SANCTUARY

Posted on February 16, 2020 by oneta hayes

Oneta 84

Most of you know I’m pretty “churchy,” and I am quite traditional about it. After a reading of Psalms 26 and 27, I am again reminded of how delighted I am to be able to go to the “house of the Lord.”

Now my peeve. You expected one, huh? Does your “church” still have their worship experience in the sanctuary or has it become an auditorium? Remember signs pointing to the sanctuary or the sanctuary choir singing, or a sanctuary Sunday School class.? The Bible refers to sanctuary over 250 times. I especially like 1 Chron. 28:10, David’s words to Solomon, “…for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary.” Sanctuary = refuge, shelter, place of safety.

Actually the Bible does refer to auditorium one time (Acts 25:23) where Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, and military officers brought Paul, more or less to call him on the carpet. Auditorium = lecture theater.

Am I dwelling in minutia? Does it matter? It must. Else wise, why the change?

Sometimes blessed things happen in an auditorium. We had my daddy’s funeral in the school auditorium because our church sanctuary would not hold the expected audience. It was needed; however, I still remember it as big and cold.

I hope to be memorialized in a sanctuary not an auditorium. Other word changes that are interesting:  memorial rather than funeral; worship experience rather than service; small group events rather than classes.

But I believe these word changes distance us from the holiness of God’s hour.  Time will change that; perhaps it already has.  I guess it is easier to sell books and drink coffee in an auditorium than a sanctuary.  And “sanctuary” beacons one to kneel at the altar or at his seat when entering.  Easier to talk in an auditorium.

If I don’t close this my head may soon be on a platter rather than my having it on straight!  

  

About oneta hayes

ABOUT ME Hello. To various folks I am Neat’nee, Mom, Grandma Neta, Gramma, Aunt Neta, Aunt Noni, Aunt Neno, and Aunt Neto (lots of varieties from little nieces and nephews). To some I’m more like “Didn’t you used to be my teacher?” or “Don’t I know you from someplace?” To you, perhaps, I am a Fellow Blogger. Not “fellow” like a male or a guy, but “fellow” like a companion or an adventurer. I would choose to be Grandma Blogger, and have you pull up a chair, my website before you, while I tell you of some days of yore. I have experienced life much differently than most of you. It was and is a good life. I hope to share nuggets of appreciation for those who have gone before me and those who come after me. By necessity you are among those who come after me and I will tell you of those who came before. Once upon a time in a little house on a prairie - oops, change that lest I commit plagiarism - and change that “house on the prairie” to “dugout on the prairie.” So my story begins...
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19 Responses to SANCTUARY

  1. Julie (aka Cookie) says:
    February 16, 2020 at 9:37 am

    I wonder if the Holy of Holies had big screens and high end technology to enhance the reverence and adoration 😑

    Reply
  2. atimetoshare.me says:
    February 16, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    If your head was on a platter, would it be in a cafeteria or the colosseum?

    Reply
  3. Melissa Zelniker-Presser says:
    February 16, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I love this!

    Reply
    • oneta hayes says:
      February 16, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      Thank you, Melissa. I don’t remember having visited you before. Took a quick peek. I hope to get back when I have some time to read your testimony. You look young to agree with some of my “critiques” regarding the present state of the local church bodies. 😀 I’ll love getting better acquainted.

      Reply
      • Melissa Zelniker-Presser says:
        February 16, 2020 at 7:03 pm

        My blog has morphed several times. It used to be workforthecausenottheapplause, A Jewish Girl’s Journey to Jesus, then it moved on from there as I my faith grew. I’ve currently put my blog on hold to write for another blog, onthepilgrimroad which I am really enjoying. I’ve always loved your writing!

        Reply
  4. pranabaxom says:
    February 16, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    “house of the Lord” is in your heart. Now does it qualify as sanctuary?

    Reply
    • oneta hayes says:
      February 16, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      Yes, indeed, I hope the Lord finds a welcome home/house in my heart. Thanks for the nudge for this bit of truth. I find his presence there to be a be a great place to run. And nothing could make me happier than to know his home in my heart draws troubled souls to him. If they come by way of my heart, more the better. Thanks for the instruction and question. They add to my position.

      Reply
  5. Salvageable says:
    February 16, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    I agree with you 100%–we worship the Lord in sanctuary, a holy place, not merely an auditorium, a room where people listen. J.

    Reply
  6. Faye says:
    February 16, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    I am 100% in agreement. This is why I believe Sunday mornings are so special for us (as a couple) when 2 or 3 are gathered in MY Name…..I am in the midst of them.
    This is a TRUTH. When David and I gather, remember our Lord’s sacrifice by breaking bread and sharing wine. When we praise and worship with singing (Thank God David is a musician). Then we share in joint reading of the Word and our Sermon is God the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to us through His Word. Wow! We had decades of what you have voiced. The modern culture and trends has totally invaded the church (buildings and denomination persuasions etc). God alone is CONSANT and His Presence with His Church (ie His People) has not changed with the culture. He does not compromise on His Word in any way. Sin is still sin!, The Saviour came to set EVERYONE FREE. Blessings to you as you continue to live, write and share. xx

    Reply
  7. judyjourneys says:
    February 17, 2020 at 7:31 am

    My Sunday school class recently had a lesson where we discussed that “holy” means “set apart.” When a worship service is held in a room that is also an auditorium, gymnasium, a kitchen extension, etc., I believe it has moved from the sacredness of holiness.

    Reply
  8. beholdinghimministries says:
    February 17, 2020 at 7:59 am

    I agree with you in theory but let’s be careful to remember the early church began in homes and Jesus fed 5000+ in a field. It’s the heart that matters no matter the building or lack thereof. Blessings today!

    Reply

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