#DPHISBlueprint
Monday Morning Commentary
Week 3 of our series #Wisdom Pastor Craig spoke to us concerning our capital campaign #DPHisBlueprint. Dwelling Place is currently in the process of raising funds for our new building. To understand why and how God wants to build his church it’s important to go back to the first temple ever built by Solomon.
In 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 we read David’s advice to his son Solomon on how to build the temple. He encourages him to acknowledge God his father, to serve him with wholehearted devotion, and a willing mind. David is clear that if Solomon would choose to seek God he would be found, but if he chose to forsake him he will reject him forever. From these foundational truths, David says Son you are the one who God has chosen to build this temple be strong and do the work.
It is from our knowledge of God that wisdom is lived out enabling us to build.
1. God is a mysterious-yet- accessible God.
In 1 Kings 8:12-13, Solomon said the Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place to dwell forever. In this statement, there is great tension. On the one hand, God chooses to dwell in a dark cloud and at the same time his presence is in the temple. What does this mean for us? God chooses how he shows up and where he dwells on the earth and in our lives.
• Have you ever felt like seeking God was like trying to see through a dark cloud? How have you experienced his presence in church?
2. God is a narrowly- accessible God.
Building on the fact that God chooses where he dwells, Solomon continues to say that God’s presence is in the temple. We do not get to seek God wherever we choose. We seek God where he says he can be found. God provided Jesus as the sacrifice for us- it is through him and only him that we seek God.
• Where and how are you currently seeking God?
3. God is a promise-keeping God.
Solomon was able to build a temple as a result of God’s promise. It is by God’s power that he fulfills His promise.
• Are you living your life in such a way that your life would not make sense if God’s promises were not true?
4. God is a grace extending God.
God is a forgiving God. He forgave Israel time and time again and he continues to extend grace to us. When we pray from confidence in his grace we can rebound from defeat, regain lost blessings, request personal healing, regroup for spiritual victory, repent and be restored.
• Do you believe God is a gracious God? How would your life look different if you prayed from a place of grace?
5. God is a justice-conscious God.
Though we may feel deprived of justice God promises to restore everything to us. The cross is our proof.
• Where do you need God’s justice? How would trusting in his justice allow you to release a desire for vengeance?
6. God is an outward-focused God.
The temple was built with the salvation of the nations in mind. When God saves us he also thinks of the nations. When God decides to build a church he does so with the nations in mind.
• Are you living your life with the nations in mind?
Building a building is not just for us- it’s for our community that will extend to the nations. Keep seeking God in the way he has designated- grace, justice, and salvation are yours.