The Tabernacle Today

Hello, and welcome to today's edition of Tabernacle Today, a podcast maintained by The Tabernacle located in Danville, Virginia. Additional information about The Tabernacle can be found at our website at www.thetabernaclefamily.org. Our prayer is that you will be blessed by the Word of God today! Turn in your Bibles for another edition of Tabernacle Today!

Psalm 98 Worksheet

This is the first Psalm since Psalm 92 with an ancient heading or inscription – before the Psalm begins it reads, “A Psalm.”

Number of Ancient Headings in each Book of the Psalms:

Book of the Psalms: Number of Headings:

Book 1 (1-41) 37 (90%)

Book 2 (42-72) 29 (94%

Book 3 (73-89) 17 (100%)

Book 4 (90-106) 7 (41%)

Book 5 (107-150) 25 (57%)

Psalm 98 is one of the ___________________________ Psalms in the Psalter.

As I read Psalm 98, look for the multiple occurrences of the words “Sing,” “Shout,” and “Let.”

Psalm 98 has several similarities to Psalm 96! The opening lines are identical. Verse 7 is close to 96:11, and verse 9 is like 96:13.

The _______________________ of our God! V. 1-3

Israel has and will see many great victories that God won them. Many times the Psalms point back to the huge early victory celebrated in the book of _______________________ when Israel came out of Egypt.

Also: Exodus 17:8-16 Numbers 21:21-34; 32:33 (repeated in Deuteronomy)

Now before they (Joshua’s spies) lay down, she (Rahab) came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in Heaven above and on earth beneath. -Joshua 2:8-11 (see also Neh. 9:22; Ps. 135:11; 136:19

As a matter of historical fact, Israel celebrated God’s deliverance in song – but in the next 2 verses they are also celebrating that God’s plan is to save anybody that turns to Him! Israel was blessed to be a blessing to the ______________________.

The word for salvation is the Hebrew word Yeshua (H3444). It occurs 78 times in the Old Testament: 45 times in the Psalms, 19 times in Isaiah.

This word for salvation occurs across the Psalms – 13 times in Book 1; 12 times in Book 2; 5 times in Book 3; 5 times in Book 4; 10 times in Book 5.

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song: He also has become my salvation. -Isa. 12:2

S________________________ and sing because of our glorious God! V. 4-6

What is referred to more in the Psalms – singing, or shouting?

Let the whole of creation join in praising our _______________________ Lord V. 7-9

Seas and rivers and water bodies are often figuratively used to represent the nations. The nations are called to join Israel and creation in singing and shouting praises to Yah!

Romans 8:18-25

Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom Heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things… -Acts 3:19-21a

The word for equity in verse 9 is the word Mesar (H4339), which occurs 19 times in the Old Testament. It can be translated evenness, level, rightness, uprightness, equity.

He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness (H4339). -Ps. 9:8

All those who trust and worship the Lord will be with Him through God’s righteousness attributed to them solely by ____________________ (Gen. 15:6); all those who reject Christ will remain in their sin, eternally judged (John 3:36).

In the end there will only be 2 kinds of people – those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Okay, have it your way then.” -C.S. Lewis

Hope to face any circumstance - Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV)

Why look to God for hope?

1. God gives real hope

Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Hope is forward-looking confidence in God, based on His faithfulness and power.

2. God gives lasting hope

Romans 5:3-5 says, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

3. God gives abundant hope

It is Powerful to the true believer. 

It is Plentiful to the true believer.

______________

Dr. Don Cockes serves as a regional strategist in the Valley for the SBC of Virginia. He helps churches in various ways as an advisor, mentor, and partner in ministry.  He lives in Salem, but is a native of Altavista. He made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of 12, publicly acknowledged his call to ministry while in college, and has served in many Southern Baptist contexts.

Since 1988, he has served in some form of ministry, including youth pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, transitional pastor of four churches,  North American Mission Board missionary, and SBCV staff since 2004.  Additionally, he has served on numerous Southern Baptist boards and committees over the years and has a passion for missions. Don has a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Seminary and has degrees from James Madison University and Mid-America Seminary. He and his wife, Janine, have been married for more than 28 years and have two sons: Tim and Chris.

Disobedient Generations and Lost Opportunities - Matthew 21:33-46

5 G Living – Do everything you do…

For the Glory of God

For the Good of your fellow man

To get the Gospel to non-believers

For the Growth of your fellow Christians

With a Grateful heart

Today we are going to see Jesus tell another parable story that rebuked the unrepentant generation that failed to give Jesus the glory due His name.

Matthew 21:33-46

They would have instantly recognized the vineyard as a reference to Israel, and the Master of the house as God Himself (Isaiah 5:1-7).

God has every right to expect all of us to give Him the glory He deserves, and be both faithful and fruitful stewards of what He Has entrusted to us.

In Jesus’ story the servants are obviously the prophets that God had sent to His people, many of whom were mistreated by people who didn’t want to hear and obey the messages God sent through the prophets.

Long ago at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the Heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. - Hebrews 1:1-3

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush (daka-H1792) Him; He has put Him to grief; When His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities. - Isaiah 53:10-11

It is so sad that that generation missed Jesus their cornerstone. It is sadder still that for 2,000 years Jews have still been looking for the Messiah who has already come. It will be equally sad if today you despise Jesus and build on another foundation (Acts 4:5-12; 1 Peter 2:4-10)

That generation lost the opportunity for national Israel, but the day will come when they Israel will turn to Jesus in mass and be fully restored. In the meantime the gospel goes forth to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 1:6-8).

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite (daka-H1792) and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite (daka-H1792). - Isa. 57:15

The religious leaders were supposed to bring God glory through their work in Israel. We are to bring God glory through our work in the church and in the world’s “seven mountains of cultural influence” – family, church, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business.

Jesus has delegated to us His power of attorney to represent Him while He is gone! How do you know you are doing it well? If you are doing what Jesus would do it if He was here, you are being faithful and fruitful!

Psalm 97 Worksheet

The NKJV Heading reads “A Song of Praise to the Sovereign LORD.” That’s a good title, because Psalm 97 is all about the LORD’S power and ________________________.

As I read Psalm 97, think about all the statements that demonstrate God’s great power!

Rejoice because our LORD reigns over the whole _____________________! V. 1-6

What are some reasons earthlings can rejoice that the LORD reigns over the earth?

Verses 2-6 describe God’s power and characteristics through the awesome phenomena He is back of.

Righteousness and justice are a great ________________________ of the teachings the LORD gave Moses and the people on Mount Sinai. Remember that God gave the commands to the people He had already delivered. The law revealed God’s character and His care for His people. No one was able to obey it perfectly, so it also revealed their need for the coming Messiah.

Moses had previously met with the great I Am at the burning bush that burned but was not consumed. Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I Am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Last week we saw the great verses in Isaiah that say God will look on the one who ________________ at His word (Isa. 66:1-2). We think of Proverbs 1:7 that says the “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Mountains often represent __________________ people who need to be humbled, and valleys represent humble people whom God will raise up.

“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low.” -Isaiah 40:4

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up!” -James 4:10

The call to ____________________ of idol worship and worship the Most High God V. 7-9

Why should idolators be ashamed?

Because their worship is steeped in ignorance and ______________________. In contrast, the living God gives truth for those He has created to live by!

The call to _____________________ evil and love righteousness V. 10-12

Believers are called to love God and hate evil; to love the sinner but hate the sin, starting in their _________________ lives.

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. -Proverbs 8:13

The Psalm ends with the same call with which it began – the call to ______________________.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! -Phil. 4:4

The Bible commands us to rejoice as a matter of obedience to the Lord Jesus. The quest for happiness is often dependent on good circumstances, but joy is based on our secure salvation that can’t be taken away and the kind of ___________________________ our faith alone can give.

The joy of the Lord is my strength! -Nehemiah 8:10

Disobedient Children and Second Chances - Matthew 21:28-32

All the signs in first century Israel pointed to who Jesus was, but were ignored by those who said they did everything they did for God – we must not make the same mistake today!

Matthew 21:28-32

Last week Jesus showed us that one of the most effective ways to answer questions is with questions that make people think. Another great way to communicate truth is to tell stories that relate to the situation being asked about – Jesus shows us that this week!

Two responses to Jesus in the parable of the two sons - V. 28-32

The word for changed his mind in verse 29 is metamelomai (G3308). It’s a compound of two words – the first being “after/afterward,” and the second being “care about.” It can be translated “Change of mind” or “REGRET.” Not too far down the Greek word tree we find metanoeo (G3340), which can be translated “change of mind” or “REPENT.”

How can Jesus make the statement in verse 32, that sinful rebels will get into heaven before the religious leaders?

Because the sinners far from God had recognized their lack of righteousness and need of the Savior, while the religious were trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting their Messiah.

What was John the Baptist’s “way of righteousness?”

1. The call to repent of sinful self-focus and turn to God (Matt. 3:2).

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” - Matt. 3:2

2. The call to turn to Jesus who takes away our sin (John 1:29).

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - John 1:29

3. The call as a disciple to have Jesus increase in your life (John 3:30).

He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30

4. The call to bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8a).

“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” - Luke 3:8a

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do mighty works in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Psalm 96 Worksheet

NKJV heading – A song of praise to God coming in judgment.

I prefer to summarize Psalm 96 with “Come and worship; ____________ and tell!”

As I read Psalm 96 look for words repeated at least 3 times as I read the text. Also consider whether those repeated words help us with an outline.

One interesting thing about this Psalm is that much of what it contains was the second part of an earlier song written by _________________________ for Asaph to have the people sing (1 Chronicles 16:23ff). Psalm 105 mirrors the first part.

On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the LORD. -1 Chronicles 16:7

The ____________________ to sing to the Lord Verses 1-3

A lot of people seem to resent the fact that the Bible presents Israel as God’s chosen people. But don’t forget that in the Bible Israel was blessed to be a blessing to the ___________________ world (Gen. 12:1-3).

Romans 9:1-5

Remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. -Romans 11:18

Verses 2-3 reminds us of two of the greatest themes of the Bible: that God will get the ________________ He deserves and the good news of His salvation available to humble sinners.

According to verse 3, who are we who know the Lord to declare the glory and wonders of God to?

_________________ peoples!

“Missions is not the main purpose of the church – worship is; Missions exist because worship does not!” -John Piper

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of EVERY tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on earth.” -The saints in Heaven in Revelation 5:9-10

The _______________________ we sing V. 4-6

Psalm 96 repeats the pattern from Psalm 95 – “Come, Sing, For…”

Remember that the word for feared can also be translated reverenced. Those who love God and submit to His ____________________________ over them build their life around worshipful ‘reverence’ of the Lord. Those who don’t should be fearful of the coming judgment (verse 13).

We do well to meditate on the characteristics of God.

The call to ___________________ serve the Lord V. 7-10

What is the chief end (main purpose) of man?

To _______________________ God and enjoy Him forever!

5 G Living

Notice there is no sense of “have to” for the Psalmist; He “_________________ to” serve the Lord and declare His greatness to others. That’s a great example for us!

Levels of motivation to serve God:

Love

Hope

Faith

Gratitude

Guilt

Obligation

Fear

Let all creation celebrate the Lord and _______________________ His coming V. 11-13

Verse 13 states a message for the world:

There is a God who created and sustains the world

He is coming to the earth to rule over it

He will ________________ the world with fairness in the end times.

Connect with Jesus or Wither Away - Matt. 21:12-27

When the child of God

Looks into the word of God

And sees the Son of God,

They are transformed by the Spirit of God

Into the image of God

For the glory of God.

-Warren Wiersbe

“You had better converse with him yourselves.”

Matt. 21:12-27

Jesus gives the Temple a cleansing - V. 12-17

The purpose of the Temple was for Jews and even the rest of the world to come and connect with God through prayer, praise, and Bible teaching – but their actions had made it hard to really connect with God.

Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, comes from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this house, hear from Heaven Your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may fear You, as do your people Israel. - 2 Chronicles 6:32-33a

Jesus gives the fig tree a curse - V. 18-22

What’s the deal with the cursing of the fig tree? The fig tree was a symbol for Israel (Hosea 9:10). The Purpose of a Fig Tree was to bear fruit. The purpose of Israel was also to bear fruit. Neither the fig tree or that generation of Isarael’s leaders were fulfilling their purpose.

They ask Him in verse 20 why the Fig Tree withered at once. What He is concerned about is that they don’t wither also by not being people of faith and prayer, yielding to God’s purposes for their lives.

The simple lesson in verses 21-22 is that there must be faith in our prayers as we embrace God’s purposes for us. Obedience to Jesus will feature seemingly impossible obstacles before us, but we can have confidence that God’s will certainly will prevail even if it means we die on a cross.

Jesus gives the disingenuous a comeback - V. 23-27

The word for authority is the word exousia (G 1849), which occurs 93 times in the New Testament. It is translated as right (John 1:12), authority (Matt. 7:29; 9:6; 28:16), and power (Rev. 20:6). Matthew’s gospel has proven that Jesus Christ is the ultimate exousia over the world.

Psalm 95 Worksheet

NKJV Heading: A Call to Worship and Obedience.

Worship the God who has the whole __________________ in His hands! V. 1-7a

The LORD is called the Rock of our salvation in verse 1. God is referred to as our Rock 32 times in the Bible, ______________ times in the Psalms alone.

As it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame. -Romans 10:33 (Isa. 8:14, 28:16; 1 Pet. 2:7-8)

For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. -1 Corinthians 10:4

Verses 1-2 twice bid the worshipper to “__________________” into God’s presence singing and shouting joyfully, and then verses 3-5 say why (for…).

All the gods of the world are false gods, many of them based on something that has been created. But the hymn of verses 3-5 celebrate the great _________________ God whose “got the whole world in His hands!”

Notice the repetition of form in verses 6-7a. Verse 6 again bids the worshipper to “come” and bow down, and Verse 7a say why (for…).

The God powerful enough to make and form creation (transcendence) also personally keeps and cares for His people (imminence)! The Great King is also our Great ______________________!

Warning to trust and obey God, not __________________ His patience! V. 7b-11

The word for rebellion in verse 8 is also a place name, Meribah, referring to the events recorded in Numbers 20. The word for trial is also a place name, Massah, referring to the events recorded in Exodus 17 (see also Deut. 6:16; 33:8; Psalm 81:7; 106:32).

You shall not tempt the LORD your God, as you tempted Him in Massah. -Deut. 6:16

They angered Him at the waters of strife (Meribah), so that it went ill with Moses because of them. -Psalm 106:32

These verses serve as a warning to worship God and experience His blessing, not harden our hearts and disobey God which will lead to God imposing ________________________ on us.

What New Testament book quotes this last part of Psalm 95 repeatedly?

The book of _________________________ (3:7b-11, 15; 4:3-4, 7).

It's Time to Praise Jesus - Matthew 21:1-11

THE TIME HAD COME! For 33 years Jesus had come as a pilgrim to the festivals; Now He comes formally presenting Himself as Israel’s rightful King – pressing His claims as Israel’s King in Israel’s capitol!

Matthew 21:1-11

When the large crowd of the Jews heard that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. - Jn. 12:9

Jesus reveals His sovereignty - V. 1-5

God sovereignly orchestrated the details so that the disciples would find the donkeys, the donkey’s owners would give permission to take it, and the colt would let itself be ridden on. Trust Jesus to sovereignly orchestrate details in your life as well!

Now in ancient days, kings would often ride a donkey (or mule) into the capitol if they wanted to display that they were the humble servant of their people (1 Kings 1:43-44), or a white horse if they wanted to display that they were the triumphant King.

Jesus receive His praise - V. 6-11

The disciples probably led the mother in front of the colt, and it followed, bringing Jesus down Olive Mountain into Jerusalem on the 10th day of Nisan, what we now call Palm Sunday. From that ridge Bethlehem was also visible. Perhaps they could see Passover lambs being brought into Jerusalem even as the Lamb of God was going in!

Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their father’s houses, a lamb for a household…And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. - Exodus 12:3, 6

And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. - Leviticus 23:40

And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out!” - Luke 19:39-40

And now the LORD says, He who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him; and that Israel will be gathered to Him – for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and God has become My strength – He says, “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you a Light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. - God to His Messiah in Isaiah 49:5-6

At His second coming Jesus Christ will return and masses within Israel will look on Him whom they pierced and convert in mass (Zech. 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). Then Jesus will rule the world from Jerusalem for 1,000 years, as anticipated in the feast of Tabernacles (Acts 1:6-7; Revelation 19:11-20:6). In the meantime we take the gospel to all peoples (Acts 1:8;, Matt. 28:18-20).