Part 5 in Wilderness Seasons sermon series from Travis Aicklen about what the Bible has to say about tents and how we can lean into this season of worshiping in tents.
Scripture References: Hebrews 11:8-10; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:13-14; Revelation 21 (Also references Genesis, Exodus, Judges)
Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Tent Talk: Finding God in the Temporary)
- Acknowledging the church's current reality of meeting in temporary tents.
- This situation prompts reflection on the deep biblical significance of "tents" (Hebrew: Ohel).
- This isn't just inconvenience; it's tapping into a major scriptural theme about God's people.
Key Points:
- Tents of Faith (Patriarchs - Heb 11):
- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob lived as tent-dwellers in the Promised Land.
- This demonstrates that faith involves living as pilgrims and sojourners, even amidst promises, looking forward to a permanent, God-built city.
- Tents of Presence (Wilderness & Jesus - Exodus, John 1):
- God chose to dwell among His wandering people in a tent – the Tabernacle. The Feast of Booths commemorates this dependence and divine presence.
- John 1:14: Jesus, the Word made flesh, "tabernacled" (pitched His tent) among us, bringing God's presence near.
- Tents of Groaning (Our Bodies - 2 Cor 5, 2 Pet 1):
- Scripture refers to our physical bodies as temporary, earthly tents.
- We groan in this frail existence, longing for our eternal heavenly dwelling. Yet, God's glory dwells within these tents, and His power works through our weakness.
- From Tents to City (The Future - Rev 21):
- The Bible promises an end to this temporary "camp out."
- We look forward to the New Jerusalem, the permanent, perfect city where God will dwell fully with His redeemed people forever. Our longing for permanence finds its fulfillment there.
- Application: Living the Metaphor Now:
- The church is choosing to continue meeting in tents (moving to a larger structure nearby) until Easter [April 20, 2025].
- This isn't just about restrictions, but embracing an invitation to live into the "tent life" identity – following God's perceived leading and presence.
- This move allows gathering under one roof again and relaunching kids' ministry elements, making space for growth.
- Announcing new sermon series, "Assembled," exploring biblical metaphors for the church while in the new tent.
Conclusion:
- This "tent life" reminds us that our ultimate home isn't here. We are pilgrims.
- Yet, even in the temporary, God pitches His tent with us – His presence dwells within us and among us.
- Let's embrace this season, looking forward in faith to the permanent city to come.
Call to Action:
- Participate fully in this unique season – including the move to the new tent space.
- Engage with the upcoming "Assembled" series to deepen our understanding of the church.
- Invite others into this journey. Pray for God's presence to fill the tent and for spiritual fruitfulness.
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