Friday, June 10, 2022
O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8
Sanctuary – North Side Baptist Church
According to the Harper Collins Bible Dictionary, sanctuary in the Bible is a “holy place where God is present. In the wilderness, this was the tent of meeting; in the time of Solomon, it was the Temple at Jerusalem. In both places, the Lord’s presence was made visible as a pillar of smoke during the daytime and a pillar of fire at night.”
Have you ever just listened to all the voices on a Sunday morning, singing together in worship? Or have you ever been in a huge building, like a convention center, where everyone’s voices are all lifted in worship? The feeling is overwhelming. In the Bible verse above, David is speaking to his love of being in the space where God dwells, united with God and His people in worship together. There is nothing like the fellowship and time together in worship with other Christians to provide a sanctuary for our hearts.
More times than not I have limped into church on Sunday morning feeling like doing anything but having a worshipful attitude. Satan has a way of attacking us when we are focused on trying to get to church - or do anything God has called us to do. But every time that happens, being in His sanctuary with other believers worshipping together has been a balm to my heart. In His presence is a sanctuary where we can hide away for a moment, be filled, and healed. Worship brings the best healing and the most peaceful cover from the trials of life.
When the Israelites were led out of bondage in Egypt, God said, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” Exodus 25:8 The Sanctuary was built as a way for God to be with His people and teach them about His ways. It bridges the gap that sin has created between humanity and God. The sanctuary was in the center of the camp because God wanted to be in the center of His people. He still wants to be in the center of His people and once we become His child, He abides in us. We don’t have to go to a sanctuary to be with Him or worship Him. We can be with Him constantly and worship Him anytime.
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:15-17
For 125 years North Side Baptist Church has provided a sanctuary for people to come and meet God, learn about Him, and worship. Years of revivals, Vacation Bible Schools, and services have fostered new believers and lifelong friendships, as well as many mission opportunities. The past century has been great for North Side and the future is bright ahead. North Side will continue to provide a sanctuary for people to come together and worship God for many years to come.
