Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Key Theme

Let go of anxious control and grab hold of God’s peace.

Anxiety is defined as:

While anxiety is a normal human experience, believers are not called to identify with it or be ruled by it.

God’s Peace Guards and Governs

Philippians 4:6-7

• “Do not be anxious about anything.”
• Prayer, thanksgiving, and bringing requests to God open the door for His peace.
• God’s peace acts as a guard over our hearts and minds.

Colossians 3:15

• The peace of Christ is not only protection—it is meant to rule in our hearts.
• Peace should have authority over our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Peace Is a Person

Ephesians 2:14

• “He Himself is our peace.”
• Peace is not merely a feeling; it is found in Christ Himself.
• If we have Christ, we already have access to peace.

Jesus’ Example in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42

• Jesus experienced intense sorrow, distress, and pressure before the cross.
• He did not deny His emotions.
• Instead, He repeatedly brought them to the Father in prayer.
• Though circumstances did not immediately change, Jesus emerged with peace and resolve.

Lesson: Peace does not always come from a changed situation. Sometimes it comes from surrendering control to God.

Peace Was Given Before the Crisis

John 14:27

• Jesus told His disciples, “My peace I give to you.”
• He gave them peace before the trial, arrest, and crucifixion.
• Likewise, believers already possess the peace they need before problems arise.

The Two Cycles

Cycle of Anxiety

1. Uncertainty
2. Anxiety/Fear
3. Desire for Control
4. Taking Control
5. Frustration
6. More Anxiety

Cycle of Faith

1. Uncertainty
2. Anxiety/Fear
3. Prayer
4. Trusting God’s Control
5. God Works His Plan
6. Faith Grows
7. Peace Increases

The more we practice trusting God, the quicker we move from fear to faith.

Worry Accomplishes Nothing

Luke 12:25-32

• Worry cannot add a single hour to life.
• God already knows our needs.
• The solution is simple:
  • Seek His Kingdom.
  • Trust His provision.
  • Receive what He freely desires to give.

Practicing Peace

Philippians 4:8-9

• Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.
• Peace is not only received—it is practiced.

Jordon encouraged everyone to:

• Identify things that bring joy.
• Remember relationships that bless them.
• Reflect on dreams God has fulfilled.

By intentionally focusing on God’s goodness, we create an environment where peace can flourish and anxiety loses its grip.

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety is real, but it does not have to rule your life.
• God’s peace is both a guard and a ruler.
• Jesus experienced distress and modeled how to respond.
• Peace is already available through Christ.
• Prayer moves us from control to trust.
• Practicing gratitude and godly meditation strengthens our ability to walk in peace.

Closing Thought

You do not have to earn peace—you already have access to it through Christ. The challenge is learning to practice it, trust it, and allow it to govern your heart and mind.

Joshua Boyd

God’s Desire Has Always Been Relationship

From the Garden of Eden onward:

• God desired to walk with humanity
• Sin broke that fellowship
• The Tabernacle was God’s solution to dwell among His people

The Tabernacle was literally a “Tent of Meeting.”

Why So Much Detail?

• Over 50 chapters of Scripture describe the Tabernacle and Temples
• Hebrews teaches that these earthly structures were:
  • Copies
  • Shadows
  • Patterns of heavenly realities

God gave Moses exact instructions because the design reflected something real in heaven.

The Purpose of the Tabernacle

The goal was never rituals alone.

The purpose was:

• To meet with God
• To hear from God
• To experience His presence

The Pattern of Approach

The Tabernacle reveals a pathway into God’s presence:

1. The Gate

• Only one entrance
• Points to Jesus

2. The Altar of Sacrifice

• Blood was required for forgiveness
• Points to the sacrifice of Christ

3. The Bronze Laver

• Washing and cleansing
• Points to being washed by God’s Word

4. The Holy Place

Three daily responsibilities:

• Lampstand → Keep the light burning
• Showbread → Daily bread from God’s Word
• Incense → Prayer and worship

5. The Holy of Holies

• God’s manifest presence
• Place of meeting and hearing from God
• Accessible only through preparation

Jesus Fulfilled the Pattern

Jesus became:

• The Door
• The Sacrifice
• The Cleansing Word
• The High Priest

Through His blood:

• Sin is forgiven
• The veil is torn
• Access to God is opened

The Veil Was Torn

Before Christ:

• One man
• One day a year
• Could enter God’s presence

After Christ:

• Every believer has access

Yet access does not remove the need for reverence and preparation.

Daily Preparation Matters

Many believers want God’s presence but neglect the daily practices that lead there.

The pattern still teaches us to:

• Stay in the Word
• Maintain prayer
• Keep our spiritual light burning
• Continually cleanse ourselves from worldly distractions

God wants to meet with us, but we must intentionally draw near.

Don’t Stop in the Outer Court

Some believers stop at:

• Forgiveness
• Salvation
• “My ticket to heaven”

But God desires more:

• Relationship
• Communion
• Conversation
• Direction

The goal is not merely being saved.

The goal is meeting with God.

Draw Near

God is not hiding from us.
He designed the entire system—from the Tabernacle to the Cross—to make relationship possible.

Final Takeaways

• The Tabernacle is a picture of God’s desire to dwell with His people.
• Every element points to Jesus.
• Salvation is the entrance, not the destination.
• God wants more than ritual—He wants relationship.
• The pathway into His presence is available to every believer.

Closing Challenge

Don’t settle for the outer court.

Spend time in:

• The Word
• Prayer
• Worship
• Fellowship with God

Because the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was not sacrifice—it was meeting with God.

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

This special service is geared toward the youth of the church.