of God will come together to rejoice in the Lord!

Joh 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

Joh 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

Joh 14:4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

We can only be received into Heaven if, we know the Mediator and He knows us!

1Ti 2:3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

1Ti 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 

1Ti 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 

Then comes the warning to all those who reject the Lord Jesus.

*****Heb 12:25  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 

Heb 12:26  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

If we remember when we started in this great book, the first thing we read was that we had better listen to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 

Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 

Here in this Scripture the Holy Spirit states that we had better not refuse the Lord Jesus Christ, who is speaking to us in this New Covenant!

There is no one who will escape the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ and then get to Heaven!

There is God's warning about a great shaking and judgment of the entire universe not too far into our future.

There is a new unshakeable kingdom that must be received by all!

It was Moses who spoke on this earth and gave us the Law of God.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who speaks from Heaven who speaks as He is God, because He is!

Because the Lord Jesus is speaking from Heaven, the New Heaven, we will be held more accountable than the Old Covenant Saints and will face a much greater judgment if we reject our Redeemer.

Mar_6:11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

There will be no escape whatsoever for any person who refuses to hear the words of "Mercy" and "Grace", which are the words that the Lord Jesus Christ proclaims.

It is only by the Blood of Jesus Christ we will ever enter into Heaven!

*****Heb 12:27  And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 

There is coming a great shaking of this earth! 

In the time of Moses when God spoke, the early Hebrews became so afraid, they just told Moses that he could talk to God. 

They did not want to hear the voice of God again because of their great fear.

There is another great shaking coming again when God will decide to speak to this earth, and this is a promise and God does not ever break His promises!

Hag 2:6  For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 

Hag 2:7  And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

Have you ever seen the damage caused by earthquakes today and some are major, but we have seen nothing compared to the day God will shake this entire planet called earth and there will be no place to hide then and there is no place to hide now because the Lord put us in the places where we are located, he knows where we are at all times.

It will be only those things that cannot be shaken that will remain!

God's New World will be eternal and more alive than anything we can see upon this earth!

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

By the way, God does not make empty threats!

*****Heb 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 

Heb 12:29  For our God is a consuming fire. 

How do we receive God's New Kingdom?

1) Make sure we have received the "Grace of God".

Grace is that unspeakable gift and favor of God that comes by His "Grace".

2) Make sure after we have received God's Grace, and that we serve Him with a godly fear.

This fear describes our reverence to Him and His formidable power.

Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Psa 33:8  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 

We must serve God according to His Word because God is a consuming fire.

A consuming fire will not go out until all things that fuel it are consumed!

Let us pay attention and worship God, the Lord Jesus Christ with the reverence that He deserves!

This way we will be in practice when we join Him in His Father's House.

Amen

A Better Place to Worship

 A Better Sanctuary

Book of Hebrews Chapter 9

As we study the Book of Hebrews, we are learning that the New Covenant is far better than the Old Covenant.

The sanctuary in the Old Covenant was the Tabernacle and later on the Temple, which was built similar to the Tabernacle in design.

What was the purpose of the Tabernacle?

1) The Tabernacle provided a way for God to dwell in the midst of the nation of Israel.

Exo 25:8  And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 

This sanctuary was called the Holy of Holies and only the High Priest could enter this place and then, only once a year.

Today upon our own salvation, we become that Holy of Holies as the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts.

2) The Tabernacle provided a way for God to reveal His glory.

Exo 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 

Exo 40:35  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 

3) The Tabernacle provided a way for sinful people to approach God because it was the center of sacrificial worship.

Lev 17:11  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 

4) The Tabernacle was a reminder of the separation of our Holy God from sinful people.

5) The Tabernacle was built in anticipation of the redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

The entire Tabernacle worship system reminded the nation of Israel that a Mediator was necessary to approach God!

They had a need to learn that no one can approach God without a Mediator!

They found that God is holy, and His holiness demands moral and upright people to serve Him. 

This was the reason for the Ten Commandments!

They learned that God cares for His people and would dwell with them under certain conditions.

They learned that "blood" was important to worship this Holy God.

They should have learned that the Levitical priesthood was pointing ahead to a Mediator, who would once and for all reconcile sinful people to a Holy God!

They also should have learned that when God makes covenants, He will keep them!

That when God makes promises, He will not break them.

That when God makes an oath, He will follow through with it.

That God means what He says and also says what He means!

They should also have learned that far greater things lie ahead for those who love God and are obedient to Him!

*****Heb 9:1  Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 

Heb 9:2  For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 

We should understand that there are rules that must be observed if, we want to be acceptable to God, God being the Lord Jesus Christ!

There are some rules that must be observed if we want to have fellowship with God!

Today we understand that according to the perfect Word of God, it is only by the work of the Lord Jesus Christ that we can gain access to Heaven's Tabernacle!

The tabernacle of Moses was an earthly sanctuary or tabernacle, and it was set aside for the worship of God, but it was only an earthly sanctuary.

Heaven's sanctuary is served by the Lord Jesus Christ who provides all good things.

Jas_1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The Tabernacle of Moses was of God and was made according to the Tabernacle in Heaven.

Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 

There are many things that we need to understand about that Tabernacle.

The walls of white linen symbolized the righteousness and the holiness of God. 

Our Savior, the Lord Jesus, is set apart from this world!

When we look at our Savior, we must see that He dwells in "righteousness" and "holiness" and He cannot change His ways and still be God!

When we attempt to approach God, we must approach Him in "reverence" and "awe" of His "majesty" and His "power".

We must approach Him in "adoration" and in "worship".

We must approach God in thankfulness.

We must approach God with our praise of Him!

We just do not praise God as we should, and it is evident in the modern Church!

It is the Lord Just Christ that fulfilled the symbolism of those white linen walls!''

2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

There was only one entrance to this earthly Tabernacle.

It was made of fined twined linen and was blue, purple, and scarlet representing the robes Jesus wore at His false trial.

That door taught us that there is only one way to enter into God's presence. There are not several ways as the world would have you believe.

God has to be approached even though it is He who will first call you.

No person can live with God unless they approach God!

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who fulfilled the symbolism of this door!

Joh 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Brazen Altar"!

Mar 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 

Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Brazen Laver"!

Joh 13:8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 

Then there was the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle.

*****Heb 9:3  And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 

Heb 9:4  Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 

Heb 9:5  And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

There were distinct parts of this Sanctuary which symbolized the distinct parts in our approach to God.

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the walls and the roof.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism the veil or the curtain.

The outer veil taught us that a person cannot rush into the presence of God.

We are to never disrespect to our Holy God! This is lacking so much in most Churches today!

There is only one way into the "deeper things" of God!

There are deeper things we must know of our God than just making a sacrifice and the forgiveness of our sin.

We must worship in Spirit and Truth with this deeper knowledge of our Savior!

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

Joh 17:4  I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 

Joh 17:5  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

**Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the candlestick or the lampstand.

We all need light and illumination in order to know and to serve God!

Without the light of Christ we would remain in pitch darkness that comes by this world we live in, and we would be unable to serve the Lord or even to know Him.

2Co 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

2Co 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the Table of Shewbread.

The knowledge of our Savior is the "Bread of Life" in this world!

He is the nourishment upon which we are to feed upon.

Joh 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the Altar of Incense.

The "Altar of Incense" symbolized our prayers that have reached into Heaven.

Prayers are an especially important part of our worship!

We can have no relationship with our Savior without prayer!

Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

**There was also an inner veil to the Holy of Holies and the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of this inner veil.

This inner veil taught that fellowship and communion with God Himself is the supreme act of worship.

Christ and Christ alone is the way to have fellowship with the Almighty God!

It is much more than just a head knowledge!

Our relation to God must be up close and personal!

Do not say you are worshipping God and then, be unable to enter this inner veil!

Heb 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

*****Heb 9:7  But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 

Heb 9:8  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 

Heb 9:9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 

Heb 9:10  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 

The "Ark of the Covenant" was built like a trunk out of acacia wood and covered with gold.

The lid on top of the Ark was called the "Mercy Seat".

**It is at the "Seat of Mercy" where we meet with the Lord and not the "seat of God's wrath" whom the world will meet.

Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. 

Isa 37:16  O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. 

The Ark contained three items.

1) The broken tables of the law.

Deu 9:9  When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: 

Deu 9:10  And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. 

Deu 10:5  And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me. 

2) The golden pot of manna.

Exo 16:32  And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt. 

Exo 16:33  And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. 

Exo 16:34  As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 

3) Aaron's rod

Num 17:10  And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. 

Num 17:11  And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he. 

Notice this rod of Aaron could have been no longer than the length of the Ark of testimony which makes it a different rod than the rod of Moses.

**The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the "Ark of the Covenant"!

1Jn 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, we will not need symbolism for we will see the Lord in His perfect truth!

*****Heb 9:11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 

Heb 9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

We should also understand that even in Heaven, when we are in that Heavenly Tabernacle, we will be expected to worship God our Savior.

If you do not like to worship now, you would not like to worship in Heaven!

There will be many differences:

1) The Heavenly Sanctuary will have a "perfect" High Priest.

The High Priest of Heaven is not a man but is the Son of God!

He is perfect and He is also eternal, and He will always be the High Priest of Heaven!

Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 

Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

2) The worship in that Heavenly Sanctuary will be "spiritual" and it will be "perfect"!

In it, we will be led by the Lord Jesus, the Son of God in the very presence of God.

On earth we are imperfect beings, but in Heaven we will also be perfect.

3) The Heavenly Sanctuary and worship will have a perfect sacrifice.

There will be no animals sacrificed.

There will be no human sacrificed.

There will be no sacrifices at all!

God has already sacrificed Himself, so no other sacrifice would have any meaning.

There will no more sacrifice because there will be no more sin!

On earth, we could not escape sin, death, and condemnation, but in that Heavenly Sanctuary these things do not exist!

4) The Heavenly Sanctuary and Worship is for saved people only. The Heavenly Sanctuary is a place for those who are pure!

Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 

You see these things are the good things to come, because there is nothing good upon this earth but God!

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 

1Jn 2:29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 

Amen

What Is Obedient Devotion

 A New Way To Worship

Book of Exodus Chapter 31

We should ask ourselves, what is obedient devotion?

To be obedient means to be submissive to authority and abstaining from what is forbidden.

To be devoted is to be dedicated. A yielding of the heart and affections to that authority.

How did Our Lord Jesus Christ put obedience?

Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

Mat 7:25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

Mat 7:27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

How did the Holy Spirit put disobedience?

Heb 2:1  Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 

Heb 2:2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 

Heb 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 

Heb 2:4  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 

What is devotion in the Word of God?

Gal 4:19  My little children, of whom I travail in birth again "until Christ be formed in you",

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 

1Co 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.  

Rom 12:1  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. 

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

It was Jehovah who began to instruct these children of Israel about devotion and obedience so, the Word of God could reach the entire world.

The key to being called of God is to realize that Jehovah will provide the needs of that person in the task He has called them to do!

*****Exo 31:6  And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; 

Even given exact dimensions, it would take some qualified individuals to make all the things Jehovah required for the Tabernacle.

The first five verses tell us about Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah and all these in this verse would join him making these things.

That name Bezaleel means; "in the shadow of God".

How are these men described? Wise hearted. Remember what Jesus said of the wise builder. They would build their house on a Rock, and we know that Rock is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Notice that when Jehovah called these men, He called them by name.

God's call is a personal call!

God knows what we will be, and He has a purpose for us, before we leave the womb of our mothers!

Isa 43:1  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

We know that God is impartial, what He does for one He will do for another!

Keep in mind we all have different requirements.

God begins by equipping us with the Holy Spirit and then the Holy Spirit provides the tools necessary to fulfill God's calling!

Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 

Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 

Rom 12:7  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 

Rom 12:8  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

When God calls us for some special event, He will then surround us with others to provide support for that event.

We should understand that Jehovah left nothing to chance, everything was to be made according to His exact specifications!

*****Exo 31:7  The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, 

Exo 31:8  And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, 

Exo 31:9  And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, 

Exo 31:10  And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office, 

Exo 31:11  And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do. 

The greatest mistake made in the modern Church is to make changes in what God has said!

God has His own purpose, and this purpose is far greater than we think we are.

Jehovah cautioned Moses to obey His commandments.

We must never "add to" nor "take away" from the commandments of God nor any part of the Word of God.

This Book we call the Bible is not a book of suggestions, it is a book of commandments.

There is a reason and a purpose behind everything that God teaches us!

As a true Father, Jehovah wants us to be like Him.

He wants us to be as "forgiving" as He is forgiving. He did not have to forgive our sins!

He wants us to know that there is only one way to Heaven, not many ways.

He wants us to deny ourselves, our rights, our own ideas, and our own personal agenda, and obey His ways and His agenda.

He wants us to give back in proportion as He has given to us, which includes our tithes, as a show of "faith".

He says what He means, and He means what He says, and we need to get this clear in our own minds.

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

God specifically says we need our rest, and we must worship Him

*****Exo 31:12  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 

Exo 31:13  Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 

These Children of Israel were excited to be doing a work for Jehovah, but this did not mean that should work around the clock.

Every seventh day was still to be a day of rest.

The work on the Tabernacle was particularly important, but not so important to break the other laws of God.

We should understand that Jehovah will never go against His own Words!

He expects the same from us!

He will never give a law and then allow us to break that law, just because we think we are doing something for the good of God!

The Sabbath had been set aside for a day of rest and worship because it was a sign of God's covenant with "all humanity".

The Sabbath day was the first of the laws given to Israel and it would be incorporated into this worship system design by Jehovah.

Israel chose to do this on Saturday. The Church chose the Lord's Day Sunday.

The Sabbath reminds us all, that Jehovah is the One True and Living God!

It is on the Sabbath that we can surround ourselves with others who also have the mind of Christ, and all keep the covenant we made with Him when we said, "Save me Lord, I am a dirty rotten sinner".

Yes, a salvation request is making a covenant with God, and He will answer with redemption when we are sincere!

This relationship can never change, but we can improve on our relationship by being obedient to the Word of God and answer His calling with a "yes Lord".

It is by the forgiveness of God that we can be made Holy!

*****Exo 31:14  Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 

The Sabbath was not to be some temporary commandment made to Israel alone!

The Sabbath is a commandment given to this world we live in!

The Sabbath was made for all humanity and for every generation of humanity, for every man, every woman, and every child upon this earth!

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

We cannot pick and choose what we believe and what we reject in the Word of God!

Mar 2:27  And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 

Mar 2:28  Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is LORD of the Sabbath!

Exo 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and "all that in them" is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

This is the day the Lord is speaking of!

We may ask ourselves, what about those who are required by their employer to work seven days each week.

The Lord said that the Sabbath was made for man so, it seems it would be wise for the Church to offer services to meet that schedule.

This is the main purpose for the Sunday evening services and the Wednesday services, so everyone has an opportunity to worship. 

These people have to work out their own time to rest.

Things we must remember:

1) We must attend our worship services!

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

2) We must work out our own salvation plan.

Php_2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

3) The Lord rewards effort much more that accomplishments!

1Co_3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 

Now the Lord speaks specifically to Moses and the Children of Israel.

*****Exo 31:15  Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 

We should ask ourselves just what is Divine Rest?

Heb 4:1  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 

Heb 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 

Heb 4:3  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 

Heb 4:4  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 

Heb 4:5  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 

Heb 4:6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 

Heb 4:7  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 

Heb 4:8  For if Jesus(Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 

Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

We should clearly understand that Israel's fulfillment of the Sabbath pointed them to the Millennial Kingdom.

For the Church, the fulfillment of the Sabbath points to the "Rapture" of the Church and our permanent rest in the New Heaven.

The Sabbath is a Holy day and everyone that defiles the Sabbath would be put to death.

This may sound harsh, but Jehovah was teaching these rebellious children of Israel how to worship!

Everything that Jehovah did was showing them the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ yet, they are still blind to it.

Jehovah proved to these children of Israel that He meant what He says.

Num 15:32  And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 

Num 15:33  And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 

Num 15:34  And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 

Num 15:35  And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 

We must not mock Jehovah nor should we attempt to change what the Lord has said.

Some will say we do not see such a thing today and I say are you sure!

Many people die by unknown causes though all these may not be tied to God's wrath.

He is still the giver and the taker of life, but I also say all unbelievers are already condemned to spend eternity in a burning Hell.

The keeping of the Sabbath was a sign to the children of Israel for them to be more like Jehovah.

*****Exo 31:17  It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 

Jehovah is serious about worship!

We need to rest at least every seven days.

The truth is, if we will honor the Lord God Jehovah at least once a week then, we are more likely to obey the other laws of God.

Do you want to see "climate change"? Then live according to the written word of God, which is actually His own voice, and maybe, we can see the harmony that existed before sin entered into this world, this earth will be restored as it was in the days of Adam.

Gen 1:31  And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. 

This world is aging and dying, and it is this death that is bringing about what is now called climate change, yet the world still worships sin!

The Sabbath day was not just for Israel alone, but it was to be continued. 

It is a perpetual commandment. 

This still does not mean it was to be every Saturday.

Sunday the "Lord's Day is much better for the Church, but there are places where this cannot take place and so those believers must choose some other day still teaching the truth of Jehovah.

In some places where the governments are so cruel, believers must gather and worship as they are able, and they will still receive a just reward, but as we are able we are to follow all the Word of God.

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

In some cases where someone has decided that places of employment must run seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, the Church must provide a means for these people to worship.

In most cases, these things came about because of tax codes but few will admit this.

But the Church needs this fellowship with one another!

We must always keep in mind that the Word of God is not a book of suggestions, but is a Book of Commandments!

It was at this time that God gave to Moses those two tablets of stone written with the finger of God.

*****Exo 31:18  And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. 

Moses had been with God for 40 days and 40 nights and it was at this time that Moses was given two tablets of stone that had written upon them the moral law the 10 Commandments.

These laws were great gifts because we all need some direction in our lives!

What is going on in the USA today? People have lost their direction and they have chosen to live in any manner they so choose, and they expect all the rest of us to bow down to their way of living or be called all kind of names and many will be threatening us.

These 10 Commandments are the foundation of the laws of God, and they should be the basis of the laws in every nation. 

They were in many nations for years, but now if any nation chooses to go by these ten commandments, then the rest of the world will penalize them.

Just look at what the EU is doing to some nations today. The EU screams to us about "climate change" yet the EU is the main buyer of the illegal lumber that is harvested in the rain forest of Brazil.

We are to live righteous and pure lives as best we can, but instead this world has chosen immorality and wickedness.

The fact that the Bible is accurate in all matters in which it deals, scientific and historical as well as Spiritual and Theological, makes it a danger to this immoral world we live in today.

Even some the Church have begun to compromise, and our world just gets more-darker.

This too is written in the Scriptures.

Many look back today and ask what happened to our nation and all we need do is look back when immoral and unjust persons were allowed to destroy the Ten Commandments, just because they did not want to hear what God had to say.

As God's creation we are to obey the voice of God and He made us a copy and gave it to Moses.

Notice God gave these commandments at the same time He gave Moses the pattern of the Tabernacle and the correct method of worship!

God is leading those who love Him to the Promised Land (the New Heaven) and there is no other way to get there, but by obeying the Laws of God!

Jesus said it like this:

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

Joh 5:37  And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. Joh 5:38  And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 

Joh 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

Joh 5:40  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 

Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 

I choose to believe the Lord and you can call me all the names you want to, and it will not change my destination, but you on the other hand, will find yourself in Hell whether you believe there is a place called Hell or not!

Amen