What is God's cosmic mission, and what part do his people play in it? Like soldiers on the battlefield, Christians must comprehend their commander's intent. Our mission is to fill the earth with God's glory until the entire earth becomes a resting place for God. In this series, we're returning to the garden to re-discover God's deepest longing for his people.
The Proximo Purpose of Prayer
Speakers
Josh Blount
Lead Pastor
Worship
Notes
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Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Anytime God creates anything, he always makes the environment necessary to support what He is creating for it first.
The presence of God absolutely necessary for you to be who God created you to be.
Eden = spot, moment, presence, open door, delightful.
God took the man and put him in a spot, for a moment, where the presence of God was an open door to heaven.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace when we are in need of help.
James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Exodus 25:8
Have them build a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. So you must build this tabernacle and its furnishings exactly to a pattern I'm going to show you.
Exodus 33:11
Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
1. The Outer Court
Give God thanks and praise
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
Thanks for what He's done.
Praise for who He is.
Leviticus 17:11
It is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Hebrews 9:22
Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Christ is the bridge that connects sinful humanity with a holy God, providing the way for reconciliation and forgiveness."
Timothy Keller
2. The Brazen Altar
Focus On The Cross
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his stripes I am healed.
Nails: Freedom from my past.
Spear: Freedom in my heart.
Crown: Freedom in my mind.
Whip: Freedom in my body.
3. The Laver
We Examine And Offer
Just as the priests cleansed themselves at the laver, we are called to examine our hearts and offer ourselves in sincerity and truth.
John Piper
We Examine Ourselves
We Offer Ourselves
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
4. The Candlestick
Invite The Work Of The Holy Spirit In My Life
Just as a candle needs a constant source of fuel to remain lit, we require a continual filling of the Holy Spirit for our spiritual vitality.
A.W. Tozer
Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
1. THE WISDOM OF THE SPIRIT
Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
2. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
3. THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 14:1 Eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
5. The Table Of Shewbread
Partake In Fellowship With The Word Of God
The bread on the Table of Showbread is a tangible symbol of the fellowship God desires with us through His Word. It's an ongoing banquet of communion and revelation.
Tim Keller
Matthew 4:4
Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
The Scriptures are not only a book to read but a voice to listen to in prayer. In seeking God, we find His Word speaking life and truth into our situations.
John Stott
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray
The word of God is a powerful spiritual force that can defeat the devil in every area of our lives. It is a spiritual sword, an offensive weapon God has given us to fight the devil off, but it must be used.
6. Altar Of Incense
Worship His Name
Psalm 29:2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
In the presence of the altar of incense, we find a sacred space for worshiping His name. It's not just a physical structure; it's a symbol of our hearts reaching out to exalt the greatness of the Lord."
R.C. Sproul
Jehovah Tsidkenu - My Righteousness - Jeremiah 23:6
Jehovah M’Kaddesh - My Sanctifier - Leviticus 20:7-8
Jehovah Rapha - My Healer - Exodus 15:26
Jehovah Jireh - My Provider - Genesis 22:14
Jehovah Nissi - My Banner of Victory - Exodus 17:15
Jehovah Shalom - My Peace - Judges 6:24
Jehovah Raah - My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Praying the names of God is an intimate encounter with the Divine. Each name unveils a layer of His love, grace, and power, transforming our prayers into a sacred dialogue with the Creator.
Priscilla Shirer
7. The Ark Of The Covenant
Intercede For Others
The priestly duty was to stand in the gap, to intercede on behalf of the people in the presence of God. It was an advocacy role, representing the needs and concerns of the community before the Almighty.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
The tabernacle model in prayer is not just a personal pilgrimage; it's a pathway to God's heart and a call to participate in His redemptive plan to 'fill the earth' with His presence and love.
Tony Evans