God reveals His Name so that we can speak to Him as a Person.  He is not an abstract force, or some philosophical idea.  He reveals Himself as someone who loves us.  How seriously do we take this honor of knowing Him?

The Point: Prayer inspires us to become the powerful, holy people that God calls us to be. 

Next Steps: As we think about God’s holiness this week, let’s each identify one new way in which we can do a better job representing our Father in the world.

Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

By what right do we enter God’s throne room to ask anything of Him?  This is the true miracle of prayer, that the Almighty Ruler of the Universe is also our loving Father. He knows each of us by name, wants to listen to us, and knows our needs better than we know them ourselves.

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

The parents bring their child to a temple built by their ancestors.  A priest continues the ancient tradition of ministering at that temple.  On this day, however, he will have an unparalleled honor.  He will see the very One for whom all of this was built, the One to whom it all points. 

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Humble shepherds were the first to kneel before the new King. The church was a stall, and the altar, a manger. Little did they know that this manger would one day be replaced by a cross, and that cross, by a throne. The scene would change, but the worship they began continues today. The Child before whom they bowed is the Christ we still adore.  

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Who will receive the honor of first seeing the new King?  The rich and famous?  Royalty and the noble classes?  No, it would be humble shepherds on night watch.  They are granted one of the most glorious privileges of all time, to witness an angelic proclamation of the new King!

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

The story opens with an emperor and a humble family.  One reigns and the other is forced into a hard, demeaning journey.  Little did that emperor know, however, that this was the beginning of his end.  A new King would be born who would soon launch His reign over every human heart.

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

For God’s ancient people, Passover is a powerful celebration of His saving grace, a reminder that He has delivered captives for many generations.  As we enter our new Sanctuary, we continue to celebrate that same grace, which still saves us from our own forms of captivity.

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Building programs are never completed without obstacles.  Not everyone in Judah’s region was rejoining in their new Sanctuary.  God intervened, however, to ensure that their worship continued.  His actions will inspire us as we face our own versions of opposition.

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

When the foundation of the new temple was completed, God’s people again gathered to worship with both joy and tears.  Re-entering a Sanctuary can compel strong emotions, as we reflect on what God has done, is doing and will do. 


Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

As a first step in their ancient rebuilding effort, God’s people completed an altar.  For the first time in years, the people could offer the sacrifices that their God required.  This opportunity to give back to God powerfully inspired their first act of renewed worship. Will our opportunity to worship here inspire a similar response?

Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app