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Thy Kingdom Come | Vacation Bible School - Monday Night | Sunday, June 8, 2026 | OCBF 50 | Dr. Tony Evans

Overview

Dr. Tony Evans discussed the ongoing project to create a three-part film series on the history of the Bible, which will require $9 million. He emphasized the importance of understanding the social, political, and economic dynamics that shaped the Bible. 

Evans highlighted the significance of Zion, describing it as the holy dwelling place of God, encompassing Mount Zion, Jerusalem, and the temple. He connected Zion to the New Testament church, stressing the church's role as an embassy of heaven, reflecting God's rule and laws. Evans also underscored the importance of worship, family values, and the church's unified role in spiritual warfare.

Action Items

• Continue fundraising to raise $9 million for the multi-part documentary project on how the Bible moved from the first century to today, and manage project scheduling impacted by postponed international filming locations.
• Publish and maintain project updates on TonyEvans.org so supporters can follow the documentary's progress and learn about changes (e.g., postponements or next filming locations)

Outline

Project Overview and Prayer

• Dr. Tony Evans discusses the project to film a three-part movie series on the history of the Bible, highlighting the challenges and costs involved.

• He mentions the need to raise $9 million for the project and encourages people to pray and stay updated through the Tony Evans website.

• Dr. Tony Evans expresses gratitude for the support and excitement surrounding OCBF's 50th anniversary.

• He leads a prayer thanking God for the opportunity to celebrate Family Vacation Bible School and for the chance to learn and grow together.

Commitment to the Kingdom of God

• Dr. Tony Evans emphasizes the importance of pledging allegiance to the kingdom of God through conversion and baptism.

• He explains that baptism is a public declaration of commitment to the kingdom and its values

• Dr. Tony Evans highlights the family's role in transmitting kingdom values to the next generation through marriage and parenting.

• Dr. Tony Evans introduces the concept of Zion as a place of divine favor and blessing, emphasizing its significance in the Old Testament.

Understanding Zion

• Dr. Tony Evans explains the significance of Zion, describing it as the holy dwelling place of God among His people.

• He identifies three aspects of Zion: Mount Zion, the city of Zion (Jerusalem), and the temple.

• Dr. Evans discusses the role of Zion in the Old Testament, including its function as a place of worship and the reception of God's word.

• Dr. Tony Evans connects the concept of Zion to the New Testament church, describing it as a place of legislation and instruction for the nation.

The Role of Worship and the Tabernacle

• Dr. Tony Evans defines worship as the recognition of God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.

• He explains the historical context of worship in the Old Testament, including the inconvenience of traveling to the temple.

• Dr. Evans discusses the tabernacle as a mobile tent that preceded the temple, instructing the people on how to live in relationship with God.

• Dr. Tony Evans emphasizes the importance of the tabernacle in teaching the people how to apply God's laws to all aspects of life.

The Church as the New Testament Zion

• Dr. Tony Evans connects the Old Testament concept of Zion to the New Testament church, describing the church as the assembly of the saints.

• He explains that the church is the place where God's laws and instructions are received and applied.

• Dr. Evans highlights the importance of the church as a place of legislation and instruction, not just worship.

• Dr. Tony Evans discusses the significance of the church as God's embassy in the world, reflecting His rule and laws.

The Keys to the Kingdom

• Dr. Tony Evans explains that Jesus gave the church the keys to the kingdom, representing God's jurisdiction and rule.

• He emphasizes that the church is the representative agency of the kingdom, reflecting God's rule in the world.

• He also discusses the importance of the church being biblically centered and not mimicking the world's values.

• Dr. Tony Evans highlights the church's role in defeating Satan and upholding God's laws and values.

The Unity and Power of the Church

• Dr. Tony Evans discusses the importance of the church being unified and functioning as a temple. 

• He explains that the church grows by the contributions of every joint, emphasizing the need for everyone to play a role.

• Dr Evans highlights the significance of the husband being like Jesus and the wife responding to Him, symbolizing the unity of Christ and the church.

• Dr. Tony Evans discusses the power that comes when the church is united and functioning as God intended.

The Church's Mission and Influence

• Dr. Tony Evans emphasizes the church's mission to reflect God's rule and laws in the world.

• He explains that the church's influence extends beyond its physical location, affecting the lives of people everywhere.

• Dr. Evans discusses the importance of the church being a place of legislation and instruction, not just worship.

• Dr. Tony Evans highlights the church's role in defeating Satan and upholding God's values and laws.

My Thoughts and Sermon Notes

The Tabernacle

The tabernacle became a temple in stages tied to Israel’s shift from a wandering, tribal people to a settled, centralized monarchy.

What Happened and When?

 

The Tabernacle (mishkan)

• During the Exodus, wilderness, conquest, and settlement periods, Israel’s portable sanctuary—built and consecrated according to God’s instructions—served as God’s dwelling. 
• Key Passages: Exodus 25–31 (instructions), Exodus 35–40 (construction and erection), Leviticus (cult laws), Numbers 1–10 (cloud, camp order, portable worship), Numbers 4 (Levites’ duties in transporting the tabernacle).

Ark to Jerusalem (David)

• David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and established the city as the political and cultic center, marking the shift toward a fixed national sanctuary. 
• Key Passages: 2 Samuel 6 (transporting the Ark to Jerusalem), 1 Chronicles 13; 15–16 (earlier failed attempt and successful transfer; worship organization), 2 Samuel 5:6–10 and 2 Samuel 6:12–19 (David’s consolidation of Jerusalem as capital).

Solomon’s Temple

• David expressed the desire to build a permanent house for God; God told David the task would fall to his son. Solomon constructed and dedicated the First Temple in Jerusalem. 
• Key Passages: 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17 (God’s promise to David), 1 Kings 5–8 (Solomon’s building and dedication of the Temple), 2 Chronicles 2–7 (parallel account, dedication and initial divine response).

Why Did the Change Occur?

• Political and Social Consolidation: Israel moved from nomadic/tribal life to a united monarchy; a permanent temple fit a settled capital and centralized government.
• Centralization of Worship: A fixed temple concentrated sacrificial, priestly, and liturgical functions in a single authorized place, reducing reliance on local altars and unifying covenant worship.
• Symbolic Permanence: A temple expressed the nation’s stability and a more permanent, visible sign of God’s dwelling among his people.
• Royal Ideology and Covenant Continuity: The Davidic monarchy tied God’s presence to the royal city Zion, reinforcing the theological link between kingship and God’s covenant promises.
• Practical Liturgical Needs: A permanent structure housed the ark, the altar, and the cultic furnishings in a way a portable structure could not over the long term.

Theological Nuance 

• God is not limited by the building—Scripture stresses God’s transcendence—but God chose to make a special, settled place for his presence 1 Kings 8; Psalm 132.

• The move from tabernacle to temple is both a historical development and a theological sign: God’s willing presence becomes more publicly anchored in the life of the nation, yet prophetic and later New Testament reflection interprets the temple’s role typologically pointing forward to Christ and the church.

Aftermath Note

• The Solomon Temple later faced destruction Babylon, 586 BCE, rebuilding the Second Temple, later expansion Herod, and eventual New Testament reinterpretation Jesus as fulfillment, believers as God’s dwelling by the Spirit.
• The twelve tribes of Israel camped around the tabernacle in a fixed four‑sided arrangement, with three tribes on each side. Numbers 2 gives the order:

•  East facing the entrance: Judah center with Issachar and Zebulun

•  South: Reuben center with Simeon and Gad

•  West: Ephraim center with Manasseh and Benjamin

•  North: Dan center with Asher and Naphtali

• The Levites Numbers 1–3 were set apart to serve the tabernacle—transporting, assembling, and ministering. The Kohathites carried the holy furnishings, the Gershonites carried the fabrics/curtains, and the Merarites carried the structural frames and boards; Aaronic priests served inside.

God’s Blessings from the Tabernacle

Interpreting: The Lord’s Blessings from Zion | The Tabernacle 

Meaning Core

The phrase locates the source of blessing in God’s chosen place of presence and authority—Zion/the temple—so blessing is understood as coming from God’s active, covenantal presence rather than from human effort or chance.

Theological Nuances

•  Presence, Not Limitation: It affirms God’s immanent presence among his people God dwells with them, while not denying God’s transcendence he is greater than any place.

•  Covenantal Source: Zion is symbolic of God’s covenant relationship, kingship, and priestly access—blessing flows out of God’s committed relationship with his people.

•  Communal Emphasis: The blessing is communal and corporate as well as personal—God’s favor shows up in the flourishing of the people/city e.g., “prosperity of Jerusalem”, not merely private success.

•  Eschatological Horizon: The language points both to present, sustained blessing and to an ultimate consummation when God’s presence and rule are fully realized the eschatological “New Jerusalem”.

How It Functions in Context | Psalm 128

•  Builds on Personal Blessing: Psalm 128 begins with blessings for those who fear the LORD; verse 5 expands the scope—there is additional blessing that issues from Zion, the public, covenant center, complementing individual faithfulness.

•  Connects Household and City: The Psalm moves from individual piety to family flourishing to civic/communal prosperity—blessing is progressive and relational.

Practical | Pastoral Implications

•  Cultivate practices that invite God’s presence: corporate worship, Scripture, prayer, sacraments—these are ways we “receive” blessing from God’s dwelling among us.

•  Prioritize community flourishing: Invest in the health of the church and neighborhood justice, mercy, hospitality because God’s blessing is visible in communal well‑being.

•  Remember God’s Sovereignty: Teach people to expect blessing as divine gift, rooted in God’s presence and promises, not merely human planning or materialism.

•  Live with Hope and Patience: The promise of seeing communal prosperity “all the days of your life” sustains perseverance in trials and motivates long‑term faithfulness and intergenerational discipleship.

Summary

“God’s blessing from this Location’ means blessing that issues from his chosen presence and covenant life—signaling that true flourishing is rooted in God’s dwelling among his people and shown in communal, lasting well‑being.”

What God WAS to the Temple is What Jesus IS to the Church

That is a Central New Testament Claim

What God’s presence was to the temple in the Old Covenant, Jesus is to the Church in the New Covenant

Concise Explanation

Temple in the Old Testament: The temple and earlier the tabernacle was the designated dwelling‑place of God among Israel — the locus of sacrificial mediation, covenant presence, teaching, and corporate worship.

Jesus as God’s Presence Incarnate: In the Gospels and Epistles Jesus is presented as the true presence of God John 1:14 — “the Word became flesh”, the perfect temple‑fulfiller e.g., he interprets and supersedes temple functions, cleanses the temple, and speaks of his body as a temple.

Church as God’s dwelling by the Spirit: After Jesus’ resurrection and the giving of the Spirit, the New Testament shifts the locus from stone and building to persons and community — believers together are God’s temple 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, 6:19; Ephesians 2:19–22; Hebrews interprets the tabernacle/temple typologically in Christ and the church.

Functional Parallels

Mediation: The temple’s mediating role priests/altars is fulfilled in Christ the great High Priest and exercised through the church prayer, proclamation, sacraments. 

Presence: Where the temple signified God’s nearness, Christ embodies God’s nearness, and the Spirit dwells within the church. 

Worship and Mission: The temple centralized worship; the church gathers for worship and is sent for mission, carrying God’s presence into the world.

Pastoral Takeaway

We should revere corporate worship and the gathered church as the present form of God’s dwelling, while remembering that Jesus is the ultimate temple‑presence and the Spirit makes God at home within us and among us for mission, formation, and hope.

Why Do so Many Christian’s Define the Church by the Building Location instead of Its Representation?

This is a common tendency and a significant pastoral concern. 

WHY?

The Issue: People often equate “church” with a building because physical spaces make worship tangible, create routines, and mark identity. Over time, the sign building can eclipse the substance: the people and their mission.

The Theological Correction: Scripture locates the church primarily in persons and community — the body of Christ, the temple of the Spirit, a pilgrim people called to worship and witness 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Peter 2. Buildings are valuable signs and habitats for worship, formation, and hospitality, but they are not the essence.

Practical Consequences When the Building Becomes the Definition

• Narrow Vision for: Mission, Attendance, and Discipleship
• Consumer Mentality: service as product rather than participation

    •  Resistance to Mission Beyond Walls: evangelism, community service

    •  Fragile Identity: when access to a building is disrupted

How to Reorient a Community

Teach Biblical Identity: preach and teach the church as people, not place.

Prioritize Practices that Travel: home groups, neighborhood service, hospitality, portable worship, and discipleship rhythms. 

Deploy the Gathered Life for Mission: use the building as a sending base worship → equip → send. 

Highlight Stories of Presence: publicize ministries that show the church incarnating care meals, tutoring, clinics.

Celebrate Markers of Belonging Beyond Attendance: baptisms, small‑group commissioning, service milestones.

Prepare for Disruption: cultivate rhythms that survive when building access is limited digital care, phone trees, home-based gatherings. 

One Pastoral Line to Teach: “The building houses our worship; the people are the temple — where the Spirit dwells and mission goes out.”

Walk Through Ephesians

Quick Walkthrough of Ephesians

Authorship & Setting 

Traditionally, Paul wrote Ephesians likely from prison, c. AD 60–62. It’s a circular/encouragement letter to the churches in the province of Asia centered on the nature and life of the church in Christ.

 

Big Picture | Central Purpose

Ephesians unfolds how God’s eternal purpose in Christ unites Jews and Gentiles into one body the church, reveals heavenly riches given in Christ, and calls believers to live out that identity in practical, spiritual, and communal ways. Key motif: “in Christ” union with Christ and the church as God’s household/temple. 

Structure | Chapter by Chapter Summary

Chapter 1 — Heavenly Riches in Christ 

Doctrinal Opening C: election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, sealing by the Spirit. Prayer for spiritual wisdom vv. 15–23. Key verse: Eph 1:3–4. 

Chapter 2 — From Death to Life; Unity of Jew and Gentile 

Salvation by grace through faith, not works. Jesus breaks down the dividing wall; believers are God’s new humanity and household built on the cornerstone vv. 1–22. Key verse: Eph 2:8–10. 

Chapter 3 — Mystery Revealed; Paul’s Ministry and Prayer 

The “Mystery” = Gentiles sharing in the promises by the gospel. Paul’s role and a doxology; prayer for inner strength and Christ dwelling in hearts vv. 14–21. Key verse: Eph 3:14–19. 

Chapter 4 — Unity and maturity in the body 

Practical exhortation to preserve unity one body, one Spirit, one hope. Put off the old self; put on the new; grow to maturity vv. 1–16. Key verse: Eph 4:11–16. 

Chapter 5 — Imitate Christ in love and light 

Live as children of light; avoid impurity; speak truth; submit mutually in Christlike love—husbands love as Christ loved the church, wives respect and partner vv. 21–33. Key verse: Eph 5:1–2. 

Chapter 6 — Household, workplace, and spiritual warfare 

Instructions for children/parents, slaves/masters household codes shaped by gospel. Final charge: put on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual forces; pray always vv. 10–20. Key verse: Eph 6:10–18.  

Key Theological Themes 

• Union with Christ: believer’s identity and blessings flow from being “in Christ.” 

• Salvation by Grace Through Faith; works as the product of new creation not the basis.

• Ecclesiology: the church as the visible, multi‑ethnic manifestation of God’s plan body, bride, temple, household. 

• Reconciliation and Unity: gospel breaks down ethnic and social barriers. 

• Cosmic Scope: Christ’s reign is cosmic—principalities and powers are placed under him; the church participates in God’s cosmic plan. 

• Spiritual Formation and Ethics: doctrine who we are grounds practice how we live. 

• Spiritual Warfare: Christian life involves real spiritual opposition requiring God’s resources. 

 Pastoral & Practical Takeaways

• Ground Ethics in Identity: remind people that the “ought” flows from who God has made them in Christ; security fuels obedience.

• Prioritize Unity: pursue doctrinal and relational unity without flattening gospel truth.

• Equip Leaders for Maturity: ministry gifts apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers aim to mature the body.

• Integrate Home and Work: the gospel reshapes household relations and workplace behavior—faith is not privatized.

• Teach Spiritual Disciplines and Warfare: prayer, Scripture, and the “armor” are practical essentials for resilience.

• Emphasize Mission: the church’s unity and life are a testimony to God’s wisdom displayed to the spiritual powers and the world.

Helpful memorable verses

    •  Eph 1:3–4 spiritual blessings in Christ

    •  Eph 2:8–10 grace and new creation

    •  Eph 2:14 Christ our peace

    •  Eph 3:20–21 God’s power at work

    •  Eph 4:1–3 unity and humility

    •  Eph 5:1–2 imitate God in love

    •  Eph 6:10–18 armor of God

5-Day Bible Study on the Sermon Themes

Below is a 5‑day Bible Study based on the Sermon Themes: 

• Kingdom Transfer
• Zion/Temple/Church
• Blessings from Zion
• Family transmission of kingdom values
• Worship as Life
• The church as Heaven’s Embassy

Each day includes a focus, Scripture readings, short teaching summary, discussion questions, personal/application prompts, and a closing prayer suggestion.

Day 1 — Kingdom Transfer: From Darkness to God’s Kingdom

Focus: Understand what it means to be transferred into God’s kingdom at conversion and the implications for identity and life.

Readings: Colossians 1:12–14; John 3:1–8; Romans 6:3–11

Teaching Summary: Conversion is a real transfer of allegiance and status — we are moved from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of God, receiving new life, forgiveness, and a calling under Christ’s rule.

Discussion Questions:

    1.  What does each passage say about who effects the transfer and what changes in the believer?

    2.  How would you describe the difference between old allegiance and new allegiance in daily life?

    3.  What objections or fears do people have about submitting to Christ’s kingship?

Personal Application:

Identify one area of life where you still act as a citizen of the old domain habit, priority, or value. Pray and choose one practical first step to reorient it to the kingdom e.g., different use of time, money, words.

Memorize Colossians 1:13. 

Prayer: Thank God for rescuing and transferring you; ask for clarity to live as a citizen of his kingdom today.

 

Day 2 — Zion and the Source of Blessing

Focus: Explore “the Lord bless you from Zion” — God’s presence as the source of authentic blessing and the communal shape of blessing.

Readings: Psalm 128 whole; Psalm 132:13–14; Isaiah 2:2–3

Teaching Summary: Zion symbolizes God’s chosen dwelling and covenant authority. Blessings from Zion are relational and communal — God’s favor flows from his presence and results in the flourishing of his people and city. 

Discussion Questions:

    1.  How do these passages connect personal piety and community flourishing?

    2.  In what ways can a modern church function as “Zion” for its neighborhood?

    3.  How should the promise “from Zion” shape our expectations about blessing?

Personal Application:

List one way your faith community already fosters communal flourishing and one area for growth. Commit to one tangible contribution this week service, prayer, hospitality.

Pray for your local church’s flourishing and name specific needs.

Prayer: Ask God to bless your church “from Zion” — for his presence to guide and prosper communal life.

Day 3 — Worship: Recognition of God Who Is, Who Has Done, and Who Will Do

Focus: Unpack Dr. Tony Evans’ definition of worship as the recognition of God’s identity, past deeds, and future promises — and its costliness.

Readings: John 4:21–24; Romans 12:1–2; Psalm 95

Teaching Summary: Worship is not mere convenience or style — it’s giving God the honor he deserves, shaping life through disciplines and communal practice, and often demanding sacrifice and priority.

Discussion Questions:

    1.  What does “true worship” look like in private and public contexts?

    2.  Where have you experienced worship that cost something? What changed?

    3.  How can your life better reflect worship beyond a Sunday service?

Personal Application:

Choose one worship discipline to practice this week extended prayer, Scripture meditation, Sabbath rest and journal how it affects your day. 

In your family or small group, Lead a short time of praise and a one‑minute testimony of what God has done.  

Prayer: Offer yourself as a living sacrifice and ask God to deepen your recognition of who he is.

Day 4 — The Church as Temple/Embassy: Presence and Mission

Focus: Explore the biblical movement from tabernacle → temple → Christ → church; the church as God’s dwelling and heavenly embassy in the world.

Readings: Exodus 25:8–9; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:19–22; Matthew 16:18–19

Teaching Summary: God incarnates his presence — first in tabernacle/temple, then supremely in Christ, and now by the Spirit in the church. The church represents heaven on earth and carries both worship and legislative/teaching responsibility for the community.

Discussion Questions:

1.  What does it mean for the church to be “God’s dwelling” in practical terms?

2.  How should the idea of “keys” and “binding/loosing” shape congregational leadership and accountability? 

3.  How can a local church embody the “embassy” role toward its neighborhood? 

Personal Application:

  Identify one local need practical, social, spiritual your church could address to embody God’s presence. Propose one small project or step.

  Reflect on your role: how do you help the church be a faithful dwelling and witness? 

  Prayer: Ask for the Spirit to dwell powerfully in your congregation and equip it for faithful witness and wise stewardship.

Day 5 — Passing Kingdom Values to the Next Generation

Focus: Practical steps for intergenerational transmission of kingdom values at home, church, and community Deuteronomy 6 model.

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 78:1–8; 2 Timothy 2:2

Teaching Summary: Kingdom values are passed intentionally through storytelling, rhythms, modeling, instruction, and mentorship. The family and the gathered community work together to form the next generation in covenantal faithfulness. 

Discussion questions:

1.  What kingdom values are non‑negotiable to pass on in your context 3–5 values?

2.  Which practices in Deuteronomy 6 can be translated to modern family/church life?

3.  Who in your life could you mentor or ask to mentor your children/younger believers?

Personal Application:

Create a simple “3‑value” list e.g., fear of the Lord/trust, mercy, faithful obedience and one short activity for each that you can do with a child or mentee this week story + practical act + prayer.

Arrange a mentoring conversation: invite an older believer or offer to mentor a younger believer for a short commitment 6–8 weeks. 

Prayer: Pray for faithfulness across generations, that kingdom values would take root and bear fruit in families and the church.

Closing Notes and Leader Tips:

• Each day can be run in ~45–60 minutes: 
• Reading + Brief teaching (5–10 min) + discussion (25–30 min) + application/prayer (10–15 min).

• Encourage journaling responses and one accountability partner per participant.

• Use songs, short testimonies, or a simple visual tabernacle → temple → Christ → church diagram to reinforce themes.

• Optional Final Session: 
• Invite participants to share one concrete way they’ll practice kingdom living and commit as a group to one community project.