How can we create spaces today where God meets with His people? Set Apart by Glory: Exodus 29:43 “There I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by My glory.” Why This Ancient Scene Still Matters • God Himself chooses and sanctifies the meeting place. • His presence is the distinguishing mark; no human program can substitute for it. • What He consecrated then, He continues to consecrate now—through Christ and the Spirit. The New-Covenant Shift: Where Does God Meet Us Today? • In every believer: “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple…?” (1 Colossians 3:16) • In gathered fellowship: “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) • In the joined community: “In Him you…are being built together into a dwelling place for God.” (Ephesians 2:22) Heart Posture Before Practical Plans • Reverence—approach with “a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” (Hebrews 10:22) • Holiness—“be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15) • Expectation—believe He delights to draw near (James 4:8). Creating Meeting Spaces Today 1. Consecrate the People – Call for repentance and faith before activity. – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly, remembering the cost of access. 2. Consecrate the Atmosphere – Saturate the space with Scripture reading aloud. – Prioritize heartfelt, Scripture-anchored worship over performance. 3. Consecrate the Leadership – Leaders model humility and obedience, guarding doctrine (Titus 1:9). – Appoint prayer teams to intercede before, during, and after gatherings. 4. Consecrate the Schedule – Protect unhurried time for silence and response; resist crowding the agenda. – Integrate seasons of fasting for corporate sensitivity to the Spirit. 5. Consecrate the Relationships – Pursue unity; reconcile quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). – Practice mutual encouragement and confession (James 5:16). 6. Consecrate the Mission – Keep outreach tied to the gospel, not mere philanthropy. – Expect God to manifest His glory through transformed lives. Safeguards That Keep the Space Holy • Continuous teaching on God’s character—so familiarity never breeds casualness. • Accountability for moral and financial integrity. • Regular evaluation: Is Christ still central? Is Scripture still final? Is prayer still primary? Living Stones Beyond the Building • Daily devotion turns homes, offices, and classrooms into meeting places. • Family altars—simple, consistent times of Word and prayer—extend corporate worship into weekdays. • Acts of mercy performed “in Jesus’ name” become portable sanctuaries where His glory is displayed. Anticipating the Ultimate Meeting Every earthly gathering is rehearsal for the day when “the dwelling of God is with men.” (Revelation 21:3) Until then, consecrated people create consecrated spaces, and the God of Exodus 29:43 still meets His own—with glory. |
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