Austin Chinese Church

In a world shaped by hurry, fragility, and brokenness, Psalm 90 calls us to slow down and turn our hearts towards God, our eternal dwelling place. Join us as we walk with Moses in bringing our laments before Him, discovering that God alone can truly satisfy and sustain us.

As the book of Exodus closes, God’s glory fills the tabernacle, marking both a completion and a new beginning for his people. Israel’s long journey from slavery to worship has led to this defining moment: God dwelling among them. Yet, the story doesn’t end here; it continues with God guiding his people by his presence wherever they go. We are reminded that life with God is a journey of continual dependence, obedience, and trust in his faithful guidance.

In the Tabernacle, every item and person was consecrated for God's purpose. That ancient ritual points to a profound truth for every believer: in Christ, you are consecrated. This isn't just a status; it's a calling.

God doesn’t call his people to cookie-cutter faith. The tabernacle was crafted with intentional detail, not to impress others, but to welcome God’s presence. In Exodus 39:32-43 we'll explore what it means to be “built differently” as followers of Jesus: shaped by God’s design, committed to his standards, and marked by his presence in everything we do. When we build our lives according to God’s blueprint, he delights to put his glory on display.

Exodus 37–38 reveals a God of perfect design and purpose. Every detail of the Tabernacle points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled God’s plan with flawless precision. The same God who crafted the Tabernacle and fulfilled prophecy is faithfully shaping every detail of our lives today.

Israel’s journey through the wilderness is culminating in this beautiful project of building the tabernacle of God. As everyone is doing their part to participate in the work, there is an abundance of what they need. What can we learn today as we understand Gods abundance and what he desires for us as a church community?

God provides the tabernacle to serve as a microcosm of Creation and God’s glory. In Exodus 35, the Israelites gather the materials to build and collect everything for the construction of the tabernacle. As Exodus hinges to focus on the construction of the tabernacle, we too are called to tabernacle everywhere we go as the tabernacle, and us, are a glimpse of heaven on earth and an invitation to worship the one true God everywhere we go.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face shone because he had been in the presence of God. Israel saw it, and they could not deny it: God’s glory had left a mark. In Exodus 34, we’re reminded that the God who renews His covenant also transforms His people. His presence doesn’t just stay on the mountain; it changes hearts and lives. God’s radiant presence also points us to Christ, in whom the glory of God is fully revealed. Through Jesus, we are called to reflect that glory in our everyday lives.

How do you respond when you receive incredible mercy? Do you know how much you need it? Or is mercy only for other “sinners”? Coming home involves recognizing that we need mercy and that we have mercy.

After the episode with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God not to send Israel forward without His presence. Chapter 33 reminds us that God’s presence is what sets His people apart and gives them courage for the journey ahead. Because true security ultimately comes from God’s presence, not His provisions.