AY Honors/Sanctuary - Advanced/Requirements

Sanctuary - Advanced

Skill Level

3

Year

2019

Version

24.12.2024

Approval authority

North American Division

Prologue: Complete the 8th Grade Encounter Curriculum Unit 8.4 "Sanctuary" or equivalent academic program regarding the sanctuary, or complete the following.

1. Earn the Sanctuary honor.

2. Discuss the following:

a. How does the sanctuary help us understand God's reaction to the "sin problem" that has been present from Genesis 3 through the Exodus (and is present until the End of Sin after the millennium)?

b. How do the different parts of the sanctuary service on earth illustrate the role of Christ as our Savior? Consult Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 9:1-10:22 as part of your discovery.

3. Do the following:

a. Read the instructions for the Daily Sacrifice and the Day of Atonement found in Exodus 29:38-42, Numbers 28:3-8, Leviticus 16, Romans 12:1-2. Define "sacrifices" and "atonement." Since the sanctuary was a symbol of Christ's ministry, what can be learned from these services that have meaning for us today? Evaluate through discussion or journaling how you think these symbols illustrate God's ongoing love and care for YOU.

b. Read Daniel 8:14 and the SDA Bible Commentary on the passage. What is the role of the sanctuary in this passage? How does Daniel see the sanctuary having a role in his 2300 day/year prophecy? How might the "cleansing" mentioned here be like the cleansing on the Day of Atonement?

4. Journal then discuss the following questions:

a. What environment makes God's presence most real to you?

b. If you could design a special place where you could feel close to God, what would it be like?

c. What would be the focal point? How would you furnish this place?

d. How might you come into God's presence when you can't go to a place of worship?

e. How do you think "sanctuaries" of today can meaningfully provide special places to feel God's presence?

5. Determine the key messages of the sanctuary. Then, do one of the following individually or in pairs:

a. Create a Bible study with more than five texts that shows how the sanctuary foreshadows Christ's ministry for sinners, demonstrates a solution for the sin problem, and is the overarching answer to Christ's role throughout history. Present the study.

b. Create a board or card "trivia" game that requires knowledge recall and critical thinking about topics presented in this honor. Demonstrate the game.

c. Create a presentation for younger children's group, Sabbath School class, or group worship about one or more portions of the information about the sanctuary you have learned while earning the Sanctuary honors. Center your presentation around one key point (ex. God's forgiveness). Include at least one Bible text and one illustration in your presentation (no more than 5 minutes in length).

6. In your discovery and study of the sanctuary, a lot of bloodshed has been covered and mentioned. Why did God require so much sacrifice and bloodshed?

7. Do one of the following reflectively at the conclusion of your honor study:

a. Choose, listen to, and evaluate three songs that illustrate the themes present in the doctrine/teachings of the sanctuary. Share your playlist and evaluation with others.

b. Create a poem, song, whiteboard animation, or equivalent that demonstrates your understanding of the key theme(s) from the sanctuary that you feel are of most value to young people today.

c. Participate in a planned and formally organized "Sanctuary Prayer Walk." After completing the prayer walk, journal about your experience.

d. Write a prayer or series of shorter prayers that you imagine having with God as you envision walking to each of the pieces of furniture in the sanctuary. Focus each portion of the prayer on things in your life or experiences related to the significance of that piece of furniture.

e. Plan a service (vespers or equivalent) on the topic of God's mercy. Include a hands-on application of the forgiveness Christ offers as a part of the service.