Today, Pastor Mike helps us understand the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. The Ark contained the 10 Commandments, but covering that was the Mercy Seat. When the high priest would annually sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on the Mercy Seat, the sins of the people would be atoned for. Rather than just giving a Law to abide by, God offered mercy for the many ways the people fell short. In the same way, Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice, so that we can have atonement for our sins.

The nation of Israel had national feasts to commemorate all that God had done for them. During these celebrations, the Israelites would also renew their covenant with God. While these feasts are no longer decreed for us who live under the New Covenant, Pastor Mike encourages us today to take time and remember the commitment we made to Christ. It can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but from time to time we ought to honor what Christ has done for us and remember our decision to follow Him.

The Old Testament lays out detailed records of how the Temple of God was built. As Christians, it can be difficult to understand how these passages from Scripture relate to us in our modern age. Pastor Mike clears some of that up for us today, as he walks us through the layout of the temple, and explains how its symbolism transfers to the New Covenant. The temple priests had an extremely important and honorable responsibility; in the New Testament, we’re told that we are the new royal priesthood.

Pastor Mike takes us through the layout of the Old Testament temple today. The temple that Solomon built was full of symbolism, and much of that symbolism still apply to us as Christians. Under the New Covenant, the temple is no longer a building made out of stone – instead, we as believers are the temple. And in the same way that God chose the people of Israel in the Old Testament to reveal Himself to the nations, we Christians are to be salt and light as we pronounce Jesus to the world.

King David wanted to build a temple for God, but God would not allow him to because of all the blood that David had shed. But David and his son Solomon both had a proper understanding of the temple: it was for God. Today, Pastor Mike reminds us that under Christ, we who follow Jesus are the new temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and is continuing to work in and through us. Pastor Mike encourages us to have the same mentality as David and Solomon did: we, the new temple, live for God.

You’ve probably heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Basically, this means that you can’t always tell the value of something just by looking at it. And you can see how this reality is clearly illustrated in the birth of Jesus. Today, Pastor Mike invites you to explore how the paradoxes found in the Christmas story should make a difference in your life. You’ll be reminded that from the outside, Jesus was just a poor baby, born in a barn. But this child would change the world forever!

Today, Pastor Mike reminds us that God is in control. We might not always understand why things are happening the way they are, but we can rest in the assurance that God is working things for good. We see a glimpse of this as King Solomon sets out to build the temple in Jerusalem. While his father David was constantly fighting Israel’s enemies, God granted peace to Israel under Solomon’s reign. Furthermore, God provided Solomon with access to the materials needed for the construction of the temple.

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about what your life would be like under different circumstances? Maybe if you had studied a different subject, or if you hadn't gone to school at all, you'd find yourself living a different life. It's easy to dream about “what if” and never do anything about it in real life. You can read about the wonderful kingdom of Solomon and wonder “what if” you had lived then? But by praying for your leaders and people of influence over you, you can experience a different life right now.

Imagine trying to make a sandwich with only your own two hands. After you grow some wheat, press some olives into oil, and make your own yeast you might have a loaf of bread. You cannot do life alone. From the food you eat to the car you drive, you depend on others constantly. A good leader understands this principle: the work cannot be completed alone. Today, Pastor Mike looks at the life of Solomon and his leadership. He understood sharing the load. He understood leaning on others.

When Solomon was a young ruler, he was given an incredible gift. God gave him the opportunity to receive absolutely anything he wanted. Riches, fame, or kingdoms, it didn't matter! Whatever he asked of God he would receive. As Pastor Mike shows us today, this blank check that Solomon was given is a true test of character. Would he desire the things of God or the things of the world? What would be most precious in Solomon's eyes? What would you deem most precious if given the same opportunity?