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Cell Notes on the New Exodus 3
KEY MESSAGE THIS WEEK
The author of Hebrews encourages his audience to have faith, hope and love in Christ. This assurance stems from the fact that we have a high priest in the heavenly tabernacle whose name is Jesus.
WELCOME
The New Exodus mirrors the Exodus, which is possibly not that strange when you consider that history often repeats itself. In your own life, can you think of ways in which history has repeated itself. To what extent have you adopted quirks, patterns and ways of thinking from your parents and grandparents? Any funny stories?
PRAISE (WORSHIP)
We worship Jesus with our whole lives, not just by singing or praising him with words and poems etc. But this is a time to put all distractions aside and to do just that.
WITNESS
Think of one person who needs to be reminded of the faith, love or hope we have in Christ. Commit to contacting them this week with the express intention of sharing the good news of Jesus with them.
WAZZUP
Depending on the size of the group, split into pairs and give people three minutes (and three minutes only) to pray for each other. Instead of asking people how they are doing, simply encourage them to pray immediately. Encourage them to bring their prayers before God in heaven in the presence of another person who agrees with them.
WORD
Ask a person who was at church on Sunday whether they can remember the pictorial overview. Click here to locate it on the New River Church site: ……….
Ask somebody who was present to give you a brief overview of the Book of Hebrews.
The Earthly Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-5)
1 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.
3 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,
4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Describe the earthly tabernacle. What did it look like? Here are some reminders: the entrance to the court, the laver, the Holy Place (lampstand, bread of presence, altar of incense), the veil, the Holy of Holies (ark, mercy seat, cherubim, ten commandments, budding rod & manna, God’s glory).
The Heavenly Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:24)
24 “For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”
Hebrews 10:12-13
12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,
13 waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.
If you have time, consider the parallels between the heavenly tabernacle/ temple as described in Revelation 4/ Hebrews 8-9 & 10 and the earthly tabernacle as described in Exodus 25-31/ Hebrews 8 – 9 &10.
Faith
The fact that Jesus is enthroned in the heavenly tabernacle inspires faith in us. This is mentioned in several places in Hebrews. Time permitting take a brief look at chapter 11 (i.e. the heroes of faith) for a more detailed consideration of this theme. Discuss to what extent you can grow in your faith, knowing that Jesus is enthroned in the heavenly tabernacle.
Hope
The fact that Jesus is enthroned in the heavenly tabernacle inspires hope in us. Time permitting take a brief look at chapter 12 (i.e. running the race) for a more detailed consideration of this theme. To what extent does the enthroned Christ inspire hope in you. Will you share it with others?
Love
The fact that Jesus is enthroned in the heavenly tabernacle inspires love in us. Time permitting take a brief look at chapter 13 (especially the first verse) for a more detailed consideration of this theme. To what extent does the enthroned Christ generate love in your heart?
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Philip Parnham, 26/08/2008 |
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