Library
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.
Read More
This morning, 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 revitalizing 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
Subscribe here to get a weekly SMS link to the latest Daily Hope devotional sermon (Australia only).
