“If you have God’s presence, you have favor. One minute of God’s Presence can accomplish more than 20 years of your striving.” —Heidi Baker
“We don’t need answers and explanations as much as we need God’s presence in and through the suffering.” —Tullian Tchividjian
“Nothing bothers the devil more than a Christian delighting in God’s Presence.” —A.W. Tozer

What are your thoughts on these quotes?

The Old Testament Tabernacle invited the people of God back into His presence. But before they could build it, they had to take the first steps of preparation.

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. —Exodus 25:1-2 (NLT)

The first thing God tells Moses to do in preparation for building the Tabernacle is to collect a contribution.

What does this passage teach us about our offering to God?

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” —2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Why is a “willing offering” from the heart desired?
How can we make sure our heart is willing (and cheerful) in our giving?

Here is a list of sacred offerings you may accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; 5 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; 7 onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. —Exodus 25:3-7 (NLT)

What do you notice about the specific items God requests?

“Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. 9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.” —Exodus 25:8-9 (NLT)

God wants this Tabernacle built so that he can “live among” his people. Or to put it another way, God wants to bring a little of heaven to this earth.

How is this “heaven to earth” a common theme throughout scripture?
What is the point of bringing heaven to earth?