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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| CATHEDRAL v TABERNACLE/TEMPLE |
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| Greek (Western) |
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 A cathedral is built to be a glimpse of the heaven we are to escape to when we die.
A cathedral was built in such an ornate fashion so as to give attendees a glimpse of what heaven, to which we are to escape to when we die will, in human understanding, be like. This was and is illustrated through the architecture, music, artworks, sculptures, furniture and religious ceremonies, drawing a worldly picture of a perfect heaven, a spiritual nirvana, free of all the suffering and pain we experience here on earth.
While many churches today are not so ornate, the principle remains the same. The church is a temporary refuge where we gather with others of like mind to experience God, before dying or being zapped off this wicked earth in the rapture, to escape this evil world.
This is called a 'dualistic theology', as it teaches the separation of a perfect heaven from an imperfect earth. Verses interpreted to justify this conclusion include.....
John 18:36
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 The Tabernacle/Temple was the dwelling place of God, here upon the earth.
The Jewish perspective however, is entirely different. God was and is to dwell with them, here upon the earth. Their responsibility was to prepare a place for Him to live, as seen in the Tabernacle of Moses and the Temple of Solomon.....
Exodus 25:8-9
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 God's presence literally filled the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and then the Temple.....
1 Kings 8:10-11
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 The everlasting nature of this, dependent upon the people’s obedience, was confirmed by the prophets.....
Ezekiel 37:26-28
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 Even after the Ark of the Covenant, where the presence of God dwelt between the 2 cherubim’s, had disappeared, Jesus still referred to Herod's, far less grand Temple, as being His Father's house.....
John 2:16
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And again, Jesus referred to end times when He said.....
John 14:2
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 The analogy was of a Jewish wedding where the husband to be, upon the engagement, went back to his father’s house and built a room onto it for his bride to be.
Of course we are to be the bride.....
Revelation 19:7b
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 The Jewish understanding is that they are to prepare, to help build, the Lord's kingdom upon the earth, now. That is not just an Old Testament concept, but is carried forward into the New, when we are called to pray.....
Matthew 6:9-10
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To finish today we will compare the differences between the Western Cathedral and Eastern Tabernacle/Temple mentalities in their differing understandings of salvation.....
1. THE GOAL OF SALVATION:
Cathedral Mentality: To escape this world and go to God's dwelling place in heaven.
Tabernacle/Temple Mentality: To prepare a place fit for God's dwelling here, among His people.
2. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN:
Cathedral Mentality: Exists in heaven, not upon the earth.
Tabernacle/Temple Mentality: Is God's reign among people here upon the earth.
3. THE MESSIAH IS COMING:
Cathedral Mentality: In order to take us away from this world.
Tabernacle/Temple Mentality: In order to reign over us in this world.
4. MESSAGE:
Cathedral Mentality: Get your ticket now or you might miss the train.
Tabernacle/Temple Mentality: The kingdom of heaven is coming! Get ready to receive and serve the king.
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| CONCLUSION |
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Upon grasping this truth, both our lives and the church will be transformed! For 'walking with Jesus' is not simply a matter of mental acceptance, but requires a lifestyle totally dedicated to fulfilling the will of the Father so that the kingdom may be prepared for the return of Jesus to rule and reign upon the earth.
Are we willing to pay the price?
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... looking at WORSHIP: AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE v A WAY OF LIFE
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 I understand that what we have looked at today is likely completely different and radical to you. My prayer is that you will stop to consider it and take it to the Lord yourself.
IMAGES AND ART: Jerusalem
Jewish Quarter
The Broad Wall
Reconstruction work following the 1967 war allowed archaeologists to excavate various areas in the Jewish Quarter. One of the most significant finds from the OT period was the Broad Wall. Built by Hezekiah in the days before the 701 B.C. invasion by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, the Broad Wall enclosed the Western Hill and increased the walled area of Jerusalem five-fold.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
1031. To get closer to God we need to swap the bonds of religion for the liberation of His kingdom.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
PGIM! Weekly Encouragement Ezine : http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php
Reports on past Ministry visits: http://www.wwj.org.nz/diary.php
Eagles Fly High!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php
Eagles Fly High! (Pastors, Teachers and Students): http://www.wwj.org.nz/eaglepts.php
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And we are to come down from heaven to live on the earth.....