Introduction: There needs to be a hunger of every Christian to continually live in God's presence. How do we get there? There seems to be an attitude today that entering God's presence is a casual thing. That he overlooks sin and uncleanliness and we can stroll into His presence without thought or preparation. In this study we will learn from the pattern God gave Moses the steps necessary to enter the Most Holy Place.

(1) God Gave Moses Instructions For A Tabernacle Where He Could Dwell With His People.

* Exodus 25:8-9 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

(A) This Tabernacle was modeled after one in Heaven used for continual worship. Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount. Revelation 15:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

(2) For Man To Approach God Properly, This Pattern Is Still Necessary

* The Setup: The Tabernacle had One Gate which faced the East toward the tribe of Judah. ( Jesus is still the way, it is Straight and Narrow) ( Judah means Praise )

* To Enter: Requires thanksgiving and praise. Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. This is NOT Worship in His presence yet.

(A) Many never get through the "gate" because of their "Unthankfulness" !

(B Then there must be "praise or blessing" His holy name. Jesus taught the same. Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. ( Gr. To make Holy, to consecrate, with fear and reverence)

(3) As You Enter The Gate Into The Outer Court, You Were Faced With The Brazen Altar.

(A) The Brazen Altar is 5x5x3 Cubits, (Length x Width x Height ) This is the largest piece of furnature of the Tabernacle. This served as a Holy blockade, No sin allowed beyond this point

(B) They, could never proceed beyond this point. They could "see" the priest offering the sacrifice, going to the "laver" to wash, enter the Holy Place. They might get a glimpse of the "candlesticks", the "golden altar", smell the odor "shewbread" and "incense", and maybe get a glimpse of the curtain that hid the Most Holy Place. But they could never enter !

(C) But We: Have had a better sacrifice that could "remove" sin. We, can move on to the "Laver" or the Washing and Sanctification. We, can enter the "Holy Place" and experience the light of the Candlestick (Holy Spirit) Taste the "Shewbread" ( The Word, the Bread of Life) We, can experience the sweet fragerance of "Worship" at the Golden Altar, We, can enter the "Holiest Place" because the vail is gone * Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. We can come boldly before His throne. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(4) As I Approach The Brazen Altar, I Would See My Reflection !

(A) I would meet the Priest at the door with a lamb to offer for the sacrifice for my sins.

* Here I would learn the terrible price of sin. ( Needed today)*

(1) You would "name" your sins. (Confession and Repentance)

(2) You would lay your hand on the head of the lamb. Transfer to a Substitute

(3) You would look into inocent eyes of a lamb. Feel the shame.

(4) You would be handed the knife to slit the lambs throat, watch the blood.

* We need to learn this principle again, "wages of sin is death."*

* Sin is taken so lightly, people try to enter and worship with sin still there*

(5) What Does God Require Of Us To Enter Into His Presence? (Confess and Forsake Sin)

* Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

* Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

*How can you try to worship with unconfessed, unrepented sin in your life?

(6) Do You Want To Come Into God's Presence? Then Sin Must Die Here At The Brazen Altar.

(5) You would watch the Priest catch the blood, take the lamb to the horns of the altar, bind the lamb to the altar. ( It was an unwilling sacrifice, remember, the lamb represents you.) Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

* Sacrifice, it is a strange word to most church people today.

* We have become "kings kids," God is to serve us, no commitment on our part.

** THE FIRST STOP ON THE WAY TO THE "MOST HOLY PLACE" THE ALTAR

 

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