The Tabernacle Today

Join us as we welcome guest speaker Gary Reynolds. We pray that this service is a blessing for you! Welcome to our Sunday Service! Feel free to like, share, and comment on this post - how has the Lord been working in your life this week? If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you to the Tabernacle family. Please connect with us via our website (link below). We hope to see you next Sunday!_________To learn more about The Tabernacle, check out our website and follow us on our social media platforms!Visit our website: www.thetabernaclefamily.orgConnect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetabernaclefamilyCheck out our YouTube channel at: youtube.com/@tabdanva.org

Join us as we welcome guest speaker Doug Doss during our Homecoming Service. We pray that this is a blessing for you! Feel free to like, share, and comment on this post - how has the Lord been working in your life this week? If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you to the Tabernacle family. Please connect with us via our website (link below). We hope to see you next Sunday!
_________
To learn more about The Tabernacle, check out our website and follow us on our social media platforms!
Visit our website: www.thetabernaclefamily.org
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetabernaclefamily
Check out our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@tabdanva  

Psalm 94 Worksheet

NKJV Heading – God the refuge of the righteous.

God is the righteous ____________________ who will have the last word V. 1-2

Notice in verse 1 He ___________________ the thought – “You heard me right, God is a God of righteous judgment!

Lament over the wicked’s arrogant words ____________________ God V. 3-7

“How long?” – the cry of saints in both testaments when they see _______________________ in the world.

Deuteronomy 21:1-9 The Proverbs 31 man James 1 – pure religion

The wicked are so arrogant they say Israel’s God either doesn’t exist, doesn’t care, or is _________________ to do anything to stop them.

God knows the wicked are __________________ Him V. 8-11

In verse 8 the Psalmist challenges the ignorant and/or wicked to ‘__________________ up’ before the patient God of vengeance deals with them in judgment.

Verse 11 has another reference to God’s omniscience – His _________________ knowledge of all things.

God will eventually right things for His people who _________________ Him V. 12-21

The word blessed in verse 12 is a ‘call back’ to Psalm ___________ – Delight in God’s law, apply it obediently, and you will be okay in the coming day of reversals.

Verse 14 reminds us that even though earthly rulers now _____________________ us, there will be days of righteousness coming for God’s people (Acts 3:19-21)

Verse 18 reminds us of Deuteronomy 32:5, the verse used when Jonathan Edwards preached the Great Awakening.

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them. -Deuteronomy 32:35

We often speak of the imminence of the Second Coming of Jesus. By that we mean that it ‘___________________________’ what happens on earth now, promising a time when God will square all accounts before people live on either the new earth or lake of fire.

But notice what the Psalmist who trusted in God preaches to himself in verse 18 – Your mercy (Hesed) will hold me up, so I won’t slide down to Hell. Hesed is God’s steadfast love. The word (H2617) occurs 240 times in the Old Testament; 139 of those are in the poetic books; 127 are in the Psalms. The word occurs in ________________ Psalms (0ver 1/3rd!).

Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 37:4!

Verses 20-21 remind us that wicked politicians are _____________________ when they claim to know God but legislate immorality.

God is the righteous judge who will have the last word V. 22-23

Verse 1 started the Psalm with double emphasis on God’s vengeance; Verse 23 ends the Psalm with double emphasis on the wicked being cut off! Note clearly that the call is not to take matters into our own hands but ________________________ by faith in God to have the final word.

Psalm 37

Job 19:23-27

Psalm 37 helps us understand the hope of Old Testament saints – not being forever with God on a cloud, but being forever with God on a ____________________ earth that the wicked don’t get to inhabit any more.

The book of Jonah shows God graciously extending his ‘Hesed’ to the wicked Ninevites when they repented. Even as we warn the wicked, hold out the gospel of __________________ to those who repent!

Service and Sacrifice - Matthew 20:17-28

‘Cursed by anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ - Deut. 27:19

‘Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD. - Deut. 21:8-9

Those who reject biblical truth have always promoted godless ideas that have very bad consequences in the real world. Now those ideas are more accessible than ever online and on social media. 1 in 3 college students say it’s okay to use violence to stop speech you disagree with (FIRE).

Jesus knows what awaits Him, but still goes - V. 17-19

1st statement of death

Matt. 16:21-22

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

2nd statement of death

Matt. 17:22-23

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.”

3rd statement of death

Matt. 20:17-19

And on the way said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and He will be raised on the third day.”

Crucifixion was reserved for the worst of the worst criminals – those Rome wanted to make examples of. What neither the Jewish nor Roman officials understood was that they would be fulfilling prophecy.

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:5-6

The Disciples are more concerned about their glory than Christ’s suffering - V. 20-24

The sons of Zebedee were John and James, and Salome was their mother. It’s possible she was Mary’s sister, which meant she was Jesus’ aunt (Draw your own conclusion by studying Matthew 20:20-28; 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; 16:1-8; John 19:25).

Unfortunately, their faith was still very selfish and focused in on “what’s in it for me” mentality. They also wanted to be viewed as greater than their fellow disciples. Far too often, we are just like them.

The first cup Jesus refers to is the “cup of judgment” due wicked sinners (Psalm 11:6, 75:8; Isa. 51:17, 22; Jer. 25:15, 17, 28; Rev. 14:10, 18:16).

The second cup Jesus refers to is the cup of salvation given to those whose faith is in God and sins forgiven by Christ (Psa. 116:13; Matt. 26:27).

Greatness in God’s eyes is gained through servant leadership - V. 25-28

In response to the disciples pride, Jesus gave instructions in verse 26-27 that have changed not just true Christian practice but affected every leadership structure in cultures heavily influenced by Christianity – Jesus introduced to the world “servant leadership.”

Notice Jesus doesn’t criticize their ambition to be great – He channels it! By Jesus’ definition every Christian can be great, no matter how simple their life position and natural talents. Everyone can do what Jesus did – serve others as He served the world.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

Jesus Christ sacrificed to actualize salvation for all who repent and believe. We make sacrifices to give others access to that saving message!

Don’t Begrudge God’s Generosity to Others - Matthew 19:20-20:16

In today’s passage we will see Jesus start with the pride of the twelve and rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB’(‘original believer’) as themselves.

Matthew 19:20-20:16

The context of the parable: Jesus’ teaching on rewards - 19:27-30

In the Bible “Fors” and “Therefores” connect the thought we just read with the thought coming.

J-O-Y comes from putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.

We might have expected Jesus to blast Peter for self-interest in 19:27. Instead Jesus stated in 19:28 that in the coming “New Genesis,” the Twelve will be uniquely rewarded for following Jesus.

Here Jesus teaches that when He reigns on earth, the 12, all of whom were Jewish in background will have special roles judging, or leading, the restored 12 tribes of Israel. (Zecheriah 12-13; Acts 1:6-11; Rev. 19-20).

What I love about Matthew 19:29 is that it teaches that anything we might consider to be sacrifices for faithfully serving Jesus are really investments that will be rewarded with a hundred-fold return-on-investment in the ages to come.

On the one hand, all believers will be rewarded in ages to come for what they do for Jesus in the age they live in. On the other hand, we should never begrudge other believers for also being generously rewarded.

The Master is always adding workers to His great work - 20:1-7

Now remember that every parable doesn’t teach every aspect of Christian truth. This parable is not telling us how to be saved like John 3:16 & Eph. 2:8-10. Here Jesus is teaching them not to be jealous of other believers.

The key thing to notice in the first part of the parable is that God is always looking to add more workers to the work in His vineyard!

God invites all believers to appreciate how wonderful grace is - V. 8-15

Jesus gave His story this shock ending to rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB’(‘original believer’) as themselves.

Two great applications from the generosity of our Lord:

1. Hell really will be awful for all that refuse to repent and turn to Jesus. In comparison, all who believe and go to Heaven will be astoundingly rewarded as they get to live with Jesus forever. Be excited for all who believe, no matter how late they ‘sign up.’

2. All who began a work for Christ or become instrumental in part of that work must not treat as second class citizens all those the Lord incudes in the work as it continues on – we will all be in Heaven together.

I Am Third - Matthew 19:16-30

The “I am third” attitude that Coach Bill Easton impressed on Gayle Sayers and that John Ferrier also lived life by is exactly the attitude that Jesus wanted to impress on the ‘man like us’ we meet in today’s passage.

Many of those who have ‘accepted Jesus’ don’t expect God to have much input in their lives. On some Sundays they will give Jesus a little of their ‘spare’ time and resources. They are first in their own lives; Jesus is just in the background for a little emotional support and hell insurance.

Matthew 19:16-30

A man trusting his own goodness asks Jesus how to go to Heaven - V. 16-17a

Jesus knew the first thing a good person has to be confronted with is that they are not good people in Heaven’s eyes, they are sinners in need of the Savior (Matthew 7:11; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23).

If we could hear Jesus’ tone in verse 17, we’d understand that Jesus was communicating 2 things – the man wasn’t as good as he thought he was, and the God who is by definition good was standing before Him!

Jesus exposes the man’s “I am first” attitude - V. 17b-26

The commands Jesus includes are all the horizontal commands on human relationships, called the second table of the Ten Commands (decalogue), with the summary statement to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

The commands Jesus leaves out are the vertical commands on relationship with God, called the first table of the Ten Commands, with the summary statement to “Love God with all your heart.”

God is supposed to be first, others second, and ourselves third. Jesus showed the man from the second table of the Ten Commands that this man didn’t put others before himself, let alone God first. Jesus’ statement in verse 21 merely exposes that the man is unwilling to put God first.

Do you grasp how what Jesus says to this man in verse 21 is what He says to every person here? Will you now by faith change your mindset from “I am first” to “I am third,” with Jesus truly being the Lord of all in your life.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? - Matthew 16:26

Verse 25 lets us know the disciples were astonished at Jesus’ words that outward prosperity doesn’t necessarily mean someone is right with God.

When the great reversal comes, putting Jesus first will have been worth it! - V. 27-30

Here as elsewhere (Matt. 6:20) Jesus promises that those who live with “I am third” faith will be richly rewarded in the ages to come (1 Cor. 3:11-15).

The word for “new world” in verse 28 is palingenesia (new genesis!). It could be a reference to either the coming 1,000 year reign of Christ (Rev. 20) or the new earth (Rev. 21-22) or BOTH. Jesus’ point is that any sacrifices we make now as “we are third” will be more than compensated on the other side of this present age.

Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom Heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. - Acts 3:19-21

The Purpose of Marriage - Matthew 19:1-15

The practice of the father of the bride ‘giving away’ the bride goes all the way back to the first 2 chapters of the Bible, Genesis 1-2. We will see Jesus talk about it in today’s passage!

Where is one of the biggest places we get to practice giving and receiving forgiveness? Within our marriages!

As we look at Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, we are going to see Jesus model for us how to respond to all the “What about this issue,” or “what about that issue” questions that people ask us to weigh in on.

Jesus teaches on the purpose of marriage - V. 4-6

I love Jesus’ question, “Have you not read?” He’s saying, “Let’s go back to the Bible, and before talking about what’s a sin against God’s design, let’s clarify God’s design and purpose for marriage and sexuality!”

In ‘incorporating’ the first marriage in Genesis 1-2, God gave us the purpose of marriage and family. Every marriage starts a new family that is intended to help each other and any children they might have flourish and become responsible contributors to God’s world.

Jesus teaches on divorce - V. 7-9

In verse 7 they were referring to Deut. 21:1-4, where Moses instructed a man determined to divorce his wife to write out a certificate saying the divorce was not her fault. This was to protect her in those ancient times. This is one of the times in the Law of Israel God regulated what he didn’t condone (see Mal. 2:13-17) to protect those who were most vulnerable.

Jesus’ words in verse 9 mean that the two spouses were supposed to be together “as long as they both shall live.” To jump to another relationship without clear biblical grounds is to sin against your marriage vows.

In addition to adultery as grounds for divorce and presumably remarriage 1 Corinthians 7:15 allows divorce in cases where one spouse abandons their vows, and many pastors like me would include abuse under that.

Jesus’ disciples understand how serious marriage is - V. 10-12

In verse 11 Jesus makes clear he expects His disciples to apply God’s design in their lives – “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given” – Jesus’ disciples.

In verse 12 Jesus is using eunuch as a euphemism for being celibate, the Christians commitment to only have sex within their own marriage between one man and one woman.

In every age God’s plan for human sexuality has been mocked and ridiculed by those who reject it. But Christians know that obedience to God in this area will lead to greater fulfilment than giving in to sexual temptation. Some have learned that because of the consequences sin in this area has brought into their life and relationships.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor people who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. - 1 Cor. 6:9-11

Psalm 91 Worksheet

Psalm 91 uses wonderful poetry for believers to express their confidence that the LORD sovereignly protects and delivers those who are His!

We call a Psalm a Messianic psalm when in part or the whole it expresses something that only Israel’s coming Messiah Jesus could fulfill. What I am cautiously calling a “Millennial” Psalm contains aspirations that won’t be completely _____________________ until Jesus reigns on earth as described in Revelation 20.

For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth…But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. -Psalm 37:9, 11

The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years. YET THEIR BOAST IS ONLY LABOR AND SORROW; but it is soon cut off, and we fly away. -Psalm 90:10

After we read Psalm 91 you will love it and find yourself praying that your loved ones will be enveloped with “Psalm 91 protection.” We are invited to ask the Sovereign God to be _____________ us and protect us “in trouble” (verse 15).

The eternal _________________________ we have in God our refuge V. 1-2

4 different names for God are given in verses 1-2: Most High (Elyon); Almighty (Shaddai); LORD (YHWH); God(Elohim). He is over all! He is All-powerful! He AM, and He enters into ______________ with His people.

James 4:8 Matthew 11:28

Make sure you _____________________ your trust in God like the Psalmist – He is “MY refuge,” “MY fortress,” I trust unreservedly in Him!

Our specific hopes for God’s ___________________________ for God’s people V. 3-13

The word for pestilence is deber (H1698), which occurs 49 times. Among other things this word would relate to plagues and ________________________.

I like how he describes the refuge we have in God in such wonderful relational terms. Our refuge is as strong as the most fortified brick castle, yet as warm and ____________________ as being at “grandmom’s” house!

What is the difference between a shield and a buckler?

Many times the fear of something happening is as debilitating as the thing itself can be. A _______________ walk with the LORD can deliver us from the fear that keeps us from getting on with life.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Tim. 2:7

Verses 7-8 must be understood in light of all the Psalms that have made clear that trouble does come to faithful believers (Psalm 90:10) yet God is in control and we will be with believers forever (Psalm 23). The very ________________________ Psalm speaks of the wicked flourishing now but being destroyed (92:7), and the righteous future flourishing (92:12-13).

Verses 9-10 will reach their _________________________ fulfilment during Christ’s anticipated millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-12).

According to Psalm 91:11-12, God’s protection includes the activity of ministering ___________________!

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation. -Hebrews 1:14

God Himself gives eternal _________________________ V. 14-16

How many times does the word “will” occur in verses 14-16?

________ + 2 more times it is implied.

If you set your love on God, what will He do for you according to verse 14?

If you call on God, what will He do for you according to verses 15-16?

Forgive From the Heart - Matthew 18:21-35

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

Receiving and giving forgiveness does for Christians what oil does for a car, it lubricates our relationships, reduces friction, prevents overheating by cooling us off, prevents harmful deposits from building up in us.

Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness goes beyond relational ‘score keeping’ - V. 21-22

Peter had already learned that Rabbi Jesus was more loving than other rabbis. Peter probably thought he was being generous by suggesting the new number of 7 times!

In saying forgive seventy-seven times, Jesus wants His followers to go beyond keeping track of offenses to cultivating a spirit of forgiveness based on the forgiveness they have received from God.

Believers have been forgiven an incalculable sin debt - V. 23-27

“On the Day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.” - Exodus 32:34

Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. - Hebrew 9:27

A denarius (v. 28) was a coin worth a day’s pay; 100 denarii would be worth about 3 months pay; A talent was a huge sum of money, worth about 6,000 denarii; 10,000 talents would be worth about 60,000,000 denarii.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” - Tim Keller

Those who have been forgiven so much go on to forgive others - V. 28-35

Jesus’ point is crystal clear: He expects those who have become Christians by receiving His forgiveness to forgive others from their heart.

Practical Pastoral advice to those struggling to forgive others:

Remember that there are two realms of forgiveness, the vertical (before God), and the Horizontal (before men). Before God forgiveness must always happen, readying us to act before men when asked (Luke 17:3-4).

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone what they did.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean there are no consequences for their actions.

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean you will have ongoing relationship.

Motivations for the Christian to forgive:

Christians extend forgiveness because of how much God has forgiven us.

Christians forgive as an act of obedience for the glory of God.

Christians forgive to keep themselves from the effects of unforgiveness.

Psalm 90 Worksheet

This is the first Psalm in Book 4 of the Psalms (Psalm 90-Psalm 106). The title says this is “A Prayer of Moses the man of God.” That means this Psalm is the _____________________ Psalm in the Bible.

Moses’ _____________________________ V. 1-11

Verses 1-2 use beautiful _____________________ (chiastic structure) to state that the eternal God existed before the creation He made.

Having established that the infinite God stands above time, in verses 3-4 Moses speaks of God’s sovereignty over finite man, whose earthly life is ___________________ by time and space.

The words turn and return in verse 3 come from the same Hebrew word, a play on words that is complimented in verse 13. Because our _____________________ are finite and will ‘return’ to the ground, our only hope is God ‘returning’ to us!

But beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but all come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:8

Verses 5-6 bear down on the _____________________________ nature of man’s earthly life.

All of the ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ aspects of our lives are because of what happened in Genesis 3 – sin and death entering the world. Moses reminds us of the ‘___________________ of sin’ in verses 7-9.

Scripture often presents the consequences and then reminds us of the ___________________. Until we are saved we are under God’s wrath because we are sinners by nature and by choice (John 3:36; Gen. 15:6).

Verse 10 demonstrates the truthfulness of the Bible. Moses died at 120 years of age (Deuteronomy 34:7). But the Spirit led Him to accurately state the ______________________________ lifespan of humans in our post-flood world. In 2023 the average life expectancy worldwide was 73.33 years.

What great hymn do we get from verse 10? ___________________________

He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. And it will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. -Isaiah 25:8-9 (NASB 2020)

Verse 11b could be literally translated Reverence due, wrath extracted. From that we gather that each of us has a ‘glory deficit’ before God. There is the glory our lives could have brought the Lord, and there is the actual amount we have brought Him, and there is a VAST ______________ between the two.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:23

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. -Romas 3:24

Romans 3:22 says the righteousness of God is only credited to us when we place our faith in Jesus, just like Genesis 15:6 said.

Moses’ _______________________________ V. 12-17

Verse 12 is a great verse about making sure we plan our days around God’s ________________ for our lives.

Learning to number our days helps us say ‘yes’ to what God wants us to say ‘yes’ to and ‘no’ to what God wants us to say ‘no’ to.

I love the verbs in verses 13-15, what Moses ask God to do to ‘________________________’ godly living – Return; Have compassion; Satisfy us; Make us glad!

Don’t spend too much time regretting past inaction for the Lord. He has you in a place of faith and seeking Him now, and He is more than capable of replacing wasted days with days of _________________ and impact.

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten. -Joel 2:25

What a great prayer to end a great Psalm – As we prioritize godly living and choices in the time we have left we ask God to establish the work of our hands, really to establish what we do for Him for His glory!