The Table: Part 2 | Pastor Alex Himaya | 10am FULL SERVICE

Welcome to Battle Creek Church. We exist Welcome to Battle Creek Church. We exist to glorify God by helping all people of to glorify God by helping all people of to glorify God by helping all people of all ages advance in their journey with all ages advance in their journey with all ages advance in their journey with Christ. And that includes you. With Christ. And that includes you. With Christ. And that includes you. With campuses across Oklahoma and campuses across Oklahoma and campuses across Oklahoma and international partners in Egypt and international partners in Egypt and international partners in Egypt and Jordan, we are passionate about helping Jordan, we are passionate about helping Jordan, we are passionate about helping people take their next step with Jesus. people take their next step with Jesus. people take their next step with Jesus. Wherever you are in your faith, we Wherever you are in your faith, we Wherever you are in your faith, we believe God is inviting you to move believe God is inviting you to move believe God is inviting you to move closer to him. closer to him. closer to him. We are committed to serving our We are committed to serving our We are committed to serving our community and meeting real needs. community and meeting real needs. community and meeting real needs. Through our local outreach partners, we Through our local outreach partners, we Through our local outreach partners, we care for families, support those in care for families, support those in care for families, support those in crisis, and come alongside people crisis, and come alongside people crisis, and come alongside people throughout greater Tulsa. We believe the throughout greater Tulsa. We believe the throughout greater Tulsa. We believe the church should be a place that brings church should be a place that brings church should be a place that brings hope, help, and the love of Christ to hope, help, and the love of Christ to hope, help, and the love of Christ to the community around us. Around the the community around us. Around the the community around us. Around the world, our international partners in the world, our international partners in the world, our international partners in the Middle East are serving their Middle East are serving their Middle East are serving their communities, supporting refugees, and communities, supporting refugees, and communities, supporting refugees, and sharing the hope of Christ. They are sharing the hope of Christ. They are sharing the hope of Christ. They are also leading recovery programs where also leading recovery programs where also leading recovery programs where people are finding real freedom, people are finding real freedom, people are finding real freedom, healing, and restoration through Jesus. healing, and restoration through Jesus. healing, and restoration through Jesus. We believe every person matters. Through We believe every person matters. Through We believe every person matters. Through our Haven Ministry, we honor and support our Haven Ministry, we honor and support our Haven Ministry, we honor and support individuals with special needs and their individuals with special needs and their individuals with special needs and their families, making sure everyone has a families, making sure everyone has a families, making sure everyone has a place to belong. We are so passionate place to belong. We are so passionate place to belong. We are so passionate about reaching the next generation. Our about reaching the next generation. Our about reaching the next generation. Our kids ministry helps children build a kids ministry helps children build a kids ministry helps children build a lifelong foundation of faith in Jesus.

lifelong foundation of faith in Jesus. lifelong foundation of faith in Jesus. And our students are encouraged to live And our students are encouraged to live And our students are encouraged to live out their faith each and every week. Our out their faith each and every week. Our out their faith each and every week. Our young adults are building community and young adults are building community and young adults are building community and stepping into their purpose. Every stepping into their purpose. Every stepping into their purpose. Every weekend we gather for powerful worship weekend we gather for powerful worship weekend we gather for powerful worship and biblical teaching as we grow and biblical teaching as we grow and biblical teaching as we grow together in our faith. And throughout together in our faith. And throughout together in our faith. And throughout the week, community groups create space the week, community groups create space the week, community groups create space for real relationships, while Celebrate for real relationships, while Celebrate for real relationships, while Celebrate Recovery offers hope and healing for Recovery offers hope and healing for Recovery offers hope and healing for those walking through life struggles. those walking through life struggles. those walking through life struggles. This is a place for you and your family. This is a place for you and your family. This is a place for you and your family. But it's more than that. We're on a But it's more than that. We're on a But it's more than that. We're on a mission to reach Tulsa, America, and the mission to reach Tulsa, America, and the mission to reach Tulsa, America, and the world with the hope of Jesus. We're so world with the hope of Jesus. We're so world with the hope of Jesus. We're so glad you're here and we believe God has glad you're here and we believe God has glad you're here and we believe God has a place for you in what he's doing a place for you in what he's doing a place for you in what he's doing through this church. through this church. through this church. Welcome to Battle Creek Church. Welcome to Battle Creek Church. Welcome to Battle Creek Church. >> Hey, what's up Battle Creek Church? Good >> Hey, what's up Battle Creek Church? Good >> Hey, what's up Battle Creek Church? Good morning. How y'all doing today? morning. How y'all doing today? morning. How y'all doing today? It is Thanks. It is so good to see you It is Thanks. It is so good to see you It is Thanks. It is so good to see you guys. We are going to sing a song that a guys. We are going to sing a song that a guys. We are going to sing a song that a lot of us already know. Um, it's an lot of us already know. Um, it's an lot of us already know. Um, it's an original Battle Creek song, Your original Battle Creek song, Your original Battle Creek song, Your Presence Changes Everything. Um, but Presence Changes Everything. Um, but Presence Changes Everything. Um, but before we do, we are two weeks in to a before we do, we are two weeks in to a before we do, we are two weeks in to a sermon series called the table where we sermon series called the table where we sermon series called the table where we are talking about Holy Communion, the are talking about Holy Communion, the are talking about Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper. And today we're going to Lord's Supper. And today we're going to Lord's Supper. And today we're going to hone in on the bread of the presence.

hone in on the bread of the presence. hone in on the bread of the presence. The bread is a physical representation The bread is a physical representation The bread is a physical representation of the presence of God. Because of what of the presence of God. Because of what of the presence of God. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we have access Jesus did on the cross, we have access Jesus did on the cross, we have access to his presence daily. And I don't know to his presence daily. And I don't know to his presence daily. And I don't know about you, but I need the presence of about you, but I need the presence of about you, but I need the presence of God daily in my life. So, here's what I God daily in my life. So, here's what I God daily in my life. So, here's what I want to take a moment to do before we want to take a moment to do before we want to take a moment to do before we seek his hand. We're going to seek his seek his hand. We're going to seek his seek his hand. We're going to seek his face. If we could take a moment, whether face. If we could take a moment, whether face. If we could take a moment, whether you're in the room or whether you're you're in the room or whether you're you're in the room or whether you're joining us online or whether you're joining us online or whether you're joining us online or whether you're watching from Allen Gamble, watching from Allen Gamble, watching from Allen Gamble, can we just invite the presence of the can we just invite the presence of the can we just invite the presence of the Lord into this room, Lord into this room, Lord into this room, into our hearts, into our hearts, into our hearts, into this space, into this space, into this space, because we know that God's presence because we know that God's presence because we know that God's presence changes everything. Come on, invite him changes everything. Come on, invite him changes everything. Come on, invite him in right now as we worship.

We all We all s everything. What a privilege. What a privilege. What a friend we have in Jesus. songs of angels, songs of angels, sound of heaven all around us, filled with glory. filled with glory. Earthly cares are slowly fading. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, give rest to all the weary. give rest to all the weary. give rest to all the weary. Come on, let's lift our hands, lift our Come on, let's lift our hands, lift our Come on, let's lift our hands, lift our voices. Let's sing this. Your presence, voices. Let's sing this. Your presence, voices. Let's sing this. Your presence, your presence your presence your presence changes everything changes everything changes everything is better is better is better than what this life can bring. Your than what this life can bring. Your than what this life can bring. Your presence Come on, sing it with us, church.

Come on, sing it with us, church. I taste I taste I taste I have seen a glimpse of beauty. Nothing greater. Nothing greater. God you des Nothing like your presence.

Nothing like your presence. >> So much better. Oh, Oh, come on. Sing church. Sing holy. come on. Sing church. Sing holy. come on. Sing church. Sing holy. Yeah. Come on. Hear the angels sing. >> All creation. >> All creation. >> All creation sing. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You are worthy of all praise. your presence.

your presence. Your praisees Your praisees Your praisees changes everything changes everything changes everything is better is better is better than what this life can bring. No You are worthy of all praise.

You are worthy of all praise. So worthy. So worthy. So worthy. You're worthy of all praise. Come on. You're worthy of all praise. Come on. You're worthy of all praise. Come on. Can we take a moment to celebrate Jesus Can we take a moment to celebrate Jesus Can we take a moment to celebrate Jesus today? Hallelujah. >> Amen. Amen. We're going to teach you >> Amen. Amen. We're going to teach you guys a new song. This one's called Fresh guys a new song. This one's called Fresh guys a new song. This one's called Fresh Revelation. Emily's going to lead us. Revelation. Emily's going to lead us. Revelation. Emily's going to lead us. Let's keep singing together, y'all. Let's keep singing together, y'all. Let's keep singing together, y'all. >> He is worthy of all our praise. Holy are you, Lord.

Holy are you, Lord. I'll spend all my days I'll spend all my days I'll spend all my days finding every way to sing. Holy finding every way to sing. Holy finding every way to sing. Holy are you, Lord. his way his way across with creation. The rhythm of heaven. The rhythm of heaven. Oh, we sing. Holy, Oh, we sing. Holy, Oh, we sing. Holy, holy are you, Lord. Holy are you, Lord. Holy are you, Lord. I'll spend all my days I'll spend all my days I'll spend all my days finding way.

are you? are you? Oh, he is worthy. Come on, let's lift up holy hands to the Come on, let's lift up holy hands to the King of Kings today. Let's give him all King of Kings today. Let's give him all King of Kings today. Let's give him all glory, honor, and praise. Come on. Oh, we thank you Jesus. Oh, we thank you Jesus. You're the name above all names. You're the name above all names. You're the name above all names. Oh, we thank you Jesus. Oh, we thank you Jesus. Oh, we thank you Jesus. Oh, Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Come on, let's give him a shout of Come on, let's give him a shout of praise. Hallelujah.

praise. Hallelujah. praise. Hallelujah. We thank you, Jesus. We thank you, Jesus. We thank you, Jesus. Oh, we thank you, Jesus. you in this room you in this room on what's inside. on what's inside. on what's inside. In the darkness we were waiting without In the darkness we were waiting without In the darkness we were waiting without hope and without light till from heaven hope and without light till from heaven hope and without light till from heaven you came running. There was mercy in you came running. There was mercy in you came running. There was mercy in your eyes. To fulfill the law and your eyes. To fulfill the law and your eyes. To fulfill the law and prophets, to a virgin came the word. prophets, to a virgin came the word. prophets, to a virgin came the word. From a throne of endless glory to a From a throne of endless glory to a From a throne of endless glory to a cradle in the dirt. Come on, let's sing this out, church. Come on, let's sing this out, church. Praise the father. Come on. Praise the Praise the father. Come on. Praise the Praise the father. Come on. Praise the son.

son. son. Praise the spirit. Praise forever Praise forever to the king of kings to reveal the kingom come and to to reveal the kingom come and to reconcile the lost to redeem the whole reconcile the lost to redeem the whole reconcile the lost to redeem the whole creation. creation. creation. You did not despise the cross. For even You did not despise the cross. For even You did not despise the cross. For even in your suffering, you saw to the other in your suffering, you saw to the other in your suffering, you saw to the other side, knowing this was our salvation. side, knowing this was our salvation. side, knowing this was our salvation. Jesus for you. Praise Praise God.

God. God. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. In the morning that you raised all of In the morning that you raised all of heaven and held his breath till that heaven and held his breath till that heaven and held his breath till that stone was moved for good for the lamb stone was moved for good for the lamb stone was moved for good for the lamb that conquered death and from their that conquered death and from their that conquered death and from their angels angels angels on Heat.

Heat. Heat. the King of Kings. the King of Kings. Come on, church. Let's give him a big Come on, church. Let's give him a big Come on, church. Let's give him a big shout of praise this morning. Dear heavenly and gracious father, we Dear heavenly and gracious father, we thank you so much for your presence. I thank you so much for your presence. I thank you so much for your presence. I pray that you continue to draw us closer pray that you continue to draw us closer pray that you continue to draw us closer to your heart today in your precious and to your heart today in your precious and to your heart today in your precious and holy name. Amen. Well, Battle Creek, if holy name. Amen. Well, Battle Creek, if holy name. Amen. Well, Battle Creek, if you could turn to your neighbor and give you could turn to your neighbor and give you could turn to your neighbor and give him a big high five and then you may be him a big high five and then you may be him a big high five and then you may be seated. Well, hey church. Good morning and Well, hey church. Good morning and welcome. I'm so glad you're here with us welcome. I'm so glad you're here with us welcome. I'm so glad you're here with us today. And man, I just love to worship. today. And man, I just love to worship. today. And man, I just love to worship. We got to sing that song uh that first We got to sing that song uh that first We got to sing that song uh that first song, Your Presence Changes Everything.

song, Your Presence Changes Everything. song, Your Presence Changes Everything. It's one of our core beliefs, our core It's one of our core beliefs, our core It's one of our core beliefs, our core values here. And uh uh you can check out values here. And uh uh you can check out values here. And uh uh you can check out that song on Spotify, Battle Creek that song on Spotify, Battle Creek that song on Spotify, Battle Creek Church Collective. But I just love it to Church Collective. But I just love it to Church Collective. But I just love it to believe that God's presence can change believe that God's presence can change believe that God's presence can change anything at any moment. What a great anything at any moment. What a great anything at any moment. What a great morning. My name is Josiah Warhard. I morning. My name is Josiah Warhard. I morning. My name is Josiah Warhard. I get to serve here as your pastor of get to serve here as your pastor of get to serve here as your pastor of Battle Creek Church online. And I'm just Battle Creek Church online. And I'm just Battle Creek Church online. And I'm just thankful to be a part of what God is thankful to be a part of what God is thankful to be a part of what God is doing here at Battle Creek Church. And doing here at Battle Creek Church. And doing here at Battle Creek Church. And uh we're in the middle of August, right? uh we're in the middle of August, right? uh we're in the middle of August, right? School is back. We're kind of getting School is back. We're kind of getting School is back. We're kind of getting back into our uh semester routines and back into our uh semester routines and back into our uh semester routines and kids are going to school. the heat kids are going to school. the heat kids are going to school. the heat continues to stay, but uh but we're continues to stay, but uh but we're continues to stay, but uh but we're continuing to go. And so I'm thankful as continuing to go. And so I'm thankful as continuing to go. And so I'm thankful as we're in the middle of this series we're in the middle of this series we're in the middle of this series called the table. And so just thankful called the table. And so just thankful called the table. And so just thankful to be back into that uh routine. I know to be back into that uh routine. I know to be back into that uh routine. I know my two littles are kind of back in my two littles are kind of back in my two littles are kind of back in there. I got one starting prek, which is there. I got one starting prek, which is there. I got one starting prek, which is exciting uh and terrifying all at the exciting uh and terrifying all at the exciting uh and terrifying all at the same time, but I'm just thankful to do same time, but I'm just thankful to do same time, but I'm just thankful to do that. And so maybe you're coming back that. And so maybe you're coming back that. And so maybe you're coming back from the summer or maybe you've been from the summer or maybe you've been from the summer or maybe you've been connecting with us online throughout the connecting with us online throughout the connecting with us online throughout the summer and you haven't had a chance to summer and you haven't had a chance to summer and you haven't had a chance to really get connected here at Battle really get connected here at Battle really get connected here at Battle Creek Church. I would love for you to Creek Church. I would love for you to Creek Church. I would love for you to get connected. Uh an easy way to do that get connected. Uh an easy way to do that get connected. Uh an easy way to do that is to fill out the QR or to scan the QR is to fill out the QR or to scan the QR is to fill out the QR or to scan the QR code or fill out the link this the form code or fill out the link this the form code or fill out the link this the form in the link. Uh it's a connect card. Uh in the link. Uh it's a connect card. Uh in the link. Uh it's a connect card. Uh and really I know that can be and really I know that can be and really I know that can be intimidating when we talking about intimidating when we talking about intimidating when we talking about giving information or why do you need giving information or why do you need giving information or why do you need that here. Let me just tell you what that here. Let me just tell you what that here. Let me just tell you what we're trying to do is just hear what God we're trying to do is just hear what God we're trying to do is just hear what God is doing in your life and how we can is doing in your life and how we can is doing in your life and how we can come alongside you and help you advance come alongside you and help you advance come alongside you and help you advance in your journey with Christ. Here at in your journey with Christ. Here at in your journey with Christ. Here at Battle Creek Church, our mission Battle Creek Church, our mission Battle Creek Church, our mission statement is this, that we exist to

statement is this, that we exist to statement is this, that we exist to glorify God by helping all people of all glorify God by helping all people of all glorify God by helping all people of all ages all the time advance in their ages all the time advance in their ages all the time advance in their journey with Christ. And so that may be journey with Christ. And so that may be journey with Christ. And so that may be a a next step in your journey is to fill a a next step in your journey is to fill a a next step in your journey is to fill it out and let us connect with you and it out and let us connect with you and it out and let us connect with you and figure out how we can help uh support figure out how we can help uh support figure out how we can help uh support you and how we can help uh you advance. you and how we can help uh you advance. you and how we can help uh you advance. Or maybe you're saying, "Hey, my next Or maybe you're saying, "Hey, my next Or maybe you're saying, "Hey, my next step is maybe serving or or maybe step is maybe serving or or maybe step is maybe serving or or maybe connected to a a group as we're connected to a a group as we're connected to a a group as we're launching our online groups." Uh, we launching our online groups." Uh, we launching our online groups." Uh, we would love for you to you can fill out would love for you to you can fill out would love for you to you can fill out that connect card and check the box or that connect card and check the box or that connect card and check the box or fill out in the blank just what you're fill out in the blank just what you're fill out in the blank just what you're looking for and how we can help assist looking for and how we can help assist looking for and how we can help assist you. My team here at Battle Creek Church you. My team here at Battle Creek Church you. My team here at Battle Creek Church is to come alongside you to love you, to is to come alongside you to love you, to is to come alongside you to love you, to pour into you, and figure out how we can pour into you, and figure out how we can pour into you, and figure out how we can help you advance in whichever part of help you advance in whichever part of help you advance in whichever part of your journey uh that you're growing in your journey uh that you're growing in your journey uh that you're growing in today. So, don't forget that. Like I today. So, don't forget that. Like I today. So, don't forget that. Like I said, online groups. Our semester is said, online groups. Our semester is said, online groups. Our semester is launching and and so uh we have a online launching and and so uh we have a online launching and and so uh we have a online group. We just started it this summer. group. We just started it this summer. group. We just started it this summer. And so if you're looking to get And so if you're looking to get And so if you're looking to get connected, fill that out. Uh uh and connected, fill that out. Uh uh and connected, fill that out. Uh uh and let's get you connected. It's happening let's get you connected. It's happening let's get you connected. It's happening on Sundays. And what I just love is it on Sundays. And what I just love is it on Sundays. And what I just love is it doesn't matter where you're at in the doesn't matter where you're at in the doesn't matter where you're at in the world, Tulsa, America, the world. world, Tulsa, America, the world. world, Tulsa, America, the world. Doesn't matter where you're at, you can Doesn't matter where you're at, you can Doesn't matter where you're at, you can get connected to a body of believers who get connected to a body of believers who get connected to a body of believers who are getting together and lifting each are getting together and lifting each are getting together and lifting each other up and becoming community even other up and becoming community even other up and becoming community even through distance. And so fill that out through distance. And so fill that out through distance. And so fill that out as we continue to grow. We we're going as we continue to grow. We we're going as we continue to grow. We we're going to launch more groups and maybe God is to launch more groups and maybe God is to launch more groups and maybe God is calling you to launch a group and to calling you to launch a group and to calling you to launch a group and to lead a group. We want to know about it.

lead a group. We want to know about it. lead a group. We want to know about it. We want to help resource you, assist We want to help resource you, assist We want to help resource you, assist you, and help launch you uh to continue you, and help launch you uh to continue you, and help launch you uh to continue to build community all throughout Tulsa, to build community all throughout Tulsa, to build community all throughout Tulsa, America, and the world. It's a blessing America, and the world. It's a blessing America, and the world. It's a blessing to be able to do what we're doing. And to be able to do what we're doing. And to be able to do what we're doing. And we're in the series called the table we're in the series called the table we're in the series called the table talking about the Lord's Supper and what talking about the Lord's Supper and what talking about the Lord's Supper and what does it mean and why do we take it? And does it mean and why do we take it? And does it mean and why do we take it? And uh Pastor Alex started that last week. uh Pastor Alex started that last week. uh Pastor Alex started that last week. if you weren't here, go back and uh if you weren't here, go back and uh if you weren't here, go back and uh connect with that, listen to that. Uh connect with that, listen to that. Uh connect with that, listen to that. Uh you can do that in the app or any of our you can do that in the app or any of our you can do that in the app or any of our online spaces, YouTube, Facebook, and online spaces, YouTube, Facebook, and online spaces, YouTube, Facebook, and that sort. This is week two of the that sort. This is week two of the that sort. This is week two of the table. And so, uh I just want to table. And so, uh I just want to table. And so, uh I just want to encourage you to grab your Bible, to encourage you to grab your Bible, to encourage you to grab your Bible, to grab your notebook, and grab your uh grab your notebook, and grab your uh grab your notebook, and grab your uh your pen and get ready, uh to actively your pen and get ready, uh to actively your pen and get ready, uh to actively listen. We talk about this of just not listen. We talk about this of just not listen. We talk about this of just not just sitting here and being a part of just sitting here and being a part of just sitting here and being a part of watching it, but really attending and watching it, but really attending and watching it, but really attending and and intentionally listening with the and intentionally listening with the and intentionally listening with the notes and the scripture and and even notes and the scripture and and even notes and the scripture and and even getting a a Bible. And I know that getting a a Bible. And I know that getting a a Bible. And I know that sometimes is weird, but go get a sometimes is weird, but go get a sometimes is weird, but go get a physical Bible, underline, circle. Uh we physical Bible, underline, circle. Uh we physical Bible, underline, circle. Uh we get to sit under Pastor Alex who is get to sit under Pastor Alex who is get to sit under Pastor Alex who is teaching us all kinds of of things and teaching us all kinds of of things and teaching us all kinds of of things and really insightful of what scripture says really insightful of what scripture says really insightful of what scripture says and the context and all of those things.

and the context and all of those things. and the context and all of those things. So, I don't want you to miss it. So, So, I don't want you to miss it. So, So, I don't want you to miss it. So, make sure you go grab those things uh so make sure you go grab those things uh so make sure you go grab those things uh so that you can take intentional notes, that you can take intentional notes, that you can take intentional notes, intentionally listening to God's word intentionally listening to God's word intentionally listening to God's word for you and for me. And for you and for me. And for you and for me. And uh each service we're we're taking the uh each service we're we're taking the uh each service we're we're taking the Lord's supper. And so, I would encourage Lord's supper. And so, I would encourage Lord's supper. And so, I would encourage you right now uh to find some elements you right now uh to find some elements you right now uh to find some elements uh some juice and some crackers. And uh uh some juice and some crackers. And uh uh some juice and some crackers. And uh at the end of service, pastor will walk at the end of service, pastor will walk at the end of service, pastor will walk us through that. And so, I want you to us through that. And so, I want you to us through that. And so, I want you to be prepared for that right now. Uh so, be prepared for that right now. Uh so, be prepared for that right now. Uh so, when we get to that moment, you're ready when we get to that moment, you're ready when we get to that moment, you're ready for it. But as we just uh reflect on for it. But as we just uh reflect on for it. But as we just uh reflect on that and as we talk about the Lord's that and as we talk about the Lord's that and as we talk about the Lord's supper, I just want to encourage you uh supper, I just want to encourage you uh supper, I just want to encourage you uh that hey, the Lord's sacrifice for you that hey, the Lord's sacrifice for you that hey, the Lord's sacrifice for you and for me is so that we can help other and for me is so that we can help other and for me is so that we can help other people. One, we can be saved, but two, people. One, we can be saved, but two, people. One, we can be saved, but two, we can help other people know his hope we can help other people know his hope we can help other people know his hope and know his grace. And so next week we and know his grace. And so next week we and know his grace. And so next week we have Gospel Sunday. And I want to have Gospel Sunday. And I want to have Gospel Sunday. And I want to encourage you, who are you investing in encourage you, who are you investing in encourage you, who are you investing in so we can invite them so you can invite so we can invite them so you can invite so we can invite them so you can invite them to church? Uh it's Gospel Sunday, them to church? Uh it's Gospel Sunday, them to church? Uh it's Gospel Sunday, which just means that we make it really which just means that we make it really which just means that we make it really simple. pastor teaches a message that is simple. pastor teaches a message that is simple. pastor teaches a message that is the gospel. Simple so they can the gospel. Simple so they can the gospel. Simple so they can understand and have an opportunity to understand and have an opportunity to understand and have an opportunity to receive uh the love of Jesus and to make receive uh the love of Jesus and to make receive uh the love of Jesus and to make the most important decision that they'll the most important decision that they'll the most important decision that they'll ever make that week. So, who are you ever make that week. So, who are you ever make that week. So, who are you investing in? Who are you inviting this investing in? Who are you inviting this investing in? Who are you inviting this week? We put a bunch of names in the week? We put a bunch of names in the week? We put a bunch of names in the chat. We are praying for them this week chat. We are praying for them this week chat. We are praying for them this week specifically. And so, I want to specifically. And so, I want to specifically. And so, I want to encourage you if you didn't do that or encourage you if you didn't do that or encourage you if you didn't do that or you continue put that name in the chat you continue put that name in the chat you continue put that name in the chat right now. Let's continue to pray for right now. Let's continue to pray for right now. Let's continue to pray for them believing that God is going to open them believing that God is going to open them believing that God is going to open the opportunity for us to be able to the opportunity for us to be able to the opportunity for us to be able to invite them to church and to hear uh the invite them to church and to hear uh the invite them to church and to hear uh the gospel for some of them for the very gospel for some of them for the very gospel for some of them for the very first time. So, let me pray and we'll first time. So, let me pray and we'll first time. So, let me pray and we'll jump into our message today. God, we're

jump into our message today. God, we're jump into our message today. God, we're so thankful for you. I pray that you so thankful for you. I pray that you so thankful for you. I pray that you would bless us, that you'd be with us, would bless us, that you'd be with us, would bless us, that you'd be with us, that you'd open our hearts and our ears that you'd open our hearts and our ears that you'd open our hearts and our ears to hear the word that you have for us to hear the word that you have for us to hear the word that you have for us today. God, we love you. We thank you. today. God, we love you. We thank you. today. God, we love you. We thank you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Well, Good morning, church.

Well, Good morning, church. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> It is so good to be with you. I want us >> It is so good to be with you. I want us >> It is so good to be with you. I want us to pray together if we could before we to pray together if we could before we to pray together if we could before we jump in uh to the Bible content. Would jump in uh to the Bible content. Would jump in uh to the Bible content. Would you just lay your hands open on your lap you just lay your hands open on your lap you just lay your hands open on your lap and in your own words, would you just and in your own words, would you just and in your own words, would you just ask the Holy Spirit to make known to you ask the Holy Spirit to make known to you ask the Holy Spirit to make known to you the very presence of God today the very presence of God today the very presence of God today and that it would be in you and on you and that it would be in you and on you and that it would be in you and on you and all around you? W would you ask him and all around you? W would you ask him and all around you? W would you ask him today to take the written word of God today to take the written word of God today to take the written word of God and let it jump off the pages into your and let it jump off the pages into your and let it jump off the pages into your spirit and into your soul and that you spirit and into your soul and that you spirit and into your soul and that you would have eyes to see, ears to hear, would have eyes to see, ears to hear, would have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to comprehend the very and a heart to comprehend the very and a heart to comprehend the very presence of God in your life today in presence of God in your life today in presence of God in your life today in Jesus name we pray. And together we all Jesus name we pray. And together we all Jesus name we pray. And together we all say amen. Now I want you to as we begin say amen. Now I want you to as we begin say amen. Now I want you to as we begin to imagine with me, okay? And if you to imagine with me, okay? And if you to imagine with me, okay? And if you have a hard time imagining, close your have a hard time imagining, close your have a hard time imagining, close your eyes. But but I want you to imagine a a eyes. But but I want you to imagine a a eyes. But but I want you to imagine a a big table right here on the stage in big table right here on the stage in big table right here on the stage in front of me. All of our campuses, I want front of me. All of our campuses, I want front of me. All of our campuses, I want you to imagine this uh ornate table and you to imagine this uh ornate table and you to imagine this uh ornate table and it is gold and it has all kinds of it is gold and it has all kinds of it is gold and it has all kinds of ornate details. Something that would fit ornate details. Something that would fit ornate details. Something that would fit in the Oval Office today. Don't don't in the Oval Office today. Don't don't in the Oval Office today. Don't don't get that out of your head. But but I get that out of your head. But but I get that out of your head. But but I want you to see this ornate golden uh want you to see this ornate golden uh want you to see this ornate golden uh table. And I want you to envision or table. And I want you to envision or table. And I want you to envision or imagine a priest walking up to this imagine a priest walking up to this imagine a priest walking up to this table. And on this table is a picture a table. And on this table is a picture a table. And on this table is a picture a and a of wine and a cup. And the priest and a of wine and a cup. And the priest and a of wine and a cup. And the priest takes the picture and fills the cup with takes the picture and fills the cup with takes the picture and fills the cup with wine. And then he takes that cup and wine. And then he takes that cup and wine. And then he takes that cup and sets it next to uh some bread. Now do sets it next to uh some bread. Now do sets it next to uh some bread. Now do you have that image in your mind? If you

you have that image in your mind? If you you have that image in your mind? If you have that image in your mind, I I want have that image in your mind, I I want have that image in your mind, I I want to ask you just show of hands. H how to ask you just show of hands. H how to ask you just show of hands. H how many of you in your mind envisioned a many of you in your mind envisioned a many of you in your mind envisioned a priest that looked something like that? priest that looked something like that? priest that looked something like that? Okay, a lot of you. Uh but but I Okay, a lot of you. Uh but but I Okay, a lot of you. Uh but but I actually had in mind a priest that actually had in mind a priest that actually had in mind a priest that looked more like that, right? a Jewish looked more like that, right? a Jewish looked more like that, right? a Jewish uh priest. If you got your Bible, turn uh priest. If you got your Bible, turn uh priest. If you got your Bible, turn to Exodus 25. And I want to show you to Exodus 25. And I want to show you to Exodus 25. And I want to show you something today that God in in this something today that God in in this something today that God in in this chapter is giving Moses some chapter is giving Moses some chapter is giving Moses some instructions for building the instructions for building the instructions for building the tabernacle. The tabernacle was where tabernacle. The tabernacle was where tabernacle. The tabernacle was where Moses went into this tent every day to Moses went into this tent every day to Moses went into this tent every day to meet with God. It is also the place meet with God. It is also the place meet with God. It is also the place where uh Israel made their sacrifices to where uh Israel made their sacrifices to where uh Israel made their sacrifices to God in in the promised land before God in in the promised land before God in in the promised land before Solomon got around to building the Solomon got around to building the Solomon got around to building the temple. And as God is laying out the temple. And as God is laying out the temple. And as God is laying out the details for how he wants this tabernacle details for how he wants this tabernacle details for how he wants this tabernacle to be uh constructed, which by the way, to be uh constructed, which by the way, to be uh constructed, which by the way, all of these details would translate and all of these details would translate and all of these details would translate and be repeated in the temple. Look at what be repeated in the temple. Look at what be repeated in the temple. Look at what he says uh to Moses. Here's what he he says uh to Moses. Here's what he he says uh to Moses. Here's what he says. Then make a table of acacia wood.

says. Then make a table of acacia wood. says. Then make a table of acacia wood. Overlay it with pure gold and run gold Overlay it with pure gold and run gold Overlay it with pure gold and run gold molding all around uh the edges. So So molding all around uh the edges. So So molding all around uh the edges. So So it's a table that is golden all around it's a table that is golden all around it's a table that is golden all around with intricate details. And he explains with intricate details. And he explains with intricate details. And he explains what the table will be used uh for. what the table will be used uh for. what the table will be used uh for. Let's keep reading. He says, "Make Let's keep reading. He says, "Make Let's keep reading. He says, "Make special containers of pure gold for the special containers of pure gold for the special containers of pure gold for the table. Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars table. Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars table. Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars to be used in pouring out liquid to be used in pouring out liquid to be used in pouring out liquid offerings. uh place the bread, circle offerings. uh place the bread, circle offerings. uh place the bread, circle these words, place the bread of the these words, place the bread of the these words, place the bread of the presence on the table to remain before presence on the table to remain before presence on the table to remain before me at all times. In other words, this me at all times. In other words, this me at all times. In other words, this table is specifically designed for the table is specifically designed for the table is specifically designed for the bread of the presence. And I want to get bread of the presence. And I want to get bread of the presence. And I want to get into that today and talk about that into that today and talk about that into that today and talk about that today. But first, let me explain a today. But first, let me explain a today. But first, let me explain a little bit of the whole layout of the little bit of the whole layout of the little bit of the whole layout of the whole uh tabernacle. We've done this whole uh tabernacle. We've done this whole uh tabernacle. We've done this before, but let me just remind you, before, but let me just remind you, before, but let me just remind you, okay, there there are three sections uh okay, there there are three sections uh okay, there there are three sections uh to the tabernacle. You got the outer to the tabernacle. You got the outer to the tabernacle. You got the outer court, the inner court or the holy place court, the inner court or the holy place court, the inner court or the holy place and the holy uh of holies. And in the and the holy uh of holies. And in the and the holy uh of holies. And in the outer court you have the basin and the outer court you have the basin and the outer court you have the basin and the altar for uh sacrifice. In the holy altar for uh sacrifice. In the holy altar for uh sacrifice. In the holy place you have the lampstand, the altar place you have the lampstand, the altar place you have the lampstand, the altar of incense and this table of the of incense and this table of the of incense and this table of the presence. And then you have in the holy presence. And then you have in the holy presence. And then you have in the holy of holies, the ark of the covenant. And of holies, the ark of the covenant. And of holies, the ark of the covenant. And only the high priest could go past this only the high priest could go past this only the high priest could go past this curtain and only once a year on behalf curtain and only once a year on behalf curtain and only once a year on behalf of the people. the priest in general, of the people. the priest in general, of the people. the priest in general, not the high the high priest, but the not the high the high priest, but the not the high the high priest, but the priest in general could go as far as the priest in general could go as far as the priest in general could go as far as the holy uh place, but they could not go

holy uh place, but they could not go holy uh place, but they could not go into the holy of holies. It was in this into the holy of holies. It was in this into the holy of holies. It was in this place, if you remember, where John the place, if you remember, where John the place, if you remember, where John the Baptist dad, his name was Zachariah, who Baptist dad, his name was Zachariah, who Baptist dad, his name was Zachariah, who was a priest, got the vision from the was a priest, got the vision from the was a priest, got the vision from the Lord. He he was lighting the candles at Lord. He he was lighting the candles at Lord. He he was lighting the candles at the lampstand, and the angel visited the lampstand, and the angel visited the lampstand, and the angel visited him, and he got the vision that John the him, and he got the vision that John the him, and he got the vision that John the Baptist uh was going to be uh born. Now Baptist uh was going to be uh born. Now Baptist uh was going to be uh born. Now the average Jewish person could go as the average Jewish person could go as the average Jewish person could go as far as the outer court but they could far as the outer court but they could far as the outer court but they could not go into uh the holy place. Now this not go into uh the holy place. Now this not go into uh the holy place. Now this is all laid out for us in the books of is all laid out for us in the books of is all laid out for us in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Okay. And and the Exodus and Leviticus. Okay. And and the Exodus and Leviticus. Okay. And and the most important part clearly in this most important part clearly in this most important part clearly in this whole diagram is this the ark of the whole diagram is this the ark of the whole diagram is this the ark of the covenant. It was central and the most covenant. It was central and the most covenant. It was central and the most important part of the tabernacle. It's important part of the tabernacle. It's important part of the tabernacle. It's where God comes down by his spirit to where God comes down by his spirit to where God comes down by his spirit to visit the people uh through the high visit the people uh through the high visit the people uh through the high priest. And we've talked about this priest. And we've talked about this priest. And we've talked about this before, but we really just skimmed over before, but we really just skimmed over before, but we really just skimmed over and skipped over this the table of the and skipped over this the table of the and skipped over this the table of the presence. Do you know it's always listed presence. Do you know it's always listed presence. Do you know it's always listed and all of the listings in the Bible. and all of the listings in the Bible. and all of the listings in the Bible. Second, in other words, it's most Second, in other words, it's most Second, in other words, it's most important only after uh the ark of the important only after uh the ark of the important only after uh the ark of the covenant. A and some of you who were covenant. A and some of you who were covenant. A and some of you who were raised in church and some uh certain raised in church and some uh certain raised in church and some uh certain brands of churches, you you heard this brands of churches, you you heard this brands of churches, you you heard this bread referred to as showbread. How many bread referred to as showbread. How many bread referred to as showbread. How many of you heard that before? Okay. Okay, of you heard that before? Okay. Okay, of you heard that before? Okay. Okay, it's a very King James version or TBN it's a very King James version or TBN it's a very King James version or TBN version of this word, right? But but version of this word, right? But but version of this word, right? But but it's actually should be translated the it's actually should be translated the it's actually should be translated the bread of the presence, the table of the bread of the presence, the table of the bread of the presence, the table of the bread of the presence. So, what is bread of the presence. So, what is bread of the presence. So, what is showbre or what is the uh bread of uh

showbre or what is the uh bread of uh showbre or what is the uh bread of uh the presence? Some people uh some of you the presence? Some people uh some of you the presence? Some people uh some of you are into sourdough and all of this. I are into sourdough and all of this. I are into sourdough and all of this. I sent Meredith to a 13-hour class and and sent Meredith to a 13-hour class and and sent Meredith to a 13-hour class and and uh one loaf is all she ever made. like a uh one loaf is all she ever made. like a uh one loaf is all she ever made. like a and uh like I'm like they they they they and uh like I'm like they they they they and uh like I'm like they they they they teach the 13-hour version of it so you teach the 13-hour version of it so you teach the 13-hour version of it so you give up and just buy it uh from them. give up and just buy it uh from them. give up and just buy it uh from them. It's a great business model. But but but It's a great business model. But but but It's a great business model. But but but some people make bread that tastes good some people make bread that tastes good some people make bread that tastes good and it's not really for show, right? and it's not really for show, right? and it's not really for show, right? Other people make bread and it's for Other people make bread and it's for Other people make bread and it's for show, but it doesn't always taste good. show, but it doesn't always taste good. show, but it doesn't always taste good. It's hard to put the two uh together. It's hard to put the two uh together. It's hard to put the two uh together. But when you study other religions, But when you study other religions, But when you study other religions, particularly in that day, one of the particularly in that day, one of the particularly in that day, one of the things that you'll find, it was very, things that you'll find, it was very, things that you'll find, it was very, very, very common for people to give to very, very common for people to give to very, very common for people to give to their deity food in those days. It was their deity food in those days. It was their deity food in those days. It was very common. Actually, today, you can very common. Actually, today, you can very common. Actually, today, you can still see this in Tulsa. You can see still see this in Tulsa. You can see still see this in Tulsa. You can see this in our city. If you ever visit a this in our city. If you ever visit a this in our city. If you ever visit a shop that that or a restaurant that is shop that that or a restaurant that is shop that that or a restaurant that is owned by a Buddhist, uh sometimes, if owned by a Buddhist, uh sometimes, if owned by a Buddhist, uh sometimes, if you're paying attention, over in the you're paying attention, over in the you're paying attention, over in the corner of the room, you'll see a little corner of the room, you'll see a little corner of the room, you'll see a little uh Buddha uh doll with a plate in front uh Buddha uh doll with a plate in front uh Buddha uh doll with a plate in front of it with food on it, usually oranges, of it with food on it, usually oranges, of it with food on it, usually oranges, right? And and it's laid uh before them.

right? And and it's laid uh before them. right? And and it's laid uh before them. And that is them providing food as an And that is them providing food as an And that is them providing food as an offering to their god. That's what offering to their god. That's what offering to their god. That's what they're doing. And I would never say they're doing. And I would never say they're doing. And I would never say this uh in there, but I do think it, and this uh in there, but I do think it, and this uh in there, but I do think it, and this is my confession to you. Buddha this is my confession to you. Buddha this is my confession to you. Buddha didn't get that belly by eating oranges, didn't get that belly by eating oranges, didn't get that belly by eating oranges, right? and and uh he he wants carbs and right? and and uh he he wants carbs and right? and and uh he he wants carbs and the bread is what is what Buddha want. the bread is what is what Buddha want. the bread is what is what Buddha want. But but but if you study religion, you But but but if you study religion, you But but but if you study religion, you might be tempted to think when you read might be tempted to think when you read might be tempted to think when you read Exodus 25, oh this is the Israelites, Exodus 25, oh this is the Israelites, Exodus 25, oh this is the Israelites, the people of God, copying the very the people of God, copying the very the people of God, copying the very customs of their day that they're customs of their day that they're customs of their day that they're they're doing the very same thing that they're doing the very same thing that they're doing the very same thing that they saw other people do and they they saw other people do and they they saw other people do and they decided to do it, too. Isn't it neat decided to do it, too. Isn't it neat decided to do it, too. Isn't it neat that they're giving their God uh Yahweh that they're giving their God uh Yahweh that they're giving their God uh Yahweh some bread? But that is not at all some bread? But that is not at all some bread? But that is not at all what's going on here. Because this what's going on here. Because this what's going on here. Because this bread, the bread of the presence was not bread, the bread of the presence was not bread, the bread of the presence was not for God to eat. It was for the people uh for God to eat. It was for the people uh for God to eat. It was for the people uh the priest specifically to eat. Meaning the priest specifically to eat. Meaning the priest specifically to eat. Meaning that God is providing his people with a that God is providing his people with a that God is providing his people with a meal. And you can mark it down. Your meal. And you can mark it down. Your meal. And you can mark it down. Your God, the real God needs nothing uh from God, the real God needs nothing uh from God, the real God needs nothing uh from you, right? Not like little G uh gods.

you, right? Not like little G uh gods. you, right? Not like little G uh gods. He doesn't take from us. He he gives to He doesn't take from us. He he gives to He doesn't take from us. He he gives to us. Everything we have comes from God. us. Everything we have comes from God. us. Everything we have comes from God. And we understand that. We steward uh And we understand that. We steward uh And we understand that. We steward uh what the Lord puts in our hands. And what the Lord puts in our hands. And what the Lord puts in our hands. And anytime we give, we're giving back to anytime we give, we're giving back to anytime we give, we're giving back to our God. And anytime he asks us for our God. And anytime he asks us for our God. And anytime he asks us for something in our hands, it's simply so something in our hands, it's simply so something in our hands, it's simply so that he can get our hands open so that that he can get our hands open so that that he can get our hands open so that he can put something better in it so he can put something better in it so he can put something better in it so that we can bless others with it. It's that we can bless others with it. It's that we can bless others with it. It's always about what he wants for us and always about what he wants for us and always about what he wants for us and not what he wants uh from us. But this not what he wants uh from us. But this not what he wants uh from us. But this bread, the bread of the presence. And by bread, the bread of the presence. And by bread, the bread of the presence. And by the way, they were doing this in Jesus' the way, they were doing this in Jesus' the way, they were doing this in Jesus' day as well, is sort of a copy of the day as well, is sort of a copy of the day as well, is sort of a copy of the mana uh from heaven that rained down mana uh from heaven that rained down mana uh from heaven that rained down each morning in the nation or for the each morning in the nation or for the each morning in the nation or for the nation of Israel while they were in the nation of Israel while they were in the nation of Israel while they were in the wilderness. It was always a reminder wilderness. It was always a reminder wilderness. It was always a reminder that God met their needs day by day was that God met their needs day by day was that God met their needs day by day was meeting their needs. And God said of meeting their needs. And God said of meeting their needs. And God said of this bread in the tabernacle, it will this bread in the tabernacle, it will this bread in the tabernacle, it will remain before me at all times. meaning remain before me at all times. meaning remain before me at all times. meaning he will continually meet all of our he will continually meet all of our he will continually meet all of our needs. And here's the application for needs. And here's the application for needs. And here's the application for you today. God already made provision you today. God already made provision you today. God already made provision to meet your needs. He has all of the to meet your needs. He has all of the to meet your needs. He has all of the riches and glory, all of the resources riches and glory, all of the resources riches and glory, all of the resources that are needed, and he is ready and that are needed, and he is ready and that are needed, and he is ready and willing to meet your needs. Now, I said willing to meet your needs. Now, I said willing to meet your needs. Now, I said earlier this is all laid out in the book earlier this is all laid out in the book earlier this is all laid out in the book of Exodus, but it's also laid out in the of Exodus, but it's also laid out in the of Exodus, but it's also laid out in the book of Leviticus. Now, let me show you book of Leviticus. Now, let me show you book of Leviticus. Now, let me show you that. Okay? If you got your Bible, turn that. Okay? If you got your Bible, turn that. Okay? If you got your Bible, turn over Leviticus 24 uh4. And it says, "You over Leviticus 24 uh4. And it says, "You over Leviticus 24 uh4. And it says, "You must make 12 flat loaves of bread." I must make 12 flat loaves of bread." I must make 12 flat loaves of bread." I love this scripture, right? From choice love this scripture, right? From choice love this scripture, right? From choice flour using four quarts of flour uh for flour using four quarts of flour uh for flour using four quarts of flour uh for each loaf. Meaning these loaves were

each loaf. Meaning these loaves were each loaf. Meaning these loaves were huge. huge. huge. Four quarts is what the English Four quarts is what the English Four quarts is what the English translation says here. The Hebrew translation says here. The Hebrew translation says here. The Hebrew actually says 210 of an epha. Now, actually says 210 of an epha. Now, actually says 210 of an epha. Now, what's an epha? Because I I've never what's an epha? Because I I've never what's an epha? Because I I've never seen an epha. Is it metric? More seen an epha. Is it metric? More seen an epha. Is it metric? More importantly, is it gluten-free? Right. importantly, is it gluten-free? Right. importantly, is it gluten-free? Right. We hope not. But but I looked this up We hope not. But but I looked this up We hope not. But but I looked this up because I'm curious and I like bread. I because I'm curious and I like bread. I because I'm curious and I like bread. I wanted to know how big these loaves are. wanted to know how big these loaves are. wanted to know how big these loaves are. And if you follow this recipe of four And if you follow this recipe of four And if you follow this recipe of four quarts per uh loaf of bread, th this is quarts per uh loaf of bread, th this is quarts per uh loaf of bread, th this is uh what we came up with what it would uh what we came up with what it would uh what we came up with what it would look like. Okay? And this guy's six look like. Okay? And this guy's six look like. Okay? And this guy's six foot, right? foot, right? foot, right? 51. 51. 51. And there are 12 uh loaves. Okay? Each And there are 12 uh loaves. Okay? Each And there are 12 uh loaves. Okay? Each of these loaves is about five times the of these loaves is about five times the of these loaves is about five times the size the size of a loaf of wonderbread size the size of a loaf of wonderbread size the size of a loaf of wonderbread you would buy at the store. And there you would buy at the store. And there you would buy at the store. And there are 12 of them. Look at the scripture in are 12 of them. Look at the scripture in are 12 of them. Look at the scripture in verse 6. Place the bread before the Lord verse 6. Place the bread before the Lord verse 6. Place the bread before the Lord on the pure gold uh table and arrange on the pure gold uh table and arrange on the pure gold uh table and arrange the loaves in two stacks uh six loaves the loaves in two stacks uh six loaves the loaves in two stacks uh six loaves on each stack. 12 loaves total. Now why on each stack. 12 loaves total. Now why on each stack. 12 loaves total. Now why 12? Why were there 12? To represent the 12? Why were there 12? To represent the 12? Why were there 12? To represent the 12 tribes of Israel. 12 is an very 12 tribes of Israel. 12 is an very 12 tribes of Israel. 12 is an very important number. uh in the Bible it important number. uh in the Bible it important number. uh in the Bible it means completion in the organization and means completion in the organization and means completion in the organization and authority. It's God's authority, right?

authority. It's God's authority, right? authority. It's God's authority, right? Jacob had 12 sons. Israel had 12 tribes. Jacob had 12 sons. Israel had 12 tribes. Jacob had 12 sons. Israel had 12 tribes. There were 12 disciples. In the book of There were 12 disciples. In the book of There were 12 disciples. In the book of Revelation, there are 12 gates into Revelation, there are 12 gates into Revelation, there are 12 gates into heaven. And around God's throne, there heaven. And around God's throne, there heaven. And around God's throne, there are 12 thrones. In the New Testament, in are 12 thrones. In the New Testament, in are 12 thrones. In the New Testament, in Mark chapter 6, it says that Jesus took Mark chapter 6, it says that Jesus took Mark chapter 6, it says that Jesus took a little boy's lunch and fed thousands a little boy's lunch and fed thousands a little boy's lunch and fed thousands of people. He took some loaves and some of people. He took some loaves and some of people. He took some loaves and some fish and he fed thousands of people. And fish and he fed thousands of people. And fish and he fed thousands of people. And when they had all eaten all that they when they had all eaten all that they when they had all eaten all that they wanted, he had the disciples gather them wanted, he had the disciples gather them wanted, he had the disciples gather them up. And guess how many, Mark says, uh up. And guess how many, Mark says, uh up. And guess how many, Mark says, uh was were left over. 12 basket fulls was were left over. 12 basket fulls was were left over. 12 basket fulls again. God is reminding us through his again. God is reminding us through his again. God is reminding us through his word. His authority is complete and his word. His authority is complete and his word. His authority is complete and his provision is great. A a and his provision is great. A a and his provision is great. A a and his provision is tied to his promise. Now go provision is tied to his promise. Now go provision is tied to his promise. Now go back to uh Leviticus 24. Let's read the back to uh Leviticus 24. Let's read the back to uh Leviticus 24. Let's read the next verse. Every Sabbath day, this next verse. Every Sabbath day, this next verse. Every Sabbath day, this bread must be laid out before the Lord bread must be laid out before the Lord bread must be laid out before the Lord as a gift from the Israelites. It's an as a gift from the Israelites. It's an as a gift from the Israelites. It's an ongoing expression. Look at this phrase ongoing expression. Look at this phrase ongoing expression. Look at this phrase and underline this in your Bible. Of the and underline this in your Bible. Of the and underline this in your Bible. Of the eternal covenant. Now, these words are eternal covenant. Now, these words are eternal covenant. Now, these words are incredibly important. And I've talked incredibly important. And I've talked incredibly important. And I've talked about what a covenant is many times, but about what a covenant is many times, but about what a covenant is many times, but the Hebrew words here are bit olam.

the Hebrew words here are bit olam. the Hebrew words here are bit olam. Let's say that together. Bit olam. Bit Let's say that together. Bit olam. Bit Let's say that together. Bit olam. Bit means covenant or it means to cut, means covenant or it means to cut, means covenant or it means to cut, right? Because you always cut a covenant right? Because you always cut a covenant right? Because you always cut a covenant because a covenant required you giving because a covenant required you giving because a covenant required you giving up something of value. Olom means up something of value. Olom means up something of value. Olom means forever. So we are cutting forever or forever. So we are cutting forever or forever. So we are cutting forever or covenant forever or an eternal covenant covenant forever or an eternal covenant covenant forever or an eternal covenant meaning that that God's provision is meaning that that God's provision is meaning that that God's provision is forever and ever and always and always. forever and ever and always and always. forever and ever and always and always. And as a part of his covenant with his And as a part of his covenant with his And as a part of his covenant with his people, there is an expression or a people, there is an expression or a people, there is an expression or a provision to that covenant that he will provision to that covenant that he will provision to that covenant that he will take care of our needs. And when you get take care of our needs. And when you get take care of our needs. And when you get into the New Testament uh to the last into the New Testament uh to the last into the New Testament uh to the last supper, which is where the Lord's supper, which is where the Lord's supper, which is where the Lord's supper, which is what we're studying, supper, which is what we're studying, supper, which is what we're studying, began, listen to what Jesus said. This began, listen to what Jesus said. This began, listen to what Jesus said. This is a new covenant, a new covenant. And is a new covenant, a new covenant. And is a new covenant, a new covenant. And in this new covenant is an expression of in this new covenant is an expression of in this new covenant is an expression of the old covenant. meaning what God will, the old covenant. meaning what God will, the old covenant. meaning what God will, has, and is meeting all of our needs.

has, and is meeting all of our needs. has, and is meeting all of our needs. And the old covenant was looking forward And the old covenant was looking forward And the old covenant was looking forward to the new covenant. And the new to the new covenant. And the new to the new covenant. And the new covenant quite honestly uh gives o and covenant quite honestly uh gives o and covenant quite honestly uh gives o and looks back to the old covenant. And last looks back to the old covenant. And last looks back to the old covenant. And last week we spent the whole message talking week we spent the whole message talking week we spent the whole message talking about covenant meals. Why? about covenant meals. Why? about covenant meals. Why? Because every time someone in the Old Because every time someone in the Old Because every time someone in the Old Testament or in that culture made a Testament or in that culture made a Testament or in that culture made a covenant, they would sit down and eat a covenant, they would sit down and eat a covenant, they would sit down and eat a meal together. In Exodus 24, which is meal together. In Exodus 24, which is meal together. In Exodus 24, which is where we were last week, right? That's where we were last week, right? That's where we were last week, right? That's what God did. If you weren't here last what God did. If you weren't here last what God did. If you weren't here last week, go back and online and watch last week, go back and online and watch last week, go back and online and watch last week's message because it's important to week's message because it's important to week's message because it's important to understand actually what I'm talking understand actually what I'm talking understand actually what I'm talking about today. But but that's Exodus 24 about today. But but that's Exodus 24 about today. But but that's Exodus 24 where we spent our whole time last week. where we spent our whole time last week. where we spent our whole time last week. The very next chapter, Exodus 25 is the The very next chapter, Exodus 25 is the The very next chapter, Exodus 25 is the chapter with the table of the bread that chapter with the table of the bread that chapter with the table of the bread that I just read to you from. That's what I just read to you from. That's what I just read to you from. That's what we're talking about today. Now, this is we're talking about today. Now, this is we're talking about today. Now, this is not in the Bible, but this is me filling not in the Bible, but this is me filling not in the Bible, but this is me filling in the blanks, okay? So, don't write in the blanks, okay? So, don't write in the blanks, okay? So, don't write this down. This is thus sayaith Alex, this down. This is thus sayaith Alex, this down. This is thus sayaith Alex, not the Lord. But in my mind, what not the Lord. But in my mind, what not the Lord. But in my mind, what happened happened happened is God had this meal with his buddies is God had this meal with his buddies is God had this meal with his buddies and he was like, I love this guys. This and he was like, I love this guys. This and he was like, I love this guys. This is so been so great. Le let's do this is so been so great. Le let's do this is so been so great. Le let's do this again. In fact, let's do this forever.

again. In fact, let's do this forever. again. In fact, let's do this forever. And and so he told Moses, "Make a And and so he told Moses, "Make a And and so he told Moses, "Make a tabernacle to meet with me in and make tabernacle to meet with me in and make tabernacle to meet with me in and make us a special table so that we can eat us a special table so that we can eat us a special table so that we can eat together." And every Sabbath, the priest together." And every Sabbath, the priest together." And every Sabbath, the priest would eat this meal as a way to would eat this meal as a way to would eat this meal as a way to celebrate the covenant meal with God. celebrate the covenant meal with God. celebrate the covenant meal with God. And today, we as the royal priesthood And today, we as the royal priesthood And today, we as the royal priesthood get to take that very same meal. But it get to take that very same meal. But it get to take that very same meal. But it was always meant, by the way, to be was always meant, by the way, to be was always meant, by the way, to be about all the people of God. In fact, in about all the people of God. In fact, in about all the people of God. In fact, in the Jewish calendar, there were three the Jewish calendar, there were three the Jewish calendar, there were three special uh holidays. They're called special uh holidays. They're called special uh holidays. They're called pilgrimage holidays. And I'm praying pilgrimage holidays. And I'm praying pilgrimage holidays. And I'm praying about thinking about this being the about thinking about this being the about thinking about this being the content for our Christmas series this uh content for our Christmas series this uh content for our Christmas series this uh December. But the three pilgrimage December. But the three pilgrimage December. But the three pilgrimage holidays were where every Jewish person holidays were where every Jewish person holidays were where every Jewish person was asked to come to Jerusalem. All of was asked to come to Jerusalem. All of was asked to come to Jerusalem. All of them. So that they could all celebrate them. So that they could all celebrate them. So that they could all celebrate all together. And at each of these three all together. And at each of these three all together. And at each of these three holidays, they are uh for for inquiring holidays, they are uh for for inquiring holidays, they are uh for for inquiring minds, the Passover, Pentecost, and minds, the Passover, Pentecost, and minds, the Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Tabernacles. Tabernacles. On those three Sabbath days, the priest On those three Sabbath days, the priest On those three Sabbath days, the priest would go into that holy place and would would go into that holy place and would would go into that holy place and would bring the table out and set it before bring the table out and set it before bring the table out and set it before the people where everyone could see the the people where everyone could see the the people where everyone could see the bread a and the table. And then the bread a and the table. And then the bread a and the table. And then the priests would pick up the bread, which priests would pick up the bread, which priests would pick up the bread, which this is made, by the way, with four this is made, by the way, with four this is made, by the way, with four quarts. I wish you could feel how heavy quarts. I wish you could feel how heavy quarts. I wish you could feel how heavy uh th this thing is. A and the priests uh th this thing is. A and the priests uh th this thing is. A and the priests would then pick up the bread and they would then pick up the bread and they would then pick up the bread and they would wave the bread in front of the would wave the bread in front of the would wave the bread in front of the whole crowd. And all of Jerusalem uh whole crowd. And all of Jerusalem uh whole crowd. And all of Jerusalem uh could could see the bread. And by the could could see the bread. And by the could could see the bread. And by the way, uh, ancient legend says that that way, uh, ancient legend says that that way, uh, ancient legend says that that bread would glow.

bread would glow. bread would glow. And the priest would then take the And the priest would then take the And the priest would then take the bread, hold it above its head, his head, bread, hold it above its head, his head, bread, hold it above its head, his head, and and and say to the people, listen and and and say to the people, listen and and and say to the people, listen what the priest would say. Behold God's what the priest would say. Behold God's what the priest would say. Behold God's love for you. love for you. love for you. Behold Behold Behold God's love God's love God's love for you. for you. for you. And that Hebrew word that the priest And that Hebrew word that the priest And that Hebrew word that the priest would use for love would use for love would use for love is the Hebrew word hessid. is the Hebrew word hessid. is the Hebrew word hessid. And it's not love like I love my dog. And it's not love like I love my dog. And it's not love like I love my dog. It means covenant faithfulness. It means covenant faithfulness. It means covenant faithfulness. It's a marriage bond. In fact, I use the It's a marriage bond. In fact, I use the It's a marriage bond. In fact, I use the word covenant uh through throughout the word covenant uh through throughout the word covenant uh through throughout the whole ceremony anytime I perform a a whole ceremony anytime I perform a a whole ceremony anytime I perform a a wedding ceremony. And here's the point. wedding ceremony. And here's the point. wedding ceremony. And here's the point. The bread is a sign that God keeps his The bread is a sign that God keeps his The bread is a sign that God keeps his covenant and that his love for us is so covenant and that his love for us is so covenant and that his love for us is so strong that it actually creates an strong that it actually creates an strong that it actually creates an eternal covenant. Meaning it goes on eternal covenant. Meaning it goes on eternal covenant. Meaning it goes on forever.

forever. forever. Now, if if the legend is true that the Now, if if the legend is true that the Now, if if the legend is true that the bread would glow, wh why would it glow? bread would glow, wh why would it glow? bread would glow, wh why would it glow? Some sort of radioactive or Some sort of radioactive or Some sort of radioactive or glow-in-the-dark flower? No. It remember glow-in-the-dark flower? No. It remember glow-in-the-dark flower? No. It remember what else was in the holy place across what else was in the holy place across what else was in the holy place across from the table? from the table? from the table? the lampstand the lampstand the lampstand and the lampstand also represented the and the lampstand also represented the and the lampstand also represented the presence of God. John 1:4 says the word presence of God. John 1:4 says the word presence of God. John 1:4 says the word which is who? which is who? which is who? Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The word who is Jesus brought light to The word who is Jesus brought light to The word who is Jesus brought light to all people. 1 John 15 says God is light all people. 1 John 15 says God is light all people. 1 John 15 says God is light and in him there is no darkness. God and in him there is no darkness. God and in him there is no darkness. God resides in the light. Meaning what? If resides in the light. Meaning what? If resides in the light. Meaning what? If you want to be with God, you have to be you want to be with God, you have to be you want to be with God, you have to be in the light. So the bread of his in the light. So the bread of his in the light. So the bread of his presence is sitting in the light of his presence is sitting in the light of his presence is sitting in the light of his presence and it represents the purity of presence and it represents the purity of presence and it represents the purity of his light and who he is. Right? his light and who he is. Right? his light and who he is. Right? Everybody say amen. Everybody say amen. Everybody say amen. >> In fact, the word for presence in the >> In fact, the word for presence in the >> In fact, the word for presence in the Hebrew is the word panin.

Hebrew is the word panin. Hebrew is the word panin. Sounds a lot like panera, Sounds a lot like panera, Sounds a lot like panera, which not same root word at all. But let which not same root word at all. But let which not same root word at all. But let me show you something. In the Hebrew me show you something. In the Hebrew me show you something. In the Hebrew language, it's always significant. The language, it's always significant. The language, it's always significant. The first letter of the word panim is the first letter of the word panim is the first letter of the word panim is the Hebrew letter called pay which is Hebrew letter called pay which is Hebrew letter called pay which is basically our P. And in their minds the basically our P. And in their minds the basically our P. And in their minds the pay looks like the face of a person. Let pay looks like the face of a person. Let pay looks like the face of a person. Let me show you me show you me show you right. You see it. right. You see it. right. You see it. And the whole concept in the Hebrew And the whole concept in the Hebrew And the whole concept in the Hebrew mindset is the reason this word who mindset is the reason this word who mindset is the reason this word who begins with pay the face it it begins with pay the face it it begins with pay the face it it represents presence means presence is represents presence means presence is represents presence means presence is face to face. To see someone's face face to face. To see someone's face face to face. To see someone's face requires you are present with them. So requires you are present with them. So requires you are present with them. So the bread of the presence watch this is the bread of the presence watch this is the bread of the presence watch this is the visible sign of the invisible face the visible sign of the invisible face the visible sign of the invisible face of God. Jesus said in John 14:9, "If you of God. Jesus said in John 14:9, "If you of God. Jesus said in John 14:9, "If you have seen me, you have seen the father." have seen me, you have seen the father." have seen me, you have seen the father." And he told his disciples, "When you are And he told his disciples, "When you are And he told his disciples, "When you are in my presence, it's the same as being in my presence, it's the same as being in my presence, it's the same as being face to face with father god." But it face to face with father god." But it face to face with father god." But it also means this that the Lord's supper also means this that the Lord's supper also means this that the Lord's supper is a visible sign of the invisible is a visible sign of the invisible is a visible sign of the invisible presence of God. And when we take the presence of God. And when we take the presence of God. And when we take the Lord's supper, it's not some snack. It's Lord's supper, it's not some snack. It's Lord's supper, it's not some snack. It's an invitation an invitation an invitation into the very presence of God, into the into the very presence of God, into the into the very presence of God, into the presence of God, the face of God, which presence of God, the face of God, which presence of God, the face of God, which is powerful uh imagery for us to ponder.

is powerful uh imagery for us to ponder. is powerful uh imagery for us to ponder. In fact, this whole idea of the presence In fact, this whole idea of the presence In fact, this whole idea of the presence of the Lord's uh presence of Jesus in of the Lord's uh presence of Jesus in of the Lord's uh presence of Jesus in the Lord's supper has led to this huge the Lord's supper has led to this huge the Lord's supper has led to this huge centurylong debate in in Christianity. centurylong debate in in Christianity. centurylong debate in in Christianity. Now, it's only in Christianity. No one Now, it's only in Christianity. No one Now, it's only in Christianity. No one outside the church even knows we fight outside the church even knows we fight outside the church even knows we fight about this. But but one group on one about this. But but one group on one about this. But but one group on one side of the equation says that the bread side of the equation says that the bread side of the equation says that the bread and the wine, the elements literally and the wine, the elements literally and the wine, the elements literally turn into the blood and the flesh of turn into the blood and the flesh of turn into the blood and the flesh of Jesus Christ. And the big theological Jesus Christ. And the big theological Jesus Christ. And the big theological word there is transubstantiation. word there is transubstantiation. word there is transubstantiation. And if you've never heard that word, And if you've never heard that word, And if you've never heard that word, don't worry about it because there's don't worry about it because there's don't worry about it because there's consubstantiation. There's a whole bunch consubstantiation. There's a whole bunch consubstantiation. There's a whole bunch of words in in this debate. And on one of words in in this debate. And on one of words in in this debate. And on one side of the equation is no, it doesn't side of the equation is no, it doesn't side of the equation is no, it doesn't mean anything. It's just a picture. And mean anything. It's just a picture. And mean anything. It's just a picture. And on the other side is no, it literally on the other side is no, it literally on the other side is no, it literally turns into the blood and flesh of Jesus. turns into the blood and flesh of Jesus. turns into the blood and flesh of Jesus. And there's a group in the middle that And there's a group in the middle that And there's a group in the middle that says, "No, no, no. It doesn't actually says, "No, no, no. It doesn't actually says, "No, no, no. It doesn't actually turn into the flesh and the blood of turn into the flesh and the blood of turn into the flesh and the blood of Jesus." But when you do this, the Jesus." But when you do this, the Jesus." But when you do this, the presence of Jesus actually falls. And presence of Jesus actually falls. And presence of Jesus actually falls. And they're trying to have it both ways in they're trying to have it both ways in they're trying to have it both ways in in this argument. But you need to know in this argument. But you need to know in this argument. But you need to know this. The Bible never says this. The Bible never says this. The Bible never says that the elements turn into the literal that the elements turn into the literal that the elements turn into the literal body and blood of Jesus. That idea body and blood of Jesus. That idea body and blood of Jesus. That idea actually comes from a misunderstanding actually comes from a misunderstanding actually comes from a misunderstanding of what Jesus said. But what every of what Jesus said. But what every of what Jesus said. But what every scholar knows that Jesus said was, "When scholar knows that Jesus said was, "When scholar knows that Jesus said was, "When you do this, do this in remembrance of you do this, do this in remembrance of you do this, do this in remembrance of me." In fact, he said it more than once.

me." In fact, he said it more than once. me." In fact, he said it more than once. And when Jesus said, "Do this in And when Jesus said, "Do this in And when Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." Look, what he was remembrance of me." Look, what he was remembrance of me." Look, what he was saying is this is a sign that points to saying is this is a sign that points to saying is this is a sign that points to me. me. me. And logic would say the sign can never And logic would say the sign can never And logic would say the sign can never be the real thing. Right? Make sense? be the real thing. Right? Make sense? be the real thing. Right? Make sense? Nod your head this way. Make sense, Nod your head this way. Make sense, Nod your head this way. Make sense, right? This is good teaching. Come on right? This is good teaching. Come on right? This is good teaching. Come on now. This is good teaching. now. This is good teaching. now. This is good teaching. Back back in Exodus 33:1, Back back in Exodus 33:1, Back back in Exodus 33:1, it says that Moses would meet with God. it says that Moses would meet with God. it says that Moses would meet with God. Do you remember what it said? He would Do you remember what it said? He would Do you remember what it said? He would meet with God in a very particular way, meet with God in a very particular way, meet with God in a very particular way, face to face. And do you remember when face to face. And do you remember when face to face. And do you remember when Moses had met with God and he would come Moses had met with God and he would come Moses had met with God and he would come out of the tabernacle or he would come out of the tabernacle or he would come out of the tabernacle or he would come down the uh mountain, his face would down the uh mountain, his face would down the uh mountain, his face would glow. Just being in the presence of God glow. Just being in the presence of God glow. Just being in the presence of God made his face uh glow. And the made his face uh glow. And the made his face uh glow. And the Israelites were like, "You got to put a Israelites were like, "You got to put a Israelites were like, "You got to put a veil over that, Moses. That's too much veil over that, Moses. That's too much veil over that, Moses. That's too much for us." Meaning what? that that they for us." Meaning what? that that they for us." Meaning what? that that they were not ready for that level of God's were not ready for that level of God's were not ready for that level of God's presence yet. And you say, "Well, that's presence yet. And you say, "Well, that's presence yet. And you say, "Well, that's Old Testament." I know, but it's Old Testament." I know, but it's Old Testament." I know, but it's explained in the New Testament. Let me explained in the New Testament. Let me explained in the New Testament. Let me show you what Paul has to say over in show you what Paul has to say over in show you what Paul has to say over in Second Corinthians. He says, "Even Second Corinthians. He says, "Even Second Corinthians. He says, "Even today." Say, "Today."

today." Say, "Today." today." Say, "Today." >> Even today, when they meet read Moses's >> Even today, when they meet read Moses's >> Even today, when they meet read Moses's writings, their hearts are covered with writings, their hearts are covered with writings, their hearts are covered with that veil and they do not understand. that veil and they do not understand. that veil and they do not understand. Meaning what? If you do not have a real Meaning what? If you do not have a real Meaning what? If you do not have a real intimate personal relationship with the intimate personal relationship with the intimate personal relationship with the living Jesus, you cannot possibly living Jesus, you cannot possibly living Jesus, you cannot possibly understand what I'm talking about today. understand what I'm talking about today. understand what I'm talking about today. You you you can't understand this. It's You you you can't understand this. It's You you you can't understand this. It's like a veil has been put over your face like a veil has been put over your face like a veil has been put over your face or put over your heart. It's too much. or put over your heart. It's too much. or put over your heart. It's too much. And there are people that you do life And there are people that you do life And there are people that you do life with with with that when you talk to them, God stuff, that when you talk to them, God stuff, that when you talk to them, God stuff, they don't get it right because there's they don't get it right because there's they don't get it right because there's a veil over their hearts. And you know a veil over their hearts. And you know a veil over their hearts. And you know this to be true. Those of you who came this to be true. Those of you who came this to be true. Those of you who came to Christ at a at an older age, you know to Christ at a at an older age, you know to Christ at a at an older age, you know it to be true in your own life. In the it to be true in your own life. In the it to be true in your own life. In the same way that people uh would talk to same way that people uh would talk to same way that people uh would talk to you about God stuff, it didn't connect you about God stuff, it didn't connect you about God stuff, it didn't connect with you in that day like it does today. with you in that day like it does today. with you in that day like it does today. But listen, that veil can be and is But listen, that veil can be and is But listen, that veil can be and is removed when someone comes to know Jesus removed when someone comes to know Jesus removed when someone comes to know Jesus personally. Look, look at what Paul goes personally. Look, look at what Paul goes personally. Look, look at what Paul goes on to say. Verse 16, but whenever on to say. Verse 16, but whenever on to say. Verse 16, but whenever someone turns to the Lord, look at what someone turns to the Lord, look at what someone turns to the Lord, look at what it says. Read it with me. The veil is it says. Read it with me. The veil is it says. Read it with me. The veil is taken away. Amen. For for the Lord is taken away. Amen. For for the Lord is taken away. Amen. For for the Lord is the spirit and wherever the spirit of the spirit and wherever the spirit of the spirit and wherever the spirit of the Lord is, there is say it freedom.

the Lord is, there is say it freedom. the Lord is, there is say it freedom. >> Freedom. >> Freedom. >> Freedom. A A A >> and and hear me. When you go from here >> and and hear me. When you go from here >> and and hear me. When you go from here today and you leave this place, you are today and you leave this place, you are today and you leave this place, you are taking with you the very presence of taking with you the very presence of taking with you the very presence of God. God. God. If you are in Christ, wherever you are, If you are in Christ, wherever you are, If you are in Christ, wherever you are, the presence of God is also that means the presence of God is also that means the presence of God is also that means when you invest in other people's lives when you invest in other people's lives when you invest in other people's lives by talking to them, by including them, by talking to them, by including them, by talking to them, by including them, by loving them, you're actually sharing by loving them, you're actually sharing by loving them, you're actually sharing the presence of God with them. And when the presence of God with them. And when the presence of God with them. And when they come into this place, they can they come into this place, they can they come into this place, they can experience that for themselves. And next experience that for themselves. And next experience that for themselves. And next week is one of the best opportunities in week is one of the best opportunities in week is one of the best opportunities in the church calendar for us to do that. the church calendar for us to do that. the church calendar for us to do that. Next week is what we call a gospel Next week is what we call a gospel Next week is what we call a gospel Sunday where where you and I invest in Sunday where where you and I invest in Sunday where where you and I invest in people's lives and invite them to come people's lives and invite them to come people's lives and invite them to come with us uh next Sunday and watch with with us uh next Sunday and watch with with us uh next Sunday and watch with our own eyes as God saves some of these our own eyes as God saves some of these our own eyes as God saves some of these men and women and boys and girls. But men and women and boys and girls. But men and women and boys and girls. But look what happens when we experience look what happens when we experience look what happens when we experience this freedom. this freedom. this freedom. So all of us who have had that veil So all of us who have had that veil So all of us who have had that veil removed can say it removed can say it removed can say it >> see and say it >> see and say it >> see and say it >> reflect.

>> reflect. >> reflect. See and reflect what? The glory of the See and reflect what? The glory of the See and reflect what? The glory of the Lord. Lord. Lord. A and the Lord who is the spirit makes A and the Lord who is the spirit makes A and the Lord who is the spirit makes us more and more like him as we are us more and more like him as we are us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Your changed into his glorious image. Your changed into his glorious image. Your presence in the presence of those who presence in the presence of those who presence in the presence of those who are not yet saved actually reflects the are not yet saved actually reflects the are not yet saved actually reflects the very presence of God so that they can very presence of God so that they can very presence of God so that they can see it too. This is why we sing and see it too. This is why we sing and see it too. This is why we sing and proclaim and declare his presence proclaim and declare his presence proclaim and declare his presence changes everything. And look, this has changes everything. And look, this has changes everything. And look, this has everything in the world to do with the everything in the world to do with the everything in the world to do with the presence of God. And in the Old presence of God. And in the Old presence of God. And in the Old Testament, the presence of God was Testament, the presence of God was Testament, the presence of God was reserved to the temple or or the reserved to the temple or or the reserved to the temple or or the tabernacle. But now the presence is with tabernacle. But now the presence is with tabernacle. But now the presence is with us through Jesus. And when we take the us through Jesus. And when we take the us through Jesus. And when we take the Lord's supper, it is looking back to the Lord's supper, it is looking back to the Lord's supper, it is looking back to the last supper, which was looking back to last supper, which was looking back to last supper, which was looking back to the Passover, which was looking back to the Passover, which was looking back to the Passover, which was looking back to the Exodus. But I have to tell you, it the Exodus. But I have to tell you, it the Exodus. But I have to tell you, it goes back even further than that to goes back even further than that to goes back even further than that to where Jesus shows up in the Old where Jesus shows up in the Old where Jesus shows up in the Old Testament. Let me show you what what I'm Testament. Let me show you what what I'm Testament. Let me show you what what I'm talking about. Same chapter, Exodus 25, talking about. Same chapter, Exodus 25, talking about. Same chapter, Exodus 25, makes special containers of pure gold makes special containers of pure gold makes special containers of pure gold for the table. We read this earlier.

for the table. We read this earlier. for the table. We read this earlier. Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars to be Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars to be Bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars to be used and pouring out. Watch this. Liquid offerings. Liquid offerings. And when you study that, the liquid And when you study that, the liquid And when you study that, the liquid offerings were always wine. offerings were always wine. offerings were always wine. In other words, on this table of the In other words, on this table of the In other words, on this table of the bread of the present were both bread and bread of the present were both bread and bread of the present were both bread and wine. wine. wine. Just like in the last supper, just like Just like in the last supper, just like Just like in the last supper, just like in the Lord's supper. But where where in the Lord's supper. But where where in the Lord's supper. But where where does this come from? Why is it that when does this come from? Why is it that when does this come from? Why is it that when Moses heard these instructions, he Moses heard these instructions, he Moses heard these instructions, he didn't have any questions for God? No didn't have any questions for God? No didn't have any questions for God? No follow-ups for for God. God, what do you follow-ups for for God. God, what do you follow-ups for for God. God, what do you mean? What what goes in the cup? What mean? What what goes in the cup? What mean? What what goes in the cup? What kind of bread? God Because he knew. kind of bread? God Because he knew. kind of bread? God Because he knew. Moses knew it was bread and wine. How Moses knew it was bread and wine. How Moses knew it was bread and wine. How did he know? Because Abraham 600 years did he know? Because Abraham 600 years did he know? Because Abraham 600 years earlier, right? All the way back in earlier, right? All the way back in earlier, right? All the way back in Genesis 14, Abraham shows up and meets a Genesis 14, Abraham shows up and meets a Genesis 14, Abraham shows up and meets a priest of Salem.

priest of Salem. priest of Salem. And every archaeologist will tell you And every archaeologist will tell you And every archaeologist will tell you Salem Salem Salem is Jerusalem. is Jerusalem. is Jerusalem. And the priest of Salem is a guy named And the priest of Salem is a guy named And the priest of Salem is a guy named Mechisedc. Mechisedc. Mechisedc. And and what happened when Abraham came And and what happened when Abraham came And and what happened when Abraham came to Salem? Mechisedc came out to meet to Salem? Mechisedc came out to meet to Salem? Mechisedc came out to meet Abraham and he brought two things with Abraham and he brought two things with Abraham and he brought two things with him. Anyone want to guess? him. Anyone want to guess? him. Anyone want to guess? Bread and wine. Bread and wine. Bread and wine. And in the New Testament in Matthew 12, And in the New Testament in Matthew 12, And in the New Testament in Matthew 12, the Pharisees are arguing with Jesus, the Pharisees are arguing with Jesus, the Pharisees are arguing with Jesus, which was their pastime and their hobby. which was their pastime and their hobby. which was their pastime and their hobby. They would have loved Twitter, right? Or They would have loved Twitter, right? Or They would have loved Twitter, right? Or X, right? X, right? X, right? So these Pharisees get mad at Jesus for So these Pharisees get mad at Jesus for So these Pharisees get mad at Jesus for what? what? what? for the disciples walking through the for the disciples walking through the for the disciples walking through the wheat fields wheat fields wheat fields and picking the wheat and eating it on and picking the wheat and eating it on and picking the wheat and eating it on the Sabbath day. the Sabbath day. the Sabbath day. Now, what's important is Jesus' argument Now, what's important is Jesus' argument Now, what's important is Jesus' argument because Jesus makes the argument with because Jesus makes the argument with because Jesus makes the argument with them that David, King David, did them that David, King David, did them that David, King David, did something very similar.

something very similar. something very similar. And he takes them back to a story found And he takes them back to a story found And he takes them back to a story found in 1st Samuel 12 where David is running in 1st Samuel 12 where David is running in 1st Samuel 12 where David is running from Saul and he's hungry. And he goes from Saul and he's hungry. And he goes from Saul and he's hungry. And he goes into the tabernacle and he says to the into the tabernacle and he says to the into the tabernacle and he says to the priest, "Do you have any food?" And the priest, "Do you have any food?" And the priest, "Do you have any food?" And the priest says, "All we have is the bread priest says, "All we have is the bread priest says, "All we have is the bread of the presence." A and David says, of the presence." A and David says, of the presence." A and David says, "Give it to me." And the priest says, "Give it to me." And the priest says, "Give it to me." And the priest says, "Sure, here it is." But the problem is "Sure, here it is." But the problem is "Sure, here it is." But the problem is this. Only priests could eat the bread this. Only priests could eat the bread this. Only priests could eat the bread of the presence. So what does Jesus say of the presence. So what does Jesus say of the presence. So what does Jesus say in the New Testament? He says David was in the New Testament? He says David was in the New Testament? He says David was allowed to do that. Why? Well, one allowed to do that. Why? Well, one allowed to do that. Why? Well, one argument is in Psalm 110, uh, God said argument is in Psalm 110, uh, God said argument is in Psalm 110, uh, God said of David, I made you a priest forever of David, I made you a priest forever of David, I made you a priest forever like a barit along. like a barit along. like a barit along. according to the order according to the order according to the order of MelkiseDC. of MelkiseDC. of MelkiseDC. Meaning that David was not a priest Meaning that David was not a priest Meaning that David was not a priest according to the line of Levi or Aaron. according to the line of Levi or Aaron. according to the line of Levi or Aaron. He was not a priest according to the He was not a priest according to the He was not a priest according to the covenant of Moses. He was a priest covenant of Moses. He was a priest covenant of Moses. He was a priest according to Melkisedc, the eternal according to Melkisedc, the eternal according to Melkisedc, the eternal priest who arrived with both bread and priest who arrived with both bread and priest who arrived with both bread and wine. Who according to most scholars, wine. Who according to most scholars, wine. Who according to most scholars, many scholars, MelkiseDC was Jesus in many scholars, MelkiseDC was Jesus in many scholars, MelkiseDC was Jesus in the flesh in the Old Testament.

the flesh in the Old Testament. the flesh in the Old Testament. according to all scholars was at minimum according to all scholars was at minimum according to all scholars was at minimum a prototype, a precursor of Jesus. So a prototype, a precursor of Jesus. So a prototype, a precursor of Jesus. So why could David eat the bread of the why could David eat the bread of the why could David eat the bread of the presence? Because of the eternal priest presence? Because of the eternal priest presence? Because of the eternal priest called Melzdc. called Melzdc. called Melzdc. And it's also why you and I can eat the And it's also why you and I can eat the And it's also why you and I can eat the bread of the Lord's supper because we bread of the Lord's supper because we bread of the Lord's supper because we are united with Christ, the forever are united with Christ, the forever are united with Christ, the forever Melkisedc. And today you and I take the Melkisedc. And today you and I take the Melkisedc. And today you and I take the bread and the wine of the Lord's supper. bread and the wine of the Lord's supper. bread and the wine of the Lord's supper. We're invited into the presence into the We're invited into the presence into the We're invited into the presence into the very presence of God. And I want you to very presence of God. And I want you to very presence of God. And I want you to envision every time you take the Lord's envision every time you take the Lord's envision every time you take the Lord's supper, your heavenly father pulling a supper, your heavenly father pulling a supper, your heavenly father pulling a chair out for you and saying, "Here, chair out for you and saying, "Here, chair out for you and saying, "Here, here, here, sit. here, here, sit. here, here, sit. Le let's sit together. Le let's sit together. Le let's sit together. Come into my presence." And today, we're Come into my presence." And today, we're Come into my presence." And today, we're going to take the Lord's supper. Would going to take the Lord's supper. Would going to take the Lord's supper. Would you go ahead and grab the elements that you go ahead and grab the elements that you go ahead and grab the elements that were on the chair when you came in this were on the chair when you came in this were on the chair when you came in this last week? A a good friend of mine last week? A a good friend of mine last week? A a good friend of mine told me that he couldn't figure out how told me that he couldn't figure out how told me that he couldn't figure out how to get the bread out of the the top.

to get the bread out of the the top. to get the bread out of the the top. He's an attorney. You pull the cellophane off the top You pull the cellophane off the top and slide the bread right off the top of and slide the bread right off the top of and slide the bread right off the top of the aluminum foil. the aluminum foil. the aluminum foil. And I want you to hold it in your hand And I want you to hold it in your hand And I want you to hold it in your hand and maybe maybe shut your eyes and maybe maybe shut your eyes and maybe maybe shut your eyes and I want you to ponder the presence of and I want you to ponder the presence of and I want you to ponder the presence of Jesus on the bread Jesus on the bread Jesus on the bread and the presence of Jesus in and on your and the presence of Jesus in and on your and the presence of Jesus in and on your life right now life right now life right now and the metaphor and the metaphor and the metaphor that the bread represents. that the bread represents. that the bread represents. And as you get ready to take the bread, And as you get ready to take the bread, And as you get ready to take the bread, would you ask the Lord to help you would you ask the Lord to help you would you ask the Lord to help you carry his presence carry his presence carry his presence to those who are veiled to those who are veiled to those who are veiled and need a relationship with Jesus this and need a relationship with Jesus this and need a relationship with Jesus this week? A and Jesus said th this is my body.

A and Jesus said th this is my body. Take it in remembrance of me. You can Take it in remembrance of me. You can Take it in remembrance of me. You can take the bread if you would to open the cup and hold it if you would to open the cup and hold it in your hand. And again, I I I want you to ponder and And again, I I I want you to ponder and envision Jesus taking that cup after envision Jesus taking that cup after envision Jesus taking that cup after supper and saying, "This cup is the new supper and saying, "This cup is the new supper and saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this whenever covenant in my blood. Do this whenever covenant in my blood. Do this whenever you drink it in in remembrance of me. you drink it in in remembrance of me. you drink it in in remembrance of me. For wherever you whenever you eat this For wherever you whenever you eat this For wherever you whenever you eat this bread, listen, and take this cup, listen bread, listen, and take this cup, listen bread, listen, and take this cup, listen to what Jesus says. You proclaim to what Jesus says. You proclaim to what Jesus says. You proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. the Lord's death until he comes. the Lord's death until he comes. And and so as you get ready to take the And and so as you get ready to take the And and so as you get ready to take the cup, would you pray that God would help cup, would you pray that God would help cup, would you pray that God would help you this week proclaim you this week proclaim you this week proclaim him him him to those who need him this week? to those who need him this week? to those who need him this week? Go ahead and take the cup if you would.

Could I pray over you? Lord, I thank you Could I pray over you? Lord, I thank you today today today that you've called us to be salt and that you've called us to be salt and that you've called us to be salt and light light light to a world that is perishing. to a world that is perishing. to a world that is perishing. And this week as we walk out of this And this week as we walk out of this And this week as we walk out of this place with your presence and your power, place with your presence and your power, place with your presence and your power, may you go before us to every may you go before us to every may you go before us to every interaction we'll have over the next six interaction we'll have over the next six interaction we'll have over the next six days. days. days. And would you make our feet beautiful, And would you make our feet beautiful, And would you make our feet beautiful, carrying the good news of Jesus? Would carrying the good news of Jesus? Would carrying the good news of Jesus? Would you give us the courage to invest in you give us the courage to invest in you give us the courage to invest in people's lives and invite them back to people's lives and invite them back to people's lives and invite them back to this place next weekend this place next weekend this place next weekend that they may experience the whole that they may experience the whole that they may experience the whole gospel. gospel. gospel. And we pray, Father, you would go before And we pray, Father, you would go before And we pray, Father, you would go before us and we declare on this end of this us and we declare on this end of this us and we declare on this end of this equation a week out, we can't save equation a week out, we can't save equation a week out, we can't save anybody, but Jesus, not only can you, anybody, but Jesus, not only can you, anybody, but Jesus, not only can you, you desire. And so I pray you would use you desire. And so I pray you would use you desire. And so I pray you would use this body today and all week long to this body today and all week long to this body today and all week long to invest in lives and invite people to invest in lives and invite people to invest in lives and invite people to this place next week that we may see this place next week that we may see this place next week that we may see with our own eyes people respond to the with our own eyes people respond to the with our own eyes people respond to the gospel, men and women and boys and girls gospel, men and women and boys and girls gospel, men and women and boys and girls and that the veil would actually be and that the veil would actually be and that the veil would actually be removed from their hearts and they would removed from their hearts and they would removed from their hearts and they would know you intimately and in a personal know you intimately and in a personal know you intimately and in a personal way. Father, go before us, in us, on us, way. Father, go before us, in us, on us, way. Father, go before us, in us, on us, all around us, underneath us, and behind all around us, underneath us, and behind all around us, underneath us, and behind us with the very presence of God. In us with the very presence of God. In us with the very presence of God. In Jesus' name we pray. And together we all Jesus' name we pray. And together we all Jesus' name we pray. And together we all say amen. And amen. Would you thank the say amen. And amen. Would you thank the say amen. And amen. Would you thank the Lord for meeting with us uh today.

What a great message from Pastor Alex What a great message from Pastor Alex today as that was week two of the table. today as that was week two of the table. today as that was week two of the table. and thankful that we were able to take and thankful that we were able to take and thankful that we were able to take uh the Lord's supper together as a body uh the Lord's supper together as a body uh the Lord's supper together as a body of believers. I'm thankful for the of believers. I'm thankful for the of believers. I'm thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus gave, right? John sacrifice that Jesus gave, right? John sacrifice that Jesus gave, right? John 3:16, for God so loved the world that he 3:16, for God so loved the world that he 3:16, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. And I'm gave his only begotten son. And I'm gave his only begotten son. And I'm truly so thankful to serve a God who's truly so thankful to serve a God who's truly so thankful to serve a God who's generous. And I'm so thankful to be a generous. And I'm so thankful to be a generous. And I'm so thankful to be a part of a church who follows that and is part of a church who follows that and is part of a church who follows that and is generous to helping people of all ages generous to helping people of all ages generous to helping people of all ages all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey with Christ. And uh we got to see that with Christ. And uh we got to see that with Christ. And uh we got to see that last week from all of the things that last week from all of the things that last week from all of the things that happened in the summer in church. I just happened in the summer in church. I just happened in the summer in church. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for want to say thank you. Thank you for want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in in in our church and what believing in in in our church and what believing in in in our church and what God is doing in and through Battle Creek God is doing in and through Battle Creek God is doing in and through Battle Creek Church. And hey, if you've never given Church. And hey, if you've never given Church. And hey, if you've never given before, I want to give you a chance to before, I want to give you a chance to before, I want to give you a chance to give right now. And uh they're going to give right now. And uh they're going to give right now. And uh they're going to put a link on the screen and a link in put a link on the screen and a link in put a link on the screen and a link in the chat. And I I just want to encourage the chat. And I I just want to encourage the chat. And I I just want to encourage you. And some of you maybe you're like, you. And some of you maybe you're like, you. And some of you maybe you're like, I've never given. And maybe today you're I've never given. And maybe today you're I've never given. And maybe today you're going to take a step, a very first step, going to take a step, a very first step, going to take a step, a very first step, an initial step to give for the very an initial step to give for the very an initial step to give for the very first time. I want to encourage you to first time. I want to encourage you to first time. I want to encourage you to do it. Uh I know it can be fearful at do it. Uh I know it can be fearful at do it. Uh I know it can be fearful at times, but we can trust the Lord. He times, but we can trust the Lord. He times, but we can trust the Lord. He talks about giving our our tithe, our talks about giving our our tithe, our talks about giving our our tithe, our 10% back to him. And uh it's it's a it's 10% back to him. And uh it's it's a it's 10% back to him. And uh it's it's a it's a trust thing. And so I want to a trust thing. And so I want to a trust thing. And so I want to encourage you to do that. Uh there's encourage you to do that. Uh there's encourage you to do that. Uh there's some ways for you, like I said, to do some ways for you, like I said, to do some ways for you, like I said, to do that on the screen. But church, I'm just that on the screen. But church, I'm just that on the screen. But church, I'm just thankful to be a part of a church, uh thankful to be a part of a church, uh thankful to be a part of a church, uh who who believes in that and is who who believes in that and is who who believes in that and is generous, uh with their giving. And so, generous, uh with their giving. And so, generous, uh with their giving. And so, uh hey, next week is Gospel Sunday. I uh hey, next week is Gospel Sunday. I uh hey, next week is Gospel Sunday. I want to encourage you to continue to want to encourage you to continue to want to encourage you to continue to invest and invite in people. Right now invest and invite in people. Right now invest and invite in people. Right now in the chat, would you do me this favor?

in the chat, would you do me this favor? in the chat, would you do me this favor? Would you put in the chat the name the Would you put in the chat the name the Would you put in the chat the name the first name of person you're praying for first name of person you're praying for first name of person you're praying for whether you're investing in or praying whether you're investing in or praying whether you're investing in or praying for them to come and to receive the for them to come and to receive the for them to come and to receive the gospel to receive that lifechanging gospel to receive that lifechanging gospel to receive that lifechanging uh decision that they would make. And so uh decision that they would make. And so uh decision that they would make. And so put that in there. We'd love to pray put that in there. We'd love to pray put that in there. We'd love to pray with you, partner with you and believing with you, partner with you and believing with you, partner with you and believing that God is going to do something in and that God is going to do something in and that God is going to do something in and through them. But know still have time. through them. But know still have time. through them. But know still have time. Invite people for next week. Um I'm Invite people for next week. Um I'm Invite people for next week. Um I'm excited for what God is going to do uh excited for what God is going to do uh excited for what God is going to do uh with Gospel Sunday. But know this, I'm with Gospel Sunday. But know this, I'm with Gospel Sunday. But know this, I'm praying for you this week. I'm praying praying for you this week. I'm praying praying for you this week. I'm praying as you invest and invite people. Have a as you invest and invite people. Have a as you invest and invite people. Have a fantastic week and I will see you next fantastic week and I will see you next fantastic week and I will see you next Sunday. Hey.

Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey,

Hey, hey, Hey Hey honey.