God’s Diorama of the Church

God’s Diorama of the Church

1 Kings 8:1-13 NIV 

I. THE TEMPLE WAS A  SANCTUARY. 

II. THE ARK WAS THE  HEART OF THE MINISTRY.

1 Kings 8:6, 9  The priests then brought the ark of the Lord’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.

III. THE CLOUD WAS A VISUAL AID POINTING TO A  CHURCH.

1 Kings 8:10-13 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple. Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” 

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH DOES GOD DWELL IN? 

1. A Gospel-Centered Church: we know we are saved by God’s grace through faith alone.

Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. 

2. A Word-Centered Church: we always ask, “Where is it written?”

Col 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 

3. A Spirit-Filled Church: we rely on the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 4:6b ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. 

Eph 5:15–19 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.