February 4, 2010, Exodus 37 & 38, Psalm 19, Acts 11

February 4, 2010, Exodus 37 & 38, Psalm 19, Acts 11

Exodus 37
This starts with a description of the ark of the covenant…. The mercy seat. It is described in detail .. the cherubim on either side looking at each other over the center – and God is the center who they worship and adore continuously. Then there is the table where the shew bread would go and the utensils and candlesticks of pure gold. All these things are symbolic of God and his purity – the gold – the table set – as Jesus waits for us to dine with him – the golden candlesticks – the pure light of the world…. The incense and anointing oil – prayers and holy spirit anointing. A detailed description of all the attributes of God – the symbolism that foretells Christ…

Exodus 38
Description starts with the lesser materials bronze but getting closer to the holy of holies it is silver and then gold….getting closer to God. I am sure the details of the materials of this would make a fascinating study for another day.

Psalm 19

S: 19:7 “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
O: How do we get that inner revival of our souls happening? … dwelling on the law of the Lord… there are many questions… because I do not understand it many times… but I know one thing and that these precepts… these words… this law is perfect and it take me from simple to wise.
A: To meditate on the words of these books daily.n
P: Wisdom – to pass on to my family.

Acts 11
S: Acts 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
O: We cannot see God… we are not to have idols that we can see… any kind of an image. I recently heard of a church that had their leaders picture everywhere… right away I was certain this church was off… I was right… written up as one of those groups to be aware of. No images …. But we are to be certain of what “we do not see.”
A: God is a Spirit…. There are many false religions out there… but we can look a some of the signs of false religions and know if it is wrong if certain precepts are not held to.
P: Discernment.

S: Acts 11:2 “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem the circumcised believers criticized him and said “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
O: Peter – is just another man to his fellow Christians… they do not put him on a pedestal as the Catholic church has done…. In fact they question and criticize his actions…. Yes he was the first to share the gospel with the gentiles however to make him as great as the Catholic church does is a questionable practice.
A: We are atoll just sinners for whom Christ died…. There are none that are worthy…. We are not to be enthralled by human beings… and if we are.. we are off track. Always look to Jesus --- he is the author and finisher of our faith.
P: Never become enamoured with the messenger…. Always just the message.

S: Acts 11:19 “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in the connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch….”
O: Stephen was just a man that was asked to help look after the widows…. And yet his life and his martyrdom caused the gospel to be spread further than ever before. His testimony caused the spread of Christianity.
A: All tasks if done in obedience are worthy and all servants must be ready to explain the faith that they have… be prepared and well taught… just like Stephen.
P: To be obedient and well studied.

Title: Providing for those in Famine.
S: Acts 11:29 “The disciples each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”
O: This is not a tithe… it is according to whatever each could do or give.
A: To give as I can.
P: Help me to give more.