Set Apart / OMBS7

Set Apart 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

As believers, being "set apart" means more than avoiding sin; it's about passionately pursuing God as our greatest joy. This requires separating from anything that distances us from Him. Hannah exemplifies this. She longed not just for a son but for a generation devoted to God. Her son Samuel became a prophet, set apart for a holy calling. Today, God still calls us to shine brightly for His kingdom. Living a life set apart begins in the "secret place" – that quiet time with God in prayer. Hannah poured out her heart to God there, and He answered. This place of solitude nurtures maturity, discernment, and connection to God. We must also examine our lives, identifying areas influenced by the world. Like Samuel, we are called to holiness, aligning our actions with God’s truth. As Paul said in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Eli’s story warns of spiritual apathy. He knew of his sons’ sins but didn’t address them. Living set apart means resisting compromise and actively seeking God, as Hannah did. God desires a generation hungry for holiness, a “Samuel generation” committed to His presence and purpose. When we feel a deep longing in our faith, it’s God calling us closer. Isaiah 55:1 invites, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” In a world of distractions, God calls us to a higher path. As you reflect, ask, “What areas of my life need to be set apart for God?” Seek Him, resist compromise, and live boldly in His purity. Through lives set apart, God’s glory shines brightest. OMBS7 Bells And Pomegranates The High Priest's robe had golden bells and woven pomegranates around its hemline. Many theories about their symbolism are mostly mystical, contradictory and unprovable. Pomegranates are perceived as a symbol of the righteousness of the Priesthood. The joyous sound of the bells notified outsiders that the High Priest was still alive after entering the Holy of Holies - he had not died. Exodus 28:35 - "And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not." The Consecration Of-The Priesthood The Priesthood was consecrated AFTER the Tabernacle was complete. It took a Tabernacle plan to accomplish the task. The blood sacrifices, unleavened bread, anointing oil, water of washing, garments, ephod, mitre, various offerings - ALL were necessary to make the priests holy. Similarly, the New Testament Church must be assembled before Jesus returns to ascend to His High Priesthood in Jerusalem for 1000 years. Exodus 29:44-45 - "And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office." The Altar Of Incense The Altar of Incense was roughly four-feet-cubed, gold-plated, gold-crowned shittim wood, with horns on the top corners, and rings for the staves with which the priests carried it. It stood before the Veil, immediately outside the Mercy Seat, where the High Priest met God. The Priest offered holy incense morning and evening, perpetually before the Lord. Once annually, a blood atonement was made here. Incense represents the sweet odors of the prayers of the saints. Exodus 30:1 - "...thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it." The Brazen Laver After the Priest sacrificed at the Brazen Altar, he had to wash himself at the Brazen Laver before entering the Holy Place. The laver is a typological and prophetic symbol of water baptism in the New Testament. The altar represents repentance. The laver followed, illustrating our need to be baptized for the remission of our sins after we have repented. Exodus 30:18,20 - "Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal... When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not." The blessings of the Lord our going to overtake her. Angels are coming to your house time to time and watching over her.  Angels are taking your prayers to heaven.  The blessings will overtake you.

Plan of Salvation read acts 2:38