Exodus 25 - God's Building Campaign

When I think of building campaigns in the church, I almost want to cringe. We have more churches on every street corner that are under-utilized than ever. Often congregations forfeit true ministry (funding Christian discipleship and missions) in order to have a building that is large and updated for every purpose. 

Many churches go deep in debt and risk not being able to support the basics of providing for their pastor or building 

maintenance in order to have a lovely building.  In this chapter we see some principles of God's building campaign. 

Offering of willing hearts

God's building was not a function of fund raisers or product of selling foods or charging for special events. People were to give from their supply. Only willing people should give. No borrowing was required. People gave from the reserves they brought with them from Egypt. 

Specific offering

God outlined exactly what would be needed for this project. It wasn't a matter if giving what you feel like after the bills are paid. God has a materials list and exact plans for what is to be included in the building (ark). 

Extravagant offering

God lists his plan for gold, silver, bronze and special dyed fabric for the project. This was no plain tabernacle but extravagant. God asks for very detailed work - look at verses 18-21 for the descriptions if the gold cherubim and verses 31-36 for the lamp stands. These were works of art. 

Honor to The Lord

The rings for carrying the ark and the table were designed that no man would touch the holy places where God's presence was. We are not to make our own way to God or to discount His holiness; these errors in judgment lead to death. 

If we only understood God's nature and His principles we could avoid so many of the blunders that destroy the testimony of the church. By applying the principles to our own worship we hold God high,demonstrate obedience, and depend only on the willing offerings of the believers. In that way God gets they glory for anything we construct. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.