In some ways, I feel like I have to apologize for being up here so often. But anyway, good morning, brothers and sisters.
I have a few verses that I would like to read to begin with. We will start with Genesis 35:1.
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, Who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”
Then a longer portion from Exodus 25:1-9. This is when Moses is receiving instructions to build the tabernacle.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goats’ hair; rams’ skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;
oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.”
And then one other one, very familiar: Romans 12:1-2.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove