Good evening.  We are going to continue tonight in working our way through the book of Exodus.  So far we have covered the first 26 chapters of this book, and that means that we only have 14 chapters remaining.  Tonight, we are going to take a look at and discuss Exodus chapters 27 and 28.  In these chapters, again we see God telling people just how to build and construct some important things.

Before we take a look at these chapters though, let’s begin with a word of prayer.  Let’s Pray!

To get started, let’s just go ahead and jump into this first section.  In this first section, we are reading about the altar of burnt offerings.  So whoever has that first key, go ahead and read that first section for us please.  (READ 27:1-8)

From reading this passage, how do we know that this was the altar for burnt offerings?  (Lev. 4:7,10,18)

When or where is the “altar” that you give accounting to the Lord?  (calendar, check book, church group, communion time, etc.)

Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if there is nothing else, in this next section, we are reading about the courtyard and the oil for the lamp stands.  Before we get started with this section, answer me a couple of questions.  First, what is inviting about the entry way to your home?

And secondly, what is the best thing about a candle light dinner for 2?

Well, let’s go ahead and take a look at this next section and finish off chapter 27.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 27:9-21)

Why was the tabernacle fenced in?

How many entrances were there?  Why?

For whose sake were the lamps to be kept burning?  Why?

Imagine that you are walking into the tabernacle, what does it look like, and how would you describe it?

Do you often burn the candle at both ends, night and day?  If so, what for?

At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 27 as a whole.  It said, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we move on to chapter 28, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well if that is all, we will move on and take a look at chapter 28 tonight as well. To begin this chapter, what do your clothes say about you?

Well, in this first section, it is talking about the priestly garments.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 28:1-5)

Why the special garments for Aaron and his sons?

Do you think they could have done their job effectively without these garments?

Do you dress differently for church than on other day?  Why or why not?

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if there is nothing else, let’s take a look at the next section.  If you were to write a book, whose names would appear on the dedication page?

Well, in this next section, we see some names that are going to be written down as a memorial to them.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read it please.  (READ 28:6-14)

Whose names where to be engraved on these stones?  (Gen. 35:23-26)

What do these names suggest about the priest’s role in relation to the people and God?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add here?

Alright, moving on, we now come to a section talking about decision making.  What kind of decision maker are you?

Well, whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us now please.  (READ 28:15-30)

What other duties of the priest’s do you see here in this section?

How would this elaborate breast piece help Aaron’s decision making?

What do you think is the “Urim and Thummim”?

How do you determine what is the will of God in a particular situation?

Whose names are engraved on your breast piece of decision making?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if that is all, let’s go ahead and finish this chapter.  What colors do you wear most often?

Well, in this last section, we see some of the same colors show up again in the other priestly garments.  Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 28:31-43)

What do clothes and bells have to do with nearing God?

The gold plated “Holy to the Lord” served what purpose?  (reminder, exhortation, hope, et.)

How do you think the other Israelites felt about Aaron, who risked his life to take their guilt to God?

How do you or other people feel today toward Christ for doing the same thing, and more for you and for them?

At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 28.  It said, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, for next time, we will be looking at chapters 29, 30, and 31.

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