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Leviticus - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Kristie teaches that through Jesus, the perfect High Priest, we are invited into a close, transformative relationship with God. Living in His Kingdom with intimacy, light, and family, no longer separated by sin but drawn near by grace and faith.
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Kristie shared the joy of being back with our Door of Hope family and reflected on the many ways God is at work in and through our community. From the bustling activity in our building—hosting events, providing storage, and revitalising spaces—to the rhythms of rest and renewal for our leaders, we see God’s faithfulness in both the ordinary and extraordinary. We paused to pray for Dorothy as she enters a season of sabbatical, asking God to refresh and renew her for the next chapter of ministry.
She invited us to consider what we place on the walls of our lives—those visible and invisible reminders that shape our identity and faith. Just as the Israelites adorned their tabernacle with images of cherubim to remind them of God’s nearness, we too need reminders of God’s presence and promises. Yet, history shows how easy it is to ignore these reminders, to go through the motions without engaging our hearts.
Tracing the story from Genesis through Leviticus, we see God’s relentless pursuit to dwell with His people, to remove the barriers that keep us from His presence. The sacrificial system was a temporary solution, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In Christ, the proximity problem is solved—He is the Word made flesh, the glory of God dwelling among us. No longer are we kept at a distance; we are invited in, welcomed into the very presence of God.
Life in the Kingdom now is marked by abiding in Jesus, like branches connected to the vine, drawing life and bearing fruit through intimate relationship. We are called to walk in the light, allowing Jesus to dispel our darkness and transform us daily through confession and forgiveness. We gather as family around the table, nourished by His sacrifice and united as children adopted by the Father. Jesus, our great High Priest, has done the work—our role is to draw near, to abide, to let His Spirit transform us from the inside out.
The invitation is to put these truths on the walls of our hearts: proximity to God, illumination by His light, gathering as family, and resting in the finished work of Christ. May we approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing we are deeply loved, fully welcomed, and continually transformed by His grace.
Key Takeaways
- 1. God’s Heart Is Proximity, Not Performance: From the beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people, not to keep us at arm’s length. The sacrificial system in Leviticus was never about empty rituals but about removing barriers to intimacy with Him. In Jesus, the ultimate “draw near” is accomplished—He is the fulfillment of every longing for closeness with God. Our faith is not about rule-keeping but about relationship, responding to God’s invitation to abide in His presence.
- 2. Abiding in Christ Is the Source of Fruitfulness: The image of the vine and branches is a powerful reminder that spiritual fruit is not produced by striving but by remaining connected to Jesus. Our lives are meant to be intertwined with His, drawing nourishment and life from Him alone. True transformation and impact flow from this abiding relationship, not from our own efforts or independence. The call is to put this on the wall of our hearts: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
- 3. Walking in the Light Means Ongoing Confession and Renewal: Salvation is both a gift and a process. While Jesus’ sacrifice secures our forgiveness, we are invited to continually bring our sins into the light through confession. This ongoing practice is not about shame but about experiencing the purifying, transforming work of Christ in real time. Walking in the light is a daily choice to let God’s truth and grace shape us, making us more like Jesus.
- 4. The Table of Jesus Is a Place of Family and Fullness: Gathering around the table—sharing bread and wine—is more than a ritual; it is a declaration of our identity as God’s family. We are adopted, chosen, and deeply loved, not because of our background or performance, but because of God’s will and delight. Communion is a full-body reminder that we belong, that we are nourished by Christ, and that we are called to welcome others into this family.
- 5. Transformation Comes by the Spirit, Not Just Information: Knowledge of Scripture and spiritual practices are valuable, but true change happens when the Holy Spirit applies these truths to our lives. Like the Israelites, we can be tempted to settle for outward compliance or look for loopholes, but God’s heart is for inward transformation. The Spirit matures, strengthens, and empowers us to live as disciples who make disciples, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Jesus Brings Us Into God’s Presence
Scripture:
John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A14&version=NIV
Devotional:
From the beginning, humanity was separated from God’s presence because of sin, but God’s heart has always been to draw us near again. Through the Old Testament, God provided ways for His people to approach Him, but it was only through Jesus—the Word made flesh—that the barrier was truly removed. Now, because of Jesus, we are invited into relationship with God, no longer kept at a distance, but welcomed into His Kingdom. This is the amazing truth: we can get in, not by our own efforts, but by the grace and sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled all that was required for us to dwell with God.
Reflection:
What does it mean to you personally that you are no longer separated from God, but welcomed into His presence through Jesus? How might this truth change the way you approach God today?
Prayer:
Father, remind me that You desire to dwell with me. Help me to draw near to You, not just by following rules, but with an open heart. May I live in Your presence daily, knowing You are holy and good. Amen.
Day 2: Abiding in Christ Produces Fruitful Living
Scripture:
John 15:5 (NIV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A5%20&version=NIV
Devotional:
Life in God’s kingdom is pictured as a vine and branches—an intimate, inseparable connection where Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. When we abide in Him, His life flows through us, nourishing and transforming us so that we bear fruit. This is not about striving on our own, but about remaining close to Jesus, allowing His presence to shape our actions, thoughts, and character. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but in partnership with Him, our lives become fruitful and full of purpose.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you sense Jesus inviting you to abide more deeply in Him? What practical step can you take today to remain connected to Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the vine and we are the branches. Help me to abide in You, connected deeply, so that I may bear fruit. Teach me to live in close partnership with You, drawing life and strength from Your love. Amen.
Day 3: Walking in the Light Through Confession
Scriptures:
1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A5-7&version=NIV
Devotional:
Jesus is the light of the world, and in Him there is no darkness at all. As we walk with Him, we are called to bring our sins and struggles into the light through confession, trusting that He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. This ongoing process of confession and forgiveness is how we experience transformation and deeper fellowship with God and others. We don’t have to hide in shame or pretend we have no sin; instead, we can come honestly before God, knowing He purifies us and draws us closer each day.
Reflection:
Is there something you need to bring into the light with God today? Take a moment to confess it to Him and receive His forgiveness.
Prayer:
God of light, shine Your glory into the dark places of my heart. Help me to walk in Your light, confessing our sins and receiving Your forgiveness. Cleanse us and transform us daily by Your Spirit. Amen.
Day 4: Welcomed Into God’s Family at the Table
Scripture:
Ephesians 1:5 (NIV)
He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201%3A5&version=NIV
Devotional:
Gathering around the table with bread and wine is a powerful reminder that, through Jesus, we are welcomed into God’s family. Communion is not just a ritual, but a full-body experience of being nourished, loved, and included by Christ Himself. We are adopted as children of God, not because of our background or effort, but because of His will and grace. As we gather with others, we remember that we are part of a family—deeply loved, chosen, and invited to the table set by Jesus.
Reflection:
Who in your life might need to experience the welcome and belonging of God’s family? How can you extend that invitation or hospitality to them this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for inviting me to Your table. As I eat the bread and drink the wine, remind me that I am deeply loved and nourished by You. Help me to live with others as Your body, united and strong. Amen.
Day 5: Jesus Our High Priest—Approaching God With Confidence
Scripture:
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204%3A14-16&version=NIV
Devotional:
Jesus is our great high priest who understands our weaknesses and has made the way for us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. We don’t have to rely on rituals or our own efforts to be accepted; Jesus has already done the work. Because He empathises with us and has faced every temptation, we can come boldly to God, receive mercy, and find grace in our time of need. This is the heart of God—to draw us close, transform us, and help us become more like Him as we trust in His finished work.
Reflection:
What need or weakness do you want to bring before God’s throne today? Take a moment to approach Him with confidence, trusting in Jesus’ understanding and grace.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, thank You for understanding my weaknesses and temptations. Help me to come boldly to Your throne of grace, trusting in Your mercy and grace to help me in every need. Transform me by Your Spirit to be more like You. Amen.
Day 6: What’s on Your Wall?
Scripture:
Exodus 26:1 (NIV)
“Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2026%3A1&version=NIV
Devotional:
Have you ever stopped to think about what’s on your wall? Since the beginning of time, people have put things on their walls to remember important moments, people, or truths. When the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness, God gave them instructions to build the tabernacle. The walls of the tabernacle were decorated with beautiful curtains woven with cherubim. These walls weren’t just decoration. They were a daily reminder that God was close. Today, we don’t have the tabernacle, but we have Jesus, he ultimate reminder on our walls and in our hearts that God is with us.
Reflection:
Take a moment today to ask God: What picture do You want me to put on my wall? Let it be a reminder of His faithfulness, His presence, and His love. And when life gets hard, look at that picture and remember: God is with you, drawing you close, and inviting you to dwell with Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the One who dwells with me. Help me to keep Your presence before me every day. May the pictures of Your love, Your light, and Your family be on the walls of my heart. Draw me near to You and remind me of Your faithfulness. Amen.
Day 7: Treasuring These Things in our Hearts
Scriptures:
Luke 2:19 (NIV)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A19&version=NIV
Devotional:
As the mother of Jesus, Mary lived an extraordinary life. But she didn’t rush past the extraordinary events around her. She held them close, treasuring them. Her pondering wasn’t just thinking; it was a deep, heartfelt meditation. An invitation to dwell with God’s story. This kind of pondering leads to intimacy with God, much like the vine and branches image from the sermon—being deeply connected and nourished by Jesus. Let’s ask God to help us ponder His presence and His work in our lives today. In our busy lives, it’s easy to miss the sacred moments God places before us.
Reflection:
Today, let’s slow down and treasure the ways God is working in our lives, even in the small things. Like Mary, we can choose to hold these moments dear, allowing them to shape us from the inside out.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to treasure Your presence and the ways You are at work in my life. Teach me to ponder Your goodness with my heart, to dwell deeply in Your love and grace. Thank You for drawing near to me and making a way for me to be close to You. May my heart be a place where Your glory shines bright. Amen.
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