Because of the glory of Jesus’ goodness, grace, mercy and sovereignty, we can experience favor in God’s sight through the Spirit’s presence and rest.

What does God do with stiff-necked people? He Keeps His Promises, Reveals Possible Consequences, Calls them to Repentance, and Invites Them to Seek Him.

As Exodus 32 unfolds, we hear 4 perspectives of what took place. God records this story so we can see how our perspective of God and sin lines up and/or does not line up with each of these perspectives. Ultimately, this story is brimming with elements that Jesus fulfills and accomplishes.

God not only calls us into His mission, but provides the gifts, abilities, resources, and power of His Spirit needed to accomplish it. He delights in willing hearts that are stirred to do His work with gladness and generosity, embracing the process He has given us to serve others and build His kingdom.

God desires to meet with, speak to, and dwell among His people. Yet because of our sin, no one can draw near to a holy God—not even the priests with their high calling and importance. The continual blood sacrifices of Exodus 29 point forward to Jesus, who laid down his life as the once-for-all sacrifice. His blood atoned for our sins, making all who trust in Him forever holy before God.

The high priest’s garments were designed to display the glory and beauty of God while foreshadowing Jesus, the greater and perfect High Priest. He bears our guilt on His heart, continually intercedes for us before the Father, and fully accomplished the redeeming work that the earthly priests could only symbolize.

Which priest are you choosing as the basis of your peace with God? If it is your morality, intellect, or experiences—those things are temporary and ultimately insufficient. Only Jesus is eternal, pure, and fully able to save, and our true hope and peace with God rest completely in Him.

God’s “great reveal” unfolds throughout the Old Testament, showing how His holy presence could dwell with sinful people without compromising His justice. Every detail of the tabernacle—how it was built and furnished—pointed forward to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law and became the spotless Lamb of God sacrificed for our sins. Through Him, a holy God made a way to dwell among His people.

Today we welcomed Jim and Kalen as pastors. We are reminded that the church exists because Jesus purchased it with His own blood — and therefore everything about the church is ultimately for Him. And we at Christ Church are meant to function as a true family — pastors and congregation walking together with Jesus at the center of it all.