Living Water Worship Centre

Sermon Summary – Behind the Veil Part six of a prayer journey series. Focus: moving through each stage of prayer (modeled by tabernacle furniture) to reach the manifest presence of God behind the veil. Tied to the season of the Days of Awe and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The Prayer Journey Thanksgiving (Entering the Gate) Acknowledge dependence on God. Gratitude for daily blessings builds humility and faith. Praise (The Courts) Praise God for His works in Scripture and in personal life. Strengthens confidence before making requests. Brazen Altar (Repentance) Clearing sin and disobedience—both actions committed and duties left undone. Laver (Speaking the Word) Affirming our position in Christ despite our condition. Candlestick (Holy Spirit Illumination) Welcoming the Spirit to renew the mind and guide prayer. Table of Showbread (Truth-telling with God) “Cup of coffee with God”: being fully honest—joys, anger, questions. Example: hard prayer for a loved one to be broken so they might return to God (like the prodigal son). Altar of Incense (Petition) Prayers rise as incense before God (Psalm 141, Revelation 8). Spirit-led petitions avoid selfish, flesh-driven requests. Behind the Veil (The Ark / Manifest Presence) Goal of prayer: intimacy with God, listening more than speaking. Jesus tore the veil, granting direct access—not just distant recognition but true fellowship. Lessons & Applications Manifest vs. Omnipresence: God is everywhere, but He desires to manifest Himself personally to His children. Prayer as Relationship: not “Walmart style” requests, but time invested with God. Hard Prayers: sometimes God calls us to pray for breaking, not blessing, to bring loved ones to repentance. Stillness & Meditation: modern culture overloads us with information; believers must learn to wait in silence before God. Faith & Persistence: Prayer must be effectual (energized by the Spirit), fervent (refusing to be denied), and prevailing (producing results). Biblical Anchors James 5: The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Ecclesiastes 5: Draw near to hear rather than offer the “sacrifice of fools.” John 14: Jesus promises to manifest Himself to those who obey His Word. Examples of persistence in prayer: Jacob wrestling, Bartimaeus crying out, the woman with the issue of blood, Zacchaeus climbing the tree. Encouragement & Call Prayer is the greatest access point of power, healing, provision, and presence available on earth. Believers are urged to: Commit more time to prayer. Enter with thanksgiving and praise. Seek not just God's hand but His face. Be patient like Job, consistent like Elijah, and persistent like the saints of old. Final invitation: Unbelievers—come to Christ today. Prodigals—return to the Father. Christians—renew prayer life and spend time behind the veil.

Continuation of Zechariah study (chapter 2). Connection to previous teaching on the Feast of Tabernacles—God's appointed times foreshadow His redemptive plan. Emphasis: Jesus is the only perfect role model; all others fall short. Key Vision: The Measuring Line Zechariah sees a man measuring Jerusalem. Message: Jerusalem will expand beyond walls, inhabited with abundance. God Himself promises to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and glory within it. Points forward to the New Jerusalem (Revelation) where God is the light and dwelling place. Prophetic Themes God's Set Times & Plan The feasts are God's appointments, not just Israel's. Fulfilled in Jesus' first coming; final fulfillment awaits His return. God's plan is global: from a lamb for one (Isaac) → family (Passover) → nation (Levitical priesthood) → whole world (Christ). Judgment on Nations Nations opposing Israel touch “the apple of God's eye” and will face judgment. Zechariah links closely with Revelation and Daniel: warnings of Babylon (world system) and call to “come out” from it. America and modern nations risk falling into Babylon's errors of pride, wealth, and forgetfulness of God. Messiah's Coming & Millennial Kingdom Jesus will dwell among His people; many nations will join the Lord. Three main judgments: Judgment Seat of Christ – believers' works judged, not salvation. Sheep & Goats Judgment – survivors of tribulation separated (Matthew 25). Great White Throne – final judgment of unbelievers. Natural people will survive into the Millennium; children born then must choose Christ. Some will still rebel, even with direct access to Jesus. Millennial Realities Long life restored; judgment executed swiftly by Christ ruling with a rod of iron. Feast of Tabernacles continues during the Millennium—nations refusing to honor it will suffer drought. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years, then released briefly to deceive again, before final destruction. Warnings & Applications Human rebellion: Even in perfect conditions with Christ present, some will still reject Him—showing the depth of human pride and sin. True justice: God's judgment is righteous, unlike human corruption; He sees hearts and thoughts. Modern relevance: America, like Israel, risks judgment by forgetting God, trusting in wealth, and opposing His purposes. Encouragements Believers' sins are covered and forgotten in Christ—salvation brings complete forgiveness. History and prophecy confirm God's sovereignty: His Word and His promises always come to pass. Psalm 2 reminds us: though nations rage, God laughs at their plans. Christ will reign as King of Kings. Closing Prophecy read from 2020: America missed her day of visitation; the world is descending toward its appointment with the Creator. Urgent call: Prepare for God's appointments, trust Christ fully, and remain faithful. Ended with the Lord's Prayer.

  The teaching completes the study of the seven feasts of the Lord, focusing on the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Emphasis: these are God's feasts, not merely Israel's—they reveal His plan for the whole world. Christ fulfilled the spring feasts through His life, death, and resurrection; the fall feasts point to His return and final harvest. Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles Feast of Trumpets: The “alarm” call to repentance, beginning the 10 “Days of Awe.” Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): High priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for Israel—foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Imagery: veil, bells and pomegranates on priest's robe, blood covering the mercy seat → fulfilled in Jesus' death and resurrection. Feast of Tabernacles: Commemoration of deliverance from Egypt, dwelling in booths, God's provision in the wilderness. Prophetic picture of final harvest and God “tabernacling” with His people in the future kingdom. Prophetic and End-Time Insights Tabernacles points to: Final Harvest: ingathering of nations (Revelation 14, Ezekiel 37). Protection and Provision: God shelters Israel in tribulation. Messiah's Reign: Christ dwelling with His people, fulfilling Ezekiel's promise. The Antichrist will desecrate the rebuilt temple mid-tribulation; Israel's eyes will be opened, leading to great tribulation. God will intervene, bringing judgment (wrath poured out in righteousness). Nations will be judged based on their stance toward Israel; blessing or cursing depends on alignment with God's covenant. Jerusalem in Prophecy Central focus: Jerusalem is the stumbling block for nations. Zechariah 14: God will defend Jerusalem, split the Mount of Olives, and establish His reign. Nations that resist worship during the Millennial Kingdom will face plagues and drought. The Feast of Tabernacles continues into the Millennium as a required festival for all nations. Application & Encouragement Believers must live ready for Christ's return—watching, not waiting for signs like the rebuilding of the temple before repenting. Call to repentance, intercession, and readiness: Repent like Israel's days of awe. Witness faithfully to the lost. Trust God's plan, even for loved ones not yet saved. Reminder: God loves the lost more than we do—Christ intercedes even now. Closing Notes Festivals reveal God's redemptive plan: past (fulfilled in Christ), present (salvation available now), and future (His return and reign). Encouragement: keep faith, pray for the lost, and be filled with hope as the end of the age approaches.  

Summary of the Sermon: “Entering In – The Prayer Journey” Central Theme The message calls believers to develop a deeper, more relational prayer life—“hanging out with God.” Prayer is not merely listing personal requests but a sacred journey of communion, thanksgiving, praise, repentance, and transformation, modeled after the Old Testament tabernacle. Key Biblical Foundations 1 Samuel 12:23 – Ceasing to pray for others is sin; intercession is a duty. Job 42:10 – Job's restoration came when he prayed for his friends, even those who hurt him. Matthew 5:44 – Jesus commands prayer for enemies and those who persecute us. These verses emphasize selfless intercession as central to powerful prayer. Steps in the Prayer Journey The speaker uses the tabernacle layout as a guide, showing how each stage draws believers closer to God's manifested presence: Thanksgiving (Gate – Psalm 100) Enter God's presence with gratitude for all gifts, from basic needs to spiritual blessings. Praise (Outer Court) Praise God for His mighty works in Scripture and personal life, inviting His manifest presence. Repentance (Brazen Altar/Laver – 2 Peter 3:9) Confess sins and clear hindrances to approach God boldly. Sanctification (Laver – 1 Timothy 4:4-5) Speak Scripture over oneself, acknowledging Christ's righteousness and cleansing. Communion & Word (Table of Showbread – John 6:48-58) “Have a cup of coffee with God,” feeding on His Word and gaining His perspective. Spirit-Led Prayer (Holy Place – Romans 8:26) Allow the Holy Spirit to intercede with groanings beyond words, aligning with God's will. Manifest Presence (Holy of Holies) Behind the torn veil is God's deepest mercy, love, and wisdom—true worship and intimate fellowship. Practical Insights & Challenges Prayer is Relationship, Not Ritual: Move beyond quick petitions; spend unhurried time with God. Selflessness: Focus prayers on others; sowing intercession brings blessing back (“boomerang effect”). Honest Conversation: Be real with God—share frustrations, failures, and doubts. Daily Practice: Even a few intentional minutes each day can transform one's spiritual life. Call to Action Believers are urged to: Commit to daily “hanging out with God,” using the tabernacle pattern as a flexible guide. Intercede for others, including enemies. Seek God's manifested presence, not merely His gifts. Embrace Scripture as spiritual nourishment and the ultimate source of wisdom. This sermon invites a shift from transactional prayer to a transformative, intimate friendship with God, leading to spiritual growth, deeper peace, and a vibrant faith.

Theme and Central Message The sermon emphasizes prayer as the believer's lifeline, urging a return to deep, personal communion with God. The pastor underscores that prayer is not a ritual to get things from God, but a relationship that transforms us into His likeness. The core progression is Purification → Prayer → Power → Perfected Praise, reflecting how God moves in a believer's life. Key Teachings Urgency of Prayer in Perilous Times We live in spiritually dangerous days, yet believers have direct access to God's power. The church must be a praying remnant, seeking God daily. Jesus' Instructions in Matthew 6 When you give, pray, and fast: These are expectations, not options. Pray privately, not for public show. Avoid empty repetition; God knows needs before we ask. The Lord's Prayer is a model: praise God's name, align with His will, seek daily spiritual and physical sustenance, forgive others, and ask for deliverance from evil. Purpose of Prayer Aligning our will with God's, not convincing Him to act. Daily intake of Scripture is “daily bread,” feeding the spirit and strengthening faith. Forgiveness is essential; unforgiveness blocks prayer. Personal Illustrations Healing of an ulcer after embracing his calling and trusting God's “layaway” provision. Learning forgiveness through prayer for a hostile co-worker, sensing God's compassion for the man's hidden pain. Power of God's Presence Difference between God's omnipresence and His manifested presence experienced in prayer. Prayer invites God's manifest power, greater than any earthly force. Call to Action Dedicated Time: Give God uninterrupted time daily—free from phone, TV, and distractions. Purification First: Like Jesus cleansing the temple (Matthew 21), we must allow God to purify our hearts to pray effectively. Restored Worship: God desires to restore “the tabernacle of David”—deep praise and worship following purified prayer. Closing Challenge The sermon concludes with an invitation: Begin or renew a consistent personal prayer life. Intercede for family, church, nation, and the world. Seek God's kingdom and will above personal requests. Key Takeaway: Prayer is the doorway to God's power and presence. As believers purify their hearts and devote themselves to prayer, they will experience God's power and enter into perfected praise.

Zechariah – Session 1: “He Whom the Lord Remembers” Key Verse: “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3) Main Points Zechariah's Background Name means “He whom Jehovah remembers.” Of priestly descent, called as a youth. Ministry followed Haggai, encouraging Israel to rebuild the temple. God's Call to Repentance Renewal begins with turning back to God. Example: Prodigal Son — the father waited for his return. God's promise: Return to Me, and I will return to you. Visions of Hope Horses among the Myrtle Trees: angels patrol the earth, reporting it is at rest. God reassures: He is zealous for Zion and will restore Jerusalem. God's Word Stands Forever Prophets and fathers pass away, but God's word never fails. All will give account: believers at the Bema Seat, unbelievers at the Great White Throne. Jerusalem at the Center of Prophecy 1967: Jerusalem returned to Jewish control — a key prophetic marker. Jerusalem is God's chosen city, the hinge of end-time prophecy, and the place of Christ's return. Christ Foreshadowed Joseph's story parallels Jesus: rejected, exalted, recognized first by Gentiles. At Christ's return, Israel will “look upon Him whom they pierced.” Takeaways Return to God daily. Repentance is the doorway to renewal. Steward what God entrusts. Children, blessings, and gifts all belong to Him. Stay watchful. God's plan is unfolding precisely; Jerusalem is the prophetic focal point. Live with gratitude. Gentiles have been grafted in by God's mercy. Application: Be ready, live repentant, and keep your eyes on God's Word and His plan. “He whom Jehovah remembers” — and He remembers you.

The 7 Feasts – Session 1: God's Appointed Times Key Verse: “These are the feasts of the Lord…my feasts” (Leviticus 23) Main Points God has a plan – nothing is random. Jesus was slain before the foundation of the world. The Feasts of the Lord are God's calendar: Spring Feasts (fulfilled by Christ's first coming): Passover – Jesus, the spotless Lamb, sacrificed. Unleavened Bread – His burial, sinless and pure. Firstfruits – His resurrection, the first of eternal life. Pentecost – Spirit poured out, 3,000 saved. Fall Feasts (awaiting fulfillment): Trumpets – points to resurrection/rapture. Day of Atonement – Israel's redemption. Tabernacles – Christ dwelling with His people. Takeaways Sin is choosing our way over God's way. The Feasts remind us of His authority. Legacy: Pass down faith, not just possessions. Hope: Like children at the window, we eagerly await Christ's return. Jesus fulfilled the first 4 feasts exactly—He will fulfill the last 3 in the same way. Application: Live ready. Hand down faith. Long for His coming. “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”  

Resurrection of Christ Central to the gospel; without it, faith is empty and we remain in sin. Christ is the “first fruits” of resurrection; believers will follow in order. Death is the last enemy, but it will be destroyed. Resurrection & New Bodies Our current bodies are sown in weakness, raised in glory. Natural body vs. spiritual body: the first Adam (earthly) vs. the last Adam, Christ (life-giving spirit). Believers will receive incorruptible, immortal bodies. The Rapture (1 Cor. 15:51–52) “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” Transformation will happen instantly, at the last trumpet. Linked to the Feast of Trumpets imagery — readiness is essential. Practical Warnings & Encouragements “Evil company corrupts good habits” — guard your associations. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain — eternal reward outweighs earthly trials. Closing Exhortations Watch, stand firm in faith, be brave and strong. Let everything be done in love. Live with expectancy: Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Prayer First – Sermon Summary Main Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:8 – “I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” Matthew 21:13 – “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Key Points Prayer reveals who we depend on. Without prayer, we live by our own dictates. Prayer is relationship. It is hanging out with God, being real with Him. Prayer is power. We have access to more authority than any army through prayer. Prayer must be first. Don't treat it as the last resort—make it your first response. Barriers to prayer: wrath (unforgiveness) and doubt will block effective prayer. Jesus is still praying. Of all His works on earth, intercession continues in heaven (Hebrews 7:25). Practical Applications Set aside uninterrupted time daily (not just while driving or drifting off at night). Be real with God—He already knows your struggles. Pray for others—family, friends, leaders, even enemies. Guard against substituting reaction for prayer—Peter's mistake in Gethsemane (Matthew 26). Watch and pray, so you don't fall into temptation. Reflection Questions Do I treat prayer as a last resort or as my first response? What distractions keep me from “hanging out” with God? Who in my life needs me to intercede for them right now? Closing Encouragement Prayer is not a ritual—it is a refuge. Jesus invites us behind the veil, into the presence of the Father. Let's not wait until everything else fails—pray first.

90 percent of the new testament was written to Christians Greatest hinderance to our walk with Christ is us  As Christians we need consistent repentance  

Faith is bigger than our brains  Hook your anchor on the Rock  Don't get sluggish in your faith  God is looking for those who will take God at His Word   

There would be no science without God  The smartest is not always the wisest  Always thank God  You need a personal relationship with God   

Freedom and liberty are different  Quitting vs. deliverance  Ask God for deliverance  Salvation is from the Lord