Scripture Text: Exodus 25:1-9, 31-40 and 1 Kings 6:11-13
Bryan Buck
Quotes for Reflection
Peter Marshall Mason, A Biblical Theology of Architecture? The church is not at all like a garage; it is more like a richly furnished home into which we may gladly invite our friends and neighbors.
C.S. Lewis, Miracles The archaic type of thought which could not clearly distinguish spiritual ‘Heaven’ from the sky, is from our point of view a confused type of thought. But it also resembles and anticipates a type of thought which will one day be true. That archaic sort of thinking will become simply the correct sort when Nature and Spirit are fully harmonized.
Phillip Graham Ryken, Exodus God is a great lover of beauty, as we can see from the collection of his work that hangs in the gallery of the universe. Form is as important to him as function. Thus it was not enough for the tabernacle to be laid out in the right way; it also had to be beautiful. There was beauty in the color of its fabrics, the sparkle of its gems, the shape of its objects, and the symmetry of its proportions. The tabernacle was a thing of beauty. God made sure of this by taking the unprecedented step of endowing its artists with the gift of his Spirit.
Application Questions
1. Have you ever worshiped in a space whose architecture deepened your sense of God’s presence? What stood out to you?
2. Why do beauty and utility often feel in tension in church spaces? How might Oaks faithfully hold both together?
3. What elements of our sanctuary help draw your attention toward God in worship?
