The Church at Litchfield Park

Hello Church Family!

Sunday's sermon was from 2 Samuel:

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.

In 2 Samuel 6:1-5, David and the people of Israel are dancing, singing, and playing music to celebrate the return of the Ark of Covenant. The Ark was so much more than a fancy, expensive box; it symbolized the presence of God among HIs people. The Philistines had captured the Ark, and its return was a cause for grand celebration because it belonged to Israel; it belonged in Jerusalem.

David and the people of Israel responded with all their might; their response was wholehearted. Every moment is holy because God is in every moment, but it requires a heavenly mindset to feel His presence and connect with Him. Sometimes, we get distracted by the world and become complacent to the common, and we take things for granted and forget to see and seek God. Aimee conceded with the question, "Are you seeking God?"

We don't need to wait for a special day or a sacred place to experience God's presence. The New Covenant has made it possible for us to approach God directly. This means our daily lives, our ordinary moments, and our interactions with others can become holy when we seek God in obedience.

Remember, the Holy of Holies is within us, but it requires us to be present and aware of Him. We no longer need a designated place or person to mediate God's presence. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. God is with us, every moment of every day, making every moment holy.

Aimee encouraged us to seek God and see that the Spirit is always moving, and it is our responsibility to pay attention and go where He leads. We share in Christ's commission found in Matthew 28:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Consider the following questions:

1. In light of the message from 2 Samuel about the Ark's return and the idea that every moment can be holy, how can we use our life experiences and our daily routines to actively seek and share God's presence in the lives of those around us, particularly younger generations?

2. Considering Aimee's encouragement to seek God and go where the Spirit leads, what steps can we take to fulfill the Great Commission as shared in Matthew 28:19-20? Are there particular individuals or groups you feel called to disciple, and if so, how can you begin this meaningful journey of spiritual mentorship?

3. Reflecting on the promise in Matthew 28:20 that Jesus is with us always, how can we personally internalize and live out this assurance as we make disciples and teach others about Him and His ways? What strategies can we employ to ensure that our faith journey has a lasting impact on future generations, leaving a legacy of discipleship?

We pray this message and study bless you and your walk with Christ.