The Glory of God
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
The altar is always open for prayer.
I had my mind blown this past weekend.
Tres Dias Testimony
I’ll share more specifics next week.
God blew my mind away with what He did this past weekend.
I went into this past weekend open minded, but slightly skeptical.
What is all the fuss about and why is everything so hush, hush?
After being through it, I get it.
I think everyone should go through it at least once.
Seeing the glory of God change people. People going from dark countenance to a light in their eyes.
Seeing people set free.
It made me think about our theme that we have been studying the last few weeks.
Rest - Pausing in the Presence of God
Rest - Pausing in the Presence of God
This weekend was a weekend of pausing in the presence of God.
Everything was put on hold so that there were no distractions and we could just focus on receiving from the Lord.
We were even asked to take our watches off and leave our phones in our rooms.
Throughout the retreat it felt like I was getting a big bear hug from God all weekend long.
There are not many times that I have cried so much due to the overwhelming sense of the presence and love of God.
It truly made me think about God’s Glory, God’s Goodness and God’s Faithfulness
This new sanctuary and education wing is also making me think about God’s Glory, God’s Goodness and God’s faithfulness.
This new addition is amazing because it comes from an amazing God.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Here’s my exhortation: Pray in faith for God to do big things through this church for His glory.
If we keep our hearts in the right place, our focus on Him, and commit to His ways, He will blow our minds with what He will do.
Transition:
What I want to do today is look at Solomon’s dedication of the Temple and through that lens provide us a template where we can come with the same attitude of prayer, worship, and dedication of this new addition to the glory of God.
This will also be a chance to be reminded of who we are as a church and recommit to being the church.
And it is a cry that we would see the glory of God descend upon us in greater ways as we continue to press into Him and find our rest in Him.
Background/overview: 2 Chron 5-7
This was a multiple day event of prayer, feasting, celebration, and worship by Solomon and the nation of Israel while he dedicated the temple he had built in Jerusalem.
It is a request made by Solomon on behalf of all Israel that God would hear the prayers of His covenant people and foreigners who worshipped the God of Israel.
It is a response from God to do all that Solomon asked on behalf of the nation of Israel.
It is God’s promise to make the temple in Jerusalem the place where His name would reside and where His eyes and heart would be forever.
It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the past as well as a word of hope and encouragement that God is still faithful today and that He will still fulfill His promises to His people going forward.
So we look at this in the same vein of understanding.
Read 2 Chronicles 6:12-21; 7:1-3, 12-16
The Beginning of Something New (6:1-16)
The Beginning of Something New (6:1-16)
Some initial observations
This was a transition in the worship of the people of Israel.
They were moving the ark about 500 meters from the City of David to the palace-temple complex and establishing the temple as the focal point and gathering place for the worship of Yahweh.
vs 7-8 - it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
God’s blessing on the desire to build a house for God’s name.
You did well that it was in your heart.
1st Generation
vs 9 - Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son.
2nd Generation
Praises God for the fulfillment of the promise.
vs 16 - Warning: If your sons take heed to their way, to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.
2nd Generation has to take ownership and not rest on the coattails of the 1st Generation.
Faith, commitment, excitement, service, ministry. You have to own it.
The Placing of the Ark of God (5:7-10)
The Placing of the Ark of God (5:7-10)
The Ark was a representation of the Presence of God.
This was a declaration that this is the assigned place for God to dwell.
The ark of the covenant is brought under the wings of the cherubim
Sculpted images arching above the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18-20)
But these statues had a wingspan of 10 cubits (15 feet) each and the cherubim were standing wingtip to wingtip.
And they faced the main temple hall.
And the ark was brought under them
The cherubim
The guardians of the Garden in Eden (Genesis 3:24)
The guardians of the Glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 10:3-4; 18-20)
They flank the throne of God (Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 37:16)
They served a function as guardians of sacred spaces.
These are like God’s Secret Service.
Reflected God’s complete protection over His Word. The 2 tablets in the ark.
Application:
Today, we declare that this sanctuary is a sacred space.
We pray for God’s angelic protection over this place as we preach and teach the word of God and His Gospel.
We pray for open ears, hearts, and mind to hear the Word of God.
AMEN?!
The Ushering In of the Presence of God (5:11-14; 6:18-21)
The Ushering In of the Presence of God (5:11-14; 6:18-21)
Last week - Enter In
The people worshipped at a distance
Moses entered into the presence of God
Moses wanted to experience God in even greater ways
Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”
What we see here: (5:11-14)
Praise and Worship
Levitical singers - cymbals, harps and lyres. 120 priests blowing trumpets.
Praised the Lord saying, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,”
The Goodness of God
The Kindness of God
The Mercy of God
The Love of God
The Faithfulness of God
Then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud.
so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud
for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
Indicates the awesomeness of God’s presence and His unapproachable glory.
This is the first time.
God’s glory falls again in chapter 7.
This first one is a result of praise and worship.
The second time is a result of God showing His pleasure at Solomon’s prayer and blessing Him with an answer.
6:18-21 - even though God’s presence cannot be contained by anything, yet He will localize His presence and glory for our benefit.
To show off His love and grace to us.
This is what I experienced at Tres Dias
I saw the love and grace of God transform people over 3 days.
The word “toward” is used alot.
Hebrew word means movement into or towards.
A reference to the heart’s disposition rather than physical posture by the pray-er. But it also is a demonstration of God’s response.
As we move towards God. As we move into His presence.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
He will move towards and into our presence.
‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Application:
Every Sunday God stands knocking on the door of this church. Will we as a congregation open it to Him or leave Him outside?
We designate this place as a place where we can find and experience the presence of God.
God we move towards You here, please come and move into our midst.
May we be blown away by the goodness, kindness, mercy, love, and faithfulness of God.
May our praise and worship given in this place usher in the presence and glory of God!
AMEN?!
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication (6:12-42)
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication (6:12-42)
vs. 20, 40 - May your eye be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this house day and night.
There are 4 Categories
The Consequences for Sin (vs. 22-31)
The punishments
defeat before an enemy
heavens are shut up and there is no rain
famine, pestilence, blight, mildew, locust
besieged - to be in distress, to be frustrated. A state of anxiety, fear, and frustration.
plague / sickness
The disciplinary action of God is actually for a teaching purpose and a sanctifying purpose:
Teach us the good way in which they should walk. (vs 27)
So that they will fear you and walk in your ways (vs 31)
Application: What sin do you need to confess to the Lord today?
Are you maybe experiencing some form of corrective discipline from the Lord?
He will listen and He will forgive if you repent.
He wants us to walk in the good way and fear Him.
Not to ruin our fun, but because He knows the good way is what will bring us the most satisfying lasting joy we can have on this earth.
Sin will always disappoint in the end.
The Cry of the Foreigner (vs 32-33)
Someone who was not part of the family, especially the extended family of Israel.
For us that would be the stranger or the sinner walking through our doors.
Comes because of Your great name’s sake
Comes because of Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm
Comes and prays towards this house. Hear their cry.
The reputation of God precedes their coming.
Why? So that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name
Application:
I would love it if what God does here is so amazing people from surrounding states know who we are.
That our reputation spreads not because of who we are, but because of who God is!
That the fame and glory of God would spread everywhere!
The Call to Battle (vs 34-35)
However YOU send them.
When they pray
Hear and maintain their cause.
Application:
Spiritual warfare
God You called us to it, now You go and do it.
We pray, God does the fighting.
That doesn’t mean we don’t do anything.
But we can’t get ahead of God.
And there are some things that only God can take care of.
The Captive (vs. 36-39)
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
Return with all their heart and soul and pray.
Hear, uphold (maintain), and forgive.
Application:
Where might you have allowed yourself to be taken captive in your thoughts?
Where might you have been deceived by the philosophy of the world?
Where are you trusting in traditions of man rather than the power of God?
Stop and Pray for these 4 categories:
The Consequences of Sin
The Cry of the Foreigner
The Call to Battle
The Captive
The Fire of Lord (7:1-3)
The Fire of Lord (7:1-3)
Chapter 7: When Solomon finished praying
Fire came down from heaven
Consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices
Showed God’s acceptance of His prayer.
Showcases God’s power
The glory of the Lord filled the house
The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house.
All the sons of Israel upon seeing this
Fell down and worshipped...
Bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground
They worshipped and gave praise to the Lord
Saying , “Truly he is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Application:
Fire is used of God’s glory, power, and presence often in Scripture.
Moses and the burning bush.
The pillar of fire by day leading the Israelites through the wilderness.
The fire of God consuming Elijah’s offering on Mount Carmel.
In the New Testament on the Day of Pentecost, we saw the continuation of the fire of God coming down.
It was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which appeared as tongues of fire over the heads of the disciples.
For us today: Holy Spirit come and reignite the flame within our souls.
Pour out a fresh anointing upon this place, sanctify it, and consume us with Your Holy presence.
Song: Father Come
God heard and was pleased to answer:
2 Chronicles 7:12-16
The Warning: (7:19-22)
The Warning: (7:19-22)
If you turn away and forsake my statutes and my commandments
If you go and serve other gods and worship them
Then I will uproot you.
As for this house...people will ask, “What happened? Why did the Lord do what He did?”
They will say, “Because they forsook the Lord and adopted other gods and worshipped them and served them.”
How many churches have closed their doors over the years?
Application: To that end, we want to reaffirm our position and commitment as a response to all that we have heard today. In final dedication, we remember:
We are the Lighthouse Fellowship
We are the Lighthouse Fellowship
We are Christ’s body of believers committed to the Bible’s teachings, committed to sharing with one another our joys and struggles, and our triumphs and defeats, committed to the practice of communion and believer’s baptism, and committed to all kinds of prayers and supplications. (Acts 2:42)
Our Goal: To know God and make Him known.
Our Purpose: To be Jesus to all around us by sharing His love through the Gospel and through loving works of service.
Our Heart: To be a safe harbor in this storm tossed world.
To that end, here’s
Our Mission:
Our Mission:
We will continue to preach the Gospel.
We will continue to teach the whole counsel of the Word and Will of God.
We will continue to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We will continue to come and sit at the feet of Jesus, take His yoke upon us, and learn from Him.
We will continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
We will continue to exhort, encourage, and equip the believers to do the work of the ministry.
We will continue to go out into all the world and make disciples.
We will continue to shine the light into the darkness and call the broken to come and be healed.
We will continue to proclaim release to the captive, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set free those who are oppressed.
We will continue to cry out, “Abba Father, show us Your glory!”
And everything that we do we pledge to do it all for the glory of God!
Finally, there is mention of sacrifices in this text multiple times.
Connection to Communion.
Song: The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours)
Benediction Based On 2 Chronicles 6:41 - 42:
God, arise to Your resting place
Let Your ministers be clothed with success and victory
Let Your godly ones rejoice in the goodness and prosperity of Your church
Do not turn away my face from You
Remember Your lovingkindness to all of us.
