Exodus 25

The Tabernacle

The building fund was not compulsory! The Lord only wanted contributions from “those whose heart moves him”.
The ark would contain the ten commandments and was carried on poles on men’s shoulders, not carts!
The mercy seat was the lid – God would meet with the priest at the mercy seat and speak from above. There was provision for sin even before the law had been finalised. The blood sprinkled on the seat is what was needed.
The word in the Septuagint for the mercy seat is hilasterion – propitiation in Rom 3:25 – so Jesus is our mercy seat
The bread table always had bread on it, because God provides!
The lampstand had seven lamps which is picture in Revelation 4:5 representing the churches.

John 4

Jesus is amazing. One day he can talk with a highly respectably Jewish theologian the next a hate Samaritan woman of loose morals. He is more than happy to talk to anyone at their level and challenge what needs challenging. And while doing so break some huge cultural taboos and risk being gossiped about. I love him!
1) How radical Jesus is – talking to a hated Samaritan, and a woman at that and even more a loose woman!
2) His evangelistic technique – using questions and word of knowledge
3) What worship should be like – in Spirit and truth, rather than the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem or the Samaritan Temple on Mt Gerizim.
4) The offer of Living Water – the Holy Spirit

Proverbs 1

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs is helpful because it gives insight 1:1, instruction in wise dealing 1:3; prudence to the simple 1:4 and to the wise – more wisdom.

2 Cor 13

Rejoice – anchor your joy in Christ, whether times are hard or good.
Aim for restoration – sort out issues to keep relationship alive an dwell
Comfort one another – look after each other
Live in peace – what stops us being peaceful. Does you choice of video games help or hinder?
Greet one another with a holy kiss- stop being so British!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus and the love of God and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.