Royal Priesthood

Royal Priesthood

Dr. Jordon Gilmore Royal Priesthood Part of the Tabernacle Series What does it mean to be part of God's spiritual house? In this message, Jordon explores our identity as God's "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:4-10), showing that every believer has a unique role in God's Kingdom. In This Episode * We are "living stones" being built into God's spiritual house. * Our lives are designed with purpose—they're about God's Kingdom, not just our personal story. * Being included in God's work is a privilege, not a burden. * Every believer has the calling and responsibility of a priest. The Posture of a Priest A royal priest lives with: * A servant's heart—following Jesus, who came to serve, not be served. * Holiness—living intentionally, set apart for God's purposes. * Joyful participation in what God is building. Spiritual Sacrifices We Offer Because Christ became the perfect sacrifice for sin, we now offer spiritual sacrifices that honor God: * Praise – Speaking and singing God's goodness (Hebrews 13:15) * Joy – Choosing joy even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 27) * Our Lives – Presenting our everyday lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) * Generosity – Doing good and sharing with others (Hebrews 13:16) * Love – Sacrificially loving others, even when it isn't easy (1 Corinthians 13) True sacrifice often means offering these things when they cost us something. Our Priestly Assignment Priests didn't only offer sacrifices—they proclaimed God's greatness. As believers, we're called to proclaim "the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Our words should consistently point people toward God's faithfulness rather than simply echo the frustrations of our culture. Reflection Take a personal inventory this week: * Am I living with the posture of a servant? * What sacrifices am I regularly offering to God? * What am I proclaiming with my words? * How faithfully am I fulfilling my role as one of God's "living stones"? God is building something eternal—and every believer has an important place in His design.

Fatherhood - Embrace the Calling

Joshua Boyd Genesis 5:3 – Adam became the father of a son, Seth, who was "just like him, in his very image." Main Idea Fatherhood is not simply a consequence of having children—it is a calling from God. Just as mothers reflect God's nurturing nature, fathers reflect God's nature as an initiator. God has designed fathers to plant seeds, start things, and help shape the next generation. Lessons from the First Father *  Adam became a father after sin entered the world.  *  Like every father since, Adam was imperfect.  *  Cain and Abel remind us that no parent gets everything right.  *  God does not require perfection; He calls fathers to reflect His image and remain faithful.  The Purpose of a Father Throughout Scripture, the word "father" often refers to an initiator or founder: *  Abraham is called the father of faith.  *  Israel (Jacob) became the father of a nation.  *  Fathers are called to begin, plant, and initiate.  A father's role is to plant seeds—both natural and spiritual. The Power of Initiation Genesis 4:26 tells us that during the days of Seth and Enosh, people began to worship the Lord by name. Someone initiated a return to worship. The message suggests that Seth reflected Adam's image because Adam had returned to reflecting God's image. When fathers keep their eyes on the Heavenly Father, they influence generations that follow. A Word to Fathers *  You don't have to be perfect.  *  You can start planting new seeds today.  *  You can initiate forgiveness, faith, worship, encouragement, and purpose in your family.  *  What you model is often caught by your children more than it is taught.  Speaking Life into the Next Generation Fathers plant seeds through: *  Encouragement  *  Confidence  *  Faith-filled words  *  Godly example  *  Intentional leadership  Children need confidence, but they must also learn where their strength comes from—God. Working Together God designed fathers and mothers with complementary purposes: *  Fathers initiate and plant.  *  Mothers nurture and help things grow.  *  Together they create an environment where God can bring increase.  Beyond Parenting This message applies to everyone. Every believer has: *  A God-given purpose  *  A calling  *  An anointing to fulfill that calling  When we embrace God's purpose, we experience greater fruitfulness, effectiveness, and impact. Takeaway Fatherhood is a calling to reflect the Heavenly Father, initiate what is good, and plant seeds that will impact future generations. As we follow Christ, our families, churches, workplaces, and communities benefit from the seeds we intentionally sow today.

Rejecting Anxiety, Embracing Peace

Dr. Jordon Gilmore Key Theme Let go of anxious control and grab hold of God’s peace. Anxiety is defined as: > A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. While anxiety is a normal human experience, believers are not called to identify with it or be ruled by it. God’s Peace Guards and Governs Philippians 4:6-7 *  “Do not be anxious about anything.”  *  Prayer, thanksgiving, and bringing requests to God open the door for His peace.  *  God’s peace acts as a guard over our hearts and minds.  Colossians 3:15 *  The peace of Christ is not only protection—it is meant to rule in our hearts.  *  Peace should have authority over our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.  Peace Is a Person Ephesians 2:14 *  “He Himself is our peace.”  *  Peace is not merely a feeling; it is found in Christ Himself.  *  If we have Christ, we already have access to peace.  Jesus’ Example in Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42 *  Jesus experienced intense sorrow, distress, and pressure before the cross.  *  He did not deny His emotions.  *  Instead, He repeatedly brought them to the Father in prayer.  *  Though circumstances did not immediately change, Jesus emerged with peace and resolve.  Lesson: Peace does not always come from a changed situation. Sometimes it comes from surrendering control to God. Peace Was Given Before the Crisis John 14:27 *  Jesus told His disciples, “My peace I give to you.”  *  He gave them peace before the trial, arrest, and crucifixion.  *  Likewise, believers already possess the peace they need before problems arise.  The Two Cycles Cycle of Anxiety 1.  Uncertainty  2.  Anxiety/Fear  3.  Desire for Control  4.  Taking Control  5.  Frustration  6.  More Anxiety  Cycle of Faith 1.  Uncertainty  2.  Anxiety/Fear  3.  Prayer  4.  Trusting God’s Control  5.  God Works His Plan  6.  Faith Grows  7.  Peace Increases  The more we practice trusting God, the quicker we move from fear to faith. Worry Accomplishes Nothing Luke 12:25-32 *  Worry cannot add a single hour to life.  *  God already knows our needs.  *  The solution is simple:  * Seek His Kingdom. *  Trust His provision.  *  Receive what He freely desires to give.  Practicing Peace Philippians 4:8-9 *  Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.  *  Peace is not only received—it is practiced.  Jordon encouraged everyone to: *  Identify things that bring joy.  *  Remember relationships that bless them.  *  Reflect on dreams God has fulfilled.  By intentionally focusing on God’s goodness, we create an environment where peace can flourish and anxiety loses its grip. Key Takeaways *  Anxiety is real, but it does not have to rule your life.  *  God’s peace is both a guard and a ruler.  *  Jesus experienced distress and modeled how to respond.  *  Peace is already available through Christ.  *  Prayer moves us from control to trust.  *  Practicing gratitude and godly meditation strengthens our ability to walk in peace.  Closing Thought You do not have to earn peace—you already have access to it through Christ. The challenge is learning to practice it, trust it, and allow it to govern your heart and mind.

A Walk Through the Bible - Part 6 - The Tabernacle

Joshua Boyd God’s Desire Has Always Been Relationship From the Garden of Eden onward: *  God desired to walk with humanity  *  Sin broke that fellowship  *  The Tabernacle was God’s solution to dwell among His people  > “Build me a sanctuary so I can live among them.” The Tabernacle was literally a “Tent of Meeting.” Why So Much Detail? *  Over 50 chapters of Scripture describe the Tabernacle and Temples  *  Hebrews teaches that these earthly structures were:  *  Copies  *  Shadows  *  Patterns of heavenly realities  God gave Moses exact instructions because the design reflected something real in heaven. The Purpose of the Tabernacle The goal was never rituals alone. The purpose was: *  To meet with God  *  To hear from God  *  To experience His presence  > “There I will meet with you.” The Pattern of Approach The Tabernacle reveals a pathway into God’s presence: 1. The Gate *  Only one entrance  *  Points to Jesus  > “I am the door.” 2. The Altar of Sacrifice *  Blood was required for forgiveness  *  Points to the sacrifice of Christ  3. The Bronze Laver *  Washing and cleansing  *  Points to being washed by God’s Word  4. The Holy Place Three daily responsibilities: *  Lampstand → Keep the light burning  *  Showbread → Daily bread from God’s Word  *  Incense → Prayer and worship  5. The Holy of Holies *  God’s manifest presence  *  Place of meeting and hearing from God  *  Accessible only through preparation  Jesus Fulfilled the Pattern Jesus became: *  The Door  *  The Sacrifice  *  The Cleansing Word  *  The High Priest  Through His blood: *  Sin is forgiven  *  The veil is torn  *  Access to God is opened  The Veil Was Torn Before Christ: *  One man  *  One day a year  *  Could enter God’s presence  After Christ: *  Every believer has access  Yet access does not remove the need for reverence and preparation. Daily Preparation Matters Many believers want God’s presence but neglect the daily practices that lead there. The pattern still teaches us to: *  Stay in the Word  *  Maintain prayer  *  Keep our spiritual light burning  *  Continually cleanse ourselves from worldly distractions  God wants to meet with us, but we must intentionally draw near. Don’t Stop in the Outer Court Some believers stop at: *  Forgiveness  *  Salvation  *  “My ticket to heaven”  But God desires more: *  Relationship  *  Communion  *  Conversation  *  Direction  The goal is not merely being saved. The goal is meeting with God. Draw Near > “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God is not hiding from us.  He designed the entire system—from the Tabernacle to the Cross—to make relationship possible. Final Takeaways *  The Tabernacle is a picture of God’s desire to dwell with His people.  *  Every element points to Jesus.  *  Salvation is the entrance, not the destination.  *  God wants more than ritual—He wants relationship.  *  The pathway into His presence is available to every believer.  Closing Challenge Don’t settle for the outer court. Spend time in: *  The Word  *  Prayer  *  Worship  *  Fellowship with God  Because the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was not sacrifice—it was meeting with God.

Do What You Can While You Can

Dr. Jordon Gilmore This special service is geared toward the youth of the church.