Sunday Sermons

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Biblical wisdom is doing the smartest, most strategic thing possible—which means building our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ. John 14:6, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 7:24-28

God blesses those who know they need Him and others; mourn; crave righteousness; show mercy; completely commit to Him; and make peace. He expects us to do all of this at all costs. Matthew 5:3-12, John 17:20-24

God blesses us so we can bless others. Matthew 5:13-16

SALT flavors, preserves, and creates a craving. Our job is to make people want more of Jesus.

LIGHT reveals, illuminates, guides, and directs attention. Our job is to keep the spotlight on Jesus.

“Hosanna!” means both “Save us!” and “You are the Only One Who Can!” Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12

Lazarus thought Jesus had abandoned him, but Jesus brought him back to life.

Zacchaeus couldn't get to Jesus because His other followers and Zacchaeus's own guilt was in the way, but Jesus saved his life.

Mary was feeling called to worship Jesus in a more sacrificial, trusting, and intimate way than those around her. Jesus loved it—and loved her for it.

Jerusalem broke Jesus's heart, but He crafted the perfect scene to create a craving for salvation and a focus on Him—the only true Savior.

The Temple was a place to connect with God and make others crave Him. Jesus leveraged His moment in the spotlight to make both happen again—and THEN the curtain was torn from top to bottom.

How do you need Jesus to save you today?

No sickness, doubt, fear, questions, guilt, anger—nothing can keep Jesus from saving us except us. We must be the SALT and LIGHT that draws others to Him and surrender whatever we are holding back so He can save us from that!

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: Jamey Gorman, Guest Speaker

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

God loves unity and counts peacemakers as family.

Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 5:9

To make peace means to restore, heal, complete—and to team up in ways that make God' s will happen. Matthew 25, Colossians 1:18, 2:19, & 3:15

Dr. Stephen Covey's 7 Habits...Seek first to understand, then to be understood,

James 1:19 & 3:17-18

Synergize. (become more than the sum of your parts) 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 (& 2:16)

Peacemaking defines God's children. It's what we do. John 13:35 & 17:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:18, Romans 12:18

In The Peacemaker, Ken Sande says to “look at conflict as an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ.” This includes:

Overlooking

Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 19:11

Reconciliation

Ephesians 4:15, James 3:18

Jesus's system in Matthew 18:15-17 is:

1) Go to them privately.

2) Take one or two witnesses.

3) Take it to the church.

4) Go back to treating them like a non-believer (with love!)

Lord, today, I surrender...

Lord, today, I choose to...

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Behind the curtain, we begin to understand that sin must be atoned, never just excused. We stop comparing ourselves with others and use mercy the way God uses it—as one more way to give everyone every possible chance.

Desmond Doss and Dr. Stephen Covey's Seven Habits (so far...)

1) Be proactive & focus on your circle of influence

2) Begin with the end in mind

3) Put first things first

Ryan Leak: God makes things grow, not us.

C.S. Lewis: ...When you have done right, the rest lies with God.

1 Corinthians 3:6

According to Jesus and Paul, mercy means... ...holy unfairness

...thinking win-win (the 7th Habit!)

...following Christ's example

Matthew 18, 5:7, & 6:12; Philippians 2:2-11

Mercy is atonement, not compromise, and it means that we pay the price! Philemon, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 2:4

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer...

How do You want to draw us in? How do You want to send us out?

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Eternity in heaven is the celebration, not the plan!

Matthew 5:4, Luke 19:11-27

God comforts us when we grieve sin the way He does. When we open up, change and healing begins. Isaiah 66:2, 2 Corinthians 7:6-9

Don't forget: many of God's blessings are conditional; God's love remains, but we must respond with true repentance—which includes mourning. 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51

God always “begins with the end in mind,” and this explains a lot!

Ecclesiastes 7:2, Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 82

“Lament is about entering into the experience of brokenness and being honest about it.” - Dr Eric Mason

James 1:19

Mourners obey the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandments. Matthew 22:37-40 & 28:18-20, Philippians 2:2-11

Dr. Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (so far)

Be proactive and focus on your circle of influence.

Begin with the end in mind.

Put first things first.

What does God want YOU to put first?

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Biblically speaking, wisdom means doing the best possible thing based on facts, logic, God's will, and strategy—and there is no wisdom without action. Matthew 7:24

Righteousness produces fruitfulness; the righteous do what God says is right. Matthew 5:6

The pure in heart are 100% committed, and they see more and more of God as they learn and grow. Matthew 5:8

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NLT)

Empathy enables change; judgment prevents it... Matthew 7:2 & 16:27

...but true righteousness means constantly aiming for God's targets. You must constantly remember who you are. 1 Chronicles 15:2-7, James 4:6

Intercession and Interposition are the first steps toward accomplishing the Great Commission. We must pray, then team up and lead by example. Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:12-13

Dr. Stephen Covey says to begin with the end in mind, then make strategic changes in your habits and relationships.

What ends has God laid on your heart? Where will you begin?

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Biblical wisdom is doing the smartest, most strategic thing possible.

Jesus had a holy, untainted perspective. This shocked, confused, and offended people—especially the rich and powerful—but He invites everyone “behind thecurtain.” Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 5:27-32

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20

The truly poor crave what God offers: community and empowerment. Luke 3:11, Isaiah 61:1, Job 31:16, Proverbs 19:17 & 21:13, 1 Peter 2:9-12, John 17:20-24

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Luke 18:9-14, Mark 12:42-44, Matthew 5:5, James 4

We must become fully aware of our dependence on God. God works through the humble and gentle. Philippians 4:10-14, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Isaiah 40:27-31

Dr. Stephen Covey says effective people are proactive, not reactive; they act strategically within their circle of influence—not fearfully outside of it.

Relationships... Habits... Ways I depend on God...

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard

Prior to Jesus' sacrifice, the only way to God was through the Tabernacle. At first glance, it may seem contradictory to the overwhelming grace of the cross, but if you choose to look closer, you'll see that it truly was the plan all along.

Speaker: David Pryor, Discipleship Minister

Notes:

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

You shall not wear the name of the Lord your God in vain. Exodus 20:7

We all want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 5:21

We are in spiritual warfare against two major enemies: our sinful nature (Jeremiah 17:9) and Satan—and his best disguise is self.

“If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy.” - Corrie ten Boom The devil never says, “Don't make time for God. He says, “Do it later.”

WARNING! Matthew 7:21-23 How do we really know a fake?

The deadliness of a sin is not related so much to the category of that sin, but to how deeply rooted it is in your life, and how you have respondedto God as he has revealed it to you.

Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:19-22; John 15:6

Deep, deadly sin is deep-rooted and habitual, and frequently successful in seducing your desires. You apply grace and mercy to your sin, but you don't intend to put it to death. You have hardened your heart againstGod. If you are really wanting to overcome a habitual sin, you need to be inan accountability relationship.

What does it mean to be “in the faith?”

Treasure your salvation. Keep developing the quality of life that comes from a saving relationship with Christ.

Hebrews 11:1; 13-16; 25-26; Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4 Philippians 1:21; 3:7-11; Colossians 3:1-4

Prior to Jesus' sacrifice, the only way to God was through the Tabernacle. At first glance, it may seem contradictory to the overwhelming grace of the cross, but if you choose to look closer, you'll see that it truly was the plan all along.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

God's ultimate revelation was Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. Through Him, we begin to see from God's perspective. Hebrews 1:1, John 1:1-5

God's Word is alive and powerful because it gives us access to everything God has revealed—and to God Himself, whose Spirit now lives in us. Hebrews 4:12, Galatians 6:7-9

Inside the Holy of Holies were the ark and the mercy seat, the tablets, the manna, and Aaron's rod. The incense altar belonged to this room, though God designed it to remain just outside the curtain until the cross. Hebrews 9:1-5, Exodus 16 & 25:10-22, 1 Kings 6:22

The manna speaks of God's provision and warnings, and Aaron's rod repre- sents how all of us should respond to God. Exodus 16, Numbers 17:1-10, Matthew 28:18-20

It was always about our heart and soul, not just about lists. Deuteronomy 30:10, Psalm 40:8, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Jeremiah 31:31-35

God wants us to repent, obey, and be transformed. 2 Corinthians 7:1,10, Galatians 6:7-9, Acts 2:38-47

Whether we have rebelliously broken all God's rules or self-righteously obeyed them all, true intimacy with Him is available to all of us, through Christ. Since we are the Tabernacles, so we must LIVE behind the curtain. Matthew 27:51, Luke 15, Hebrews 10:19-25

Prior to Jesus' sacrifice, the only way to God was through the Tabernacle. At first glance, it may seem contradictory to the overwhelming grace of the cross, but if you choose to look closer, you'll see that it truly was the plan all along.

Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister

Notes:

Biblically speaking, exploring moral boundaries is all about getting to know God Himself. “Believe” means “trust and obey,” and His dream is not just to forgive us, but to transform us and set us free to do His will. 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 19:1 & 36:5

Paul warned Timothy to stay away from people who act religious but reject the power that could make them godly. God's inspired Word corrects us and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 & 14-17

The Holy Place / Life in Christ

Exodus 25-27, Isaiah 53, Matthew 13:10-15, John 1:29

The Table / Our Daily Bread

Exodus 25:23-30, Leviticus 24:5-9, Matthew 6, John 6

The Menorah / God's Light

Leviticus 24:1-4, Psalm 27:1 & 119:05, John 8:12, 1 Peter 2:1-17

The Incense Altar / Intercessory Prayer

Psalm 141:2, John 17:20-21, Luke 22:31-32

Live as people of the Light!

Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 5:1-20