1. Sensates: Loving God through the Senses

2. SENSATES HELP US APPRECIATE THE AWE, BEAUTY AND MAJESTY OF GOD.

3. SENSATES Experience and Worship God through the five senses, touch, taste, smell, sight and sound.

4. Ezek 1:4-28 4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north-an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In

5. Ezek 1:4-28 appearance their form was that of a man, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. appearance their form was that of a man, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 13 The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and

6. Ezek 1:4-28 lightning flashed out of it. 14 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. lightning flashed out of it. 14 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. 22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome.

7. Ezek 1:4-28 25 Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a

8. Ezek 1:4-28 man. 27 I saw that form what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy man. 27 I saw that form what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy

9. Ezek 1:4-28 day, so was the radiance around him. day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. NIV

10. Ezek 2:8-3:3 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you." 9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled

11. Ezek 2:8-3:3 before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe. before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe. 3:1 And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave

12. Ezek 2:8-3:3 me the scroll to eat. me the scroll to eat. 3 Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. NIV

13. Revelation 1:9-17 10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,... 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was

14. Revelation 1:9-17 someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in

15. Revelation 1:9-17 a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

16. Revelation 1:9-17 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. NIV

17. Sensates  Remind us that the majesty of God is something to be experienced. Ps 34:8 NIV Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

18. Sensates  Help us understand the Glory of God and His redemptive work through their artistic expressions.  The artwork of church has given away to the slides we use in worship.  The expression of God in song helps us understand him.

19. Sensates  Teach us that there is grandeur and mystery to God that surpasses our understanding. Job 11:7-9 NIV 7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than the heavens-what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea 8 They are higher than the heavens-what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

20. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES 1. Listen to worship-producing music 2. Absorb worship-producing art 3. Sing scripture 4. Create a worship space for yourself: light a candle, set out meaningful articles, e.g., a cross. 5. Use a “pocket piece” 6. Enter into a scripture passage. Be one of the characters. Experience the passage. 7. Vary prayer posture: stand, sit, kneel, lie prostrate