Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Make It Make Sense
Scripture
1 “Then make a small altar for burning incense.
6 Place the altar just outside the veil, near the place of mercy that is above the Ark containing the Ten Commandments. I will meet with you there.
7 “Every morning when Aaron trims the lamps, he shall burn sweet spices on the altar, 8 and each evening when he lights the lamps he shall burn the incense before the Lord, and this shall go on from generation to generation. 9 Offer no unauthorized incense, burnt offerings, meal offerings, or wine offerings.
10 …for this is the Lord’s supremely holy altar.”
Main Idea
The Altar of Incense is a continual burning of sweet spices to signify God's continual presence in the temple. This was a reminder to the Israelites that when they came to the temple that God's presence was the preeminent importance. If God's presence is represented there, our focus should be on Him. We do not burn incense at our services but our version of incense is our offerings of worship.
When we come to church, God's presence must be our priority.
Discussion Questions
- When you attend Velocity, what do you notice as acts of worship (offerings of incense/worship)?
- Which of these acts of worship do you participate in? Which of these acts of worship are you potentially uncomfortable with?
- Are there any of these offerings of worship will you start to use as your own sacrifice of praise?
- As believers in Christ, we are priests or bridge builders to God. How does your life "burn incense" for others to get connected to God or see God working?
Summary
At times we can allow church to be just like every other place and become transactional in nature. We can come to church expecting to get something and if it doesn't meet our needs then like other consumer interactions, we leave or stop coming back. While you can certainly "get something" out of coming to church, you receiving is not the main purpose of going.
When we come to know Jesus, we take on a whole new role.
1 Peter 2:5 ESV
5 You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
As His new priesthood, when we come to church, God's presence should be our priority. We are coming to be in His presence, to honor Him, and to build bridges for others to Him. There are many examples of worshiping God in scripture with physical acts. The point of every liturgy is to have an encounter with God.
- Sing songs (Many examples in Psalms)
- Dance (Many examples in Psalms)
- Lift up your hands (Psalms 134:2, 1 Timothy 2:8)
- Pray (1 Timothy 2:8)
- Clap your hands (Psalms 47:1)
These are some examples but our acts in church should be demonstrating to others how to cultivate God's presence in our lives and theirs. When He gives us instructions on how to worship, it is for our own good because He does care how He is worshipped. Our actions will give off the aroma of God's presence.
Take Action
- Prepare yourself to come and honor God sacrificially by lifting your hands, clapping, praying, or giving the next time you come to church. Pick one that is hard for you to do and mentally prepare to give a sacrifice of praise.
- Pray the tabernacle prayer to honor God's presence in your life daily.
- You are part of the royal priesthood, share God's message of encouragement to others in your daily life to build a bridge to God.
Announcements
- First Wednesday prayer service - April 2nd at 7pm
- Communion Sunday on April 6th
- Good Friday Service on April 18th at 7pm
