Christmas and The Book of Leviticus

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Christmas and The Book of Leviticus

Scripture References: Leviticus 12, Leviticus 17:11, Exodus 19, Deuteronomy 6, Revelation 21

Intro:

• Year-end announcements: Evening service at Fox Theater, New Year's Eve service, January 3rd fasting/potluck.
• Christmas celebration: Focus on Christ's birth and its implications.
• Reading Luke 2: Jesus' circumcision and purification rituals.
• Leviticus 12: Explanation of purification laws.

Key Points:

• Mary and Joseph's Financial Struggle: They offered doves/pigeons due to poverty, showing God's understanding of our reality.
• Jesus' Leviticus-Loving Family: They adhered to Jewish law, emphasizing Jesus' respect for Scripture.
• Our Struggle with Leviticus: Detailed instructions, blood/sacrifice, holiness.
• Detailed Instructions: Leviticus as a priestly user manual; moral, civil, ceremonial laws.
• Rules in Context of Relationship: God's deliverance from Egypt precedes the law.
• Obedience for Relationship: God's desire for a separate, devoted people.
• Blood and Sacrifice: Offerings as "drawing near" (Corban), not just appeasing God.
• Atonement (At-One-Ment): Sacrifices for connection, not just punishment.
• Priestly Rituals: Blood on ear, thumb, toe symbolizing hearing, doing, walking in God's way.
• Rituals and Understanding: Christmas traditions, fruitcake, etc.; rituals often enjoyed, rarely understood.
• Holiness: God's holiness vs. our struggle; holiness as devotion, not just abstinence.
• Leviticus' Purpose: Creating an atmosphere for God's presence, like sunscreen protecting from the sun.
• Jesus Fulfills Leviticus: (To be detailed in podcast) He is the ultimate offering, ending the sacrificial system.
• God's Dwelling with Humanity: Revelation 21: God's presence restored through Jesus.

Conclusion:

• Leviticus' laws enabled Moses to enter God's presence.
• Jesus' work bridges the gap, allowing us to dwell with God.
• Heaven's invasion of Earth in Jesus.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your attitude towards the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus.
• Understand the relationship context of God’s commands.
• Recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system.
• Long for the day of God's full restoration.
• Pray for healing and provision for those struggling.
• Live to bring heaven to earth.