Sermon notes

INTRODUCTION

Where the Spirit is, there is a temple of God.  The Spirit dwells in each of us (1 Corinthians 6:19) and in the church as a whole (Ephesians 2:19-22).  When the Spirit dwells in a home, the home becomes a house of the Lord.

THE TEXT

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able . . . .” (1 Corinthians 3:1-21).

YAHWEH AND BRIDE

The temple is the place where Israel, the Bride of Yahweh, draws near to renew covenant with her Husband.  Cultivating love between Yahweh and His Bride is the central purpose of worship, which is why worship without obedience, sacrifice without mercy, is so abominable before God.  If our homes are to be like temples, they must be places where marital love flourishes.  This is essential to Pentecostal parenting.  Parents sometimes believe that they can be good parents without being faithful and loving spouses.  That’s simply impossible.  The cornerstone and foundation of the home is marriage, and children grow into the image of Christ only where Christ’s love for His church is mirrored in their parents’ marriage.

MEMORIALS

Israel’s temples were places where the works of God were memorialized, where Yahweh was reminded of His works and promises and where Israel rehearsed her history.  Every sacrifice was a recapitulation of Passover and Exodus, and called on Yahweh to deliver Israel yet again.  When Israel gathered for feasts, they were to remember their bondage and deliverance (Deuteronomy 16:1-12).  Aaron and his sons wore the names of Israel as a memorial before Yahweh (Exodus 28:12, 29).  In the new covenant, Jesus promises that the Spirit will dwell with the church as a memorial, to remind us of all that Jesus has accomplished and said (John 14:16-26; 16:5-15).  In Pentecostal homes, the memory of the Father’s righteous works in Christ is preserved, and Pentecostal parents cultivate this memory.  How?

STORY

Israel’s priests were to read and teach the law (Deuteronomy 33:8-11).  Every seven years, all Israel was to gather before the Lord to hear the law read (Deuteronomy 31:9-13), and when Israel returned from Babylonian captivity, they assembled to hear the law read and taught (Nehemiah 8:1-8).  Pentecostal parents cultivate the family memory primarily by teaching the Bible, which contains the story in which all Christians have a role.

SONG

At Yahweh’s instruction, Moses composed a Song that would serve as a warning and a memorial to Israel (Deuteronomy 31-32).  When Solomon built the temple, Israel memorialized the works of Yahweh in song, a sacrifice of praise.  Many of the Psalms review the history of Israel, and the great deeds of Israel’s Hero, Yahweh.  In the new covenant, the Spirit inspires Song (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  Pentecostal homes will be full of worship and singing.