Speaker: Greg Short
Location: The Roads Church – Norris City
It’s Not the End – It’s Only the Beginning
I’m just going to go a little off script—this is for free. The Lord really impressed something on my heart, starting last night. Whether you’re watching online or you’re here in the room, maybe you’ve been struggling with even coming this morning because you’re dealing with something so big and heavy. You might even say, “This is the end for me. It’s too much. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this.”
But the Lord says: “It is not your end. It is only your beginning.”
As I reflected, I realized—it’s June 1st. Can you believe it? June is my favorite month. It’s Father’s Day, my birthday, my wedding anniversary, and when I met my wife Amy. But before Amy, I was engaged to someone else. Just days before our wedding, she ended it. I was devastated. But God said, “Sometimes you go through something heavy so I can get you to the best.” And Amy truly is the best.
A Personal Testimony of New Beginnings
I wasn’t the popular guy in school. When I met Amy, she was 17, running her own Tropical Snow stand. I walked up to order and told her, “I don’t know if I want something sweet or sour.” She smiled and said, “If you want something sweet, that would be me.” I was stunned.
But back to today. Maybe you feel like you can’t take another step. Maybe online, you’re holding on by a thread. But He’s going to see you through. Trust His Word—He will see you through.
From Burnout to Breakthrough
When I first came to The Roads Church, I was done with church. Amy encouraged me to go. Pastor Chad and I went to high school together, but I thought he wouldn’t even remember me. I walked in, and he pointed at me, “Greg Short!” It had been over 20 years—and about a hundred pounds! But this house became a new beginning. I’ve been loved, grown, challenged, and changed. Those trips to India rocked my world.
I am so thankful for this house and our pastors.
The Tabernacle: God’s Invitation to Go Deeper
The Lord had me meditating on Moses and the Old Testament. Moses fled Egypt and then was called back by God to say to Pharaoh, “Let my people go.” But it wasn’t just for freedom—it was so they could worship Him.
Then God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle—a very specific structure, designed to be the place where God and His people would meet.
Turn with me to Hebrews 8:1–5:
“We have such a High Priest… a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man… who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things…”
The tabernacle on earth was a copy of the heavenly one. Each item in it points to Jesus. And the journey through the tabernacle shows us how to approach God—even today.
Walking Through the Tabernacle
When you entered the outer court, the first thing you encountered was the bronze altar—the place of sacrifice. Jesus is our once-for-all sacrifice.
Next came the bronze laver, filled with water. Priests had to wash before going further—“lest they die.” This is where the Lord wanted us to focus today. The laver represents the Word of God. It’s how we’re cleansed daily.
Ephesians 5:26 – “…that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”
We don’t bring lambs or bulls today, but we must still wash. And washing isn’t a one-time event. It’s daily. The tabernacle had three other articles:
- Table of Showbread – Jesus is our provision.
- Golden Lampstand – Jesus is the Light of the World.
- Altar of Incense – Jesus is our intercessor, even now.
Behind the veil was the Ark of the Covenant, God’s presence on earth. Jesus is our mercy seat.
Why We Must Wash in the Word
Jesus’ blood cleanses our eternal soul, but we still live in our “earth suits”—our flesh and minds. Those don’t get born again. So we need to daily renew them by the Word.
The Lord emphasized: Many believers stop at the altar (salvation) and never continue into His presence. But the laver shows us we must go deeper.
And let’s be honest—if you don’t shower for a few days, you stink. Spiritually, it’s the same. We live in a world that pollutes our minds and hearts. If we don’t wash, we’ll stink—and others will notice.
Mirrors and the Ministry of the Word
The bronze laver was made from the mirrors taken from Egypt (Exodus 38:8). When the priests washed, they saw their reflection. That’s the Word.
James 1:23–24 – “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror…”
We read the Word not just to know it—but to be changed by it.
Even growing up, my mom wouldn’t let me sit on the couch dirty. I had to go back and really wash. God says the same. One verse a day isn’t enough. That’s a snack, not a meal.
Sanctification: A Daily Process
Sanctification is the churchy word we use for this process. But it’s critical. If salvation were the only goal, God would take us home the moment we believed.
Instead, He fills us with the Holy Spirit so we can be His hands and feet. But if we’re bitter, angry, or harsh—we stink. We must let the Word clean us.
Let me ask—are you letting the Word scrub the attitudes, mindsets, and hurts from your heart?
He Knows What You Need
Yesterday, I told the Lord I didn’t just want to give a message—I wanted to deliver His Word. I prayed in the Spirit for 5 minutes, then sat silent for 15.
Ten minutes in, I felt His hand on my chest. He knew I just needed His touch. Not answers. Not solutions. Just Him.
“His presence is everything.”
Final Challenge: Let the Word Work in You
Don’t just check a box. Don’t skim Scripture. Press in. Ask, “Lord, what do You want to say to me?”
You were made to do hard things. You were made to do what’s bigger than you. But it requires surrender.
Because what if someone else’s miracle is wrapped up in your obedience?
Let the Word do its work in you.
We hope you enjoyed this message today and that you connected with Jesus. If this message has changed your life and you accepted Jesus as your Savior, text the word “NEWLIFE” to 618-243-0900. We would love to celebrate with you! For giving options, visit www.theroads.church. To receive updates and discover more of Pastor Chad’s teachings, subscribe to our YouTube channel.