FBCWest

274 FBCWest by First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

273 FBCWest by First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

See from this passage that God does not just call those that are already capable, but he gifts those who He calls. Skilled work needed to be done constructing the Tabernacle and its furniture, God chose and then gifted with skill, wisdom and ability those He chose. Too often we limit God by thinking only those who have certain talents to do the work. Instead we should be aware if God is doing something and desires us to participate, He will gift us to do His work and not just wait until someone shows up with that talent or ability.

271 FBCWest | The Altar of Incense by First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

FBCWest 270 | | Consecration and Ordination of the Priests and the Alter

After instructing Moses on how construct the Tabernacle, its furniture and the clothing of the Priests, God instructs Moses how the priests, Tabernacle, furniture, and clothing are to be consecrated. Following God’s instructions, they are to offer sacrifices and place blood upon them. These instructions on sacrifices inform us it is not the office or the thing that is sacred but following the instructions of God. After a very extensive discussion as to making these people and items consecrated, Exodus informs us it is the glory of God that makes these holy. We are called by God to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood and are to be consecrated to His service. We should remember that as well, it is not our efforts to make us holy, but the glory of God does so.

God’s continued instruction to Moses on the preparation of the Tabernacle informs us that the access to a holy God is limited and restricted. The Tabernacle was patterned after the heavenly dwelling of God. The construction and lay out of the Tabernacle tells us He is separated from us because of His holiness and our sin and uncleanliness. The clothing of the High Priest further lets us know that there are requirements to enter His presence. But the clothing also lets us know that as the High Priest when he enters into God’s presence the people of God’s names are carried with Him. These teachings further instructs us on just how marvelous the sacrifice of Jesus was and that it brought not only our forgiveness of sins, but an access to God that was even greater than the access to an earthly tent. We have personal, not just through a priest, and continuous access to God in His actual dwelling. We are blessed: our sins forgiven, not for just a day or year, but eternally; and, access constantly in God’s presence.

Many people think that God only calls pastors, missionaries, and evangelists, but in reality, God first calls us to be His people. We are called to be saints: believers. Then He calls us to the ministry of reconciliation. We are a new creation that has become ambassadors for Him to communicate this word of reconciliation to the world. In God’s calling of us, He does not just chose the best and brightest, instead He chooses mostly from those in adequate to the task, so that once it is accomplished it is God who receives the glory.

Merry Christmas from Pastor Joe & FBCWest 2017 by First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

FBCWest 266 | The Light that Shines by First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

After God has delivered to the people His commands and ordinances, the people of God commit to obey. Moses writes down all the commands and ordinances and again the people commit to obeying all that has been ordained. As a part of the commitment sacrifices are made and the blood is placed on the alter and the people, not only recognizing the covenant between God and His people, the offering of blood makes the altar holy and the people as justified. Today we have a covenant with God. It is not a list of does and don’ts but faith in the Son of God. Jesus’ blood is our covenant of blood, that is not just a covenant with a few people or for a short time, but available for all people and for all times.