The golden lampstand in the Sanctuary stood as a reminder that Jesus Christ is the light of our world. This is why a small group is a BIG part of our church and so it should be for any Christian community. Isabelle and Keira are sharing how they get together as a small group called CARE group (Christ Attitude Reflected in Everyone) and how this small group is an avenue for them to exercise their faith.
In the holy place of the Sanctuary there was also a Table of Showbread. Twelve loaves of bread especially baked were to be placed on this table and considered sacred. To many of us, the dining table is the place where family conversation occurs. This is where we catch up and connect with each other over a meal. By God’s provision, the table of showbread was placed in the Sanctuary to remind us that we need Him everyday just like we need to have our meals everyday.
One of the items in the holy place of the sanctuary is the altar of incense. God instructed Moses to place the altar of incense in front of the veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place “where I will meet with you”, said God. The priest must burn the incense twice daily, each morning and again at twilight. It is most holy to the Lord (Exodus 30:10)
God commanded Moses to build a bronze basin and place water in it for the priest to wash themselves. This was God’s wonderful provision for our cleansing. As we work together to clean and decorate the new church, we learned a wonderful lesson of cleansing. The old windows were wiped clean so all the natural light can shine into the Sanctuary -- as the curtains and blinds were cleaned and drawn up, the sun shone in and we were in awe. The clean up transformed the whole place. We truly need some cleansing and can be transformed by it.
Moses was best known as the leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Thanks to the soundtrack from Disney's Prince of Egypt, Moses' famous line was sung by many children "Let my people go!" For me, the impression of Moses was that he was a friend of God. "Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.", Exodus 33:11
Last week we looked at Samuel, the prophet after God's own heart who would anoint the chosen king of Israel. This week, we look at the man whom Samuel anointed to be the chosen king. A humble shepherd boy who rose to be one of the greatest kings of Israel, David, the man after God's own heart. A great king, loyal friend and an honest man through Joseph's eyes.
This character study is done by my youngest, Micah. Micah has a brother called Samuel and when I asked him to do a character study, he said, "I would like to study Samuel!" What a great choice, for Samuel was a pivotal point in Israel's history. He was the last judge of Israel before they requested a king. Samuel's life is a testimony of how faithful and godly parents can truly influence the life of a child even when they are not able to be with the child while he/she is growing up. The story of Hannah and Samuel is my motivation to pray for my children without ceasing. He was the inspiration to name our eldest, Samuel. After all, my Samuel was also "asked of God". Read on to hear the story of Samuel through Micah's eyes.
The first translator of the English bible who stood up to the papacy, the morning star of the reformation, was how Joshua described John Wycliffe. The fearless man who trusted in God and stood firm to maintain the truth and in boldness to defend it. He strongly believed that Christ is the only head of the church and the Bible is the only true authority to be the voice of God. He emphasised the direct personal relationship with God through Christ. He declared the right of every Christian to know the Bible, and that the Bible emphasised the need of every Christian to see the importance of Christ alone as the sufficient way of salvation, without the need of the monks or the pope acting as mediators.
Courageous Judah who made many wrong decisions along the way but brave enough to accept that he was wrong. An honest man who was ready to make right his wrong doing. That was how Keira described Judah after she finished his character study.
A loyal disciple to Jesus who had great determination, a pillar of the early Christian church who encouraged all to walk by faith. This is how Chantelle sees the apostle Paul. Paul has inspired many to follow Jesus and dedicate their lives to the mission. When Chantelle picked Paul for character study, I was excited. I couldn't wait to hear from the new generation, how they could relate to Paul. Read on to discover what Chantelle thinks about the man who was once blinded by his own sins but saved by Christ so he could go and lead many to Jesus.
Faith Journal 