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Wilderness Seasons: "Tents" (Travis Aicklen)

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Mar 1, 2021 • 27m

 Part 5 in Wilderness Seasons sermon series from Travis Aicklen about what the Bible has to say about tents and how we can lean into this season of worshiping in tents. 

Scripture References: Hebrews 11:8-10; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:13-14; Revelation 21 (Also references Genesis, Exodus, Judges)

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Tent Talk: Finding God in the Temporary)

  • Acknowledging the church's current reality of meeting in temporary tents.
  • This situation prompts reflection on the deep biblical significance of "tents" (Hebrew: Ohel).
  • This isn't just inconvenience; it's tapping into a major scriptural theme about God's people.

Key Points:

  1. Tents of Faith (Patriarchs - Heb 11):
    • Abraham, Isaac, Jacob lived as tent-dwellers in the Promised Land.
    • This demonstrates that faith involves living as pilgrims and sojourners, even amidst promises, looking forward to a permanent, God-built city.
  2. Tents of Presence (Wilderness & Jesus - Exodus, John 1):
    • God chose to dwell among His wandering people in a tent – the Tabernacle. The Feast of Booths commemorates this dependence and divine presence.
    • John 1:14: Jesus, the Word made flesh, "tabernacled" (pitched His tent) among us, bringing God's presence near.
  3. Tents of Groaning (Our Bodies - 2 Cor 5, 2 Pet 1):
    • Scripture refers to our physical bodies as temporary, earthly tents.
    • We groan in this frail existence, longing for our eternal heavenly dwelling. Yet, God's glory dwells within these tents, and His power works through our weakness.
  4. From Tents to City (The Future - Rev 21):
    • The Bible promises an end to this temporary "camp out."
    • We look forward to the New Jerusalem, the permanent, perfect city where God will dwell fully with His redeemed people forever. Our longing for permanence finds its fulfillment there.
  5. Application: Living the Metaphor Now:
    • The church is choosing to continue meeting in tents (moving to a larger structure nearby) until Easter [April 20, 2025].
    • This isn't just about restrictions, but embracing an invitation to live into the "tent life" identity – following God's perceived leading and presence.
    • This move allows gathering under one roof again and relaunching kids' ministry elements, making space for growth.
    • Announcing new sermon series, "Assembled," exploring biblical metaphors for the church while in the new tent.

Conclusion:

  • This "tent life" reminds us that our ultimate home isn't here. We are pilgrims.
  • Yet, even in the temporary, God pitches His tent with us – His presence dwells within us and among us.
  • Let's embrace this season, looking forward in faith to the permanent city to come.

Call to Action:

  • Participate fully in this unique season – including the move to the new tent space.
  • Engage with the upcoming "Assembled" series to deepen our understanding of the church.
  • Invite others into this journey. Pray for God's presence to fill the tent and for spiritual fruitfulness.

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