This is a grace-filled message delivered by Pastor Kim Jung-gon at the 2026 Western North America Camp Meeting, sharing how God dwells at the center of our lives through the meaning of the sanctuary and how we can grow to resemble Him.

Christian Identity: Pastor or Jesus?

• The true goal of faith is to hear people say, 'You are like Jesus,' rather than 'You are like a pastor.'
• We must reflect on whether we are so buried in religious customs and legalistic living that we have lost the character of Jesus.
• God desires that we go beyond living our whole lives as pastors or office-holders and instead grow to resemble His character.

The Meaning of the Sanctuary and God's Presence

• The sanctuary is the place God created to dwell among us.
• The appearance of the sanctuary far from the camp sometimes symbolizes the distance between God and our lives.
• The completion of the Exodus is not entering Canaan, but the presence of the Lord coming into the center of our lives.

The People Who Build the Sanctuary

• God calls those who have decided to separate themselves from sin and stand on God's side as the devoted ones.
• More important than skill or talent is the 'willingness of heart' toward God.
• Like the wise women moved by the Holy Spirit, those who serve silently bring the sanctuary to the center of our lives.

God's Consideration and Compassion

• The fact that God placed the sanctuary far from the camp was an act of compassion, considering Moses' weakness and the people's instability.
• God approaches us only as much as we can handle, and He is the One who counts our weak steps.
• When God sometimes keeps a distance, it is not because He is abandoning us, but because of His love, waiting for us to stand up and grow on our own.

The Grace of the Sanctuary Encountered in a Vinyl Greenhouse

• Early in my ministry, a bowl of ramen shared in the vinyl greenhouse of poor church members was the greatest sanctuary experience.
• The true sanctuary is not a magnificent building, but a place where God is present and love flows.
• Even in the tunnel of suffering and despair, God approaches as light and becomes the resting place of our lives.

Sentences to Remember

• "You lived your whole life well as a pastor. But you did not resemble Jesus."
• "God was the One who wanted us to be happy always."
• "Lord, You have always been our dwelling place."
• "Parents keep order not for their own survival, but to keep others alive."

One-Sentence Core

God wants us not to be trapped in religious forms, but to resemble His character, invite Him into the center of our lives, and live happily.

2-Minute Summary

• More important than titles or religious acts is whether the fragrance of Jesus emanates from my life.
• God wants to dwell at the center of our lives, and when we invite Him in, the true Exodus is completed.
• God's devotion does not begin with grand achievements, but with a decision of the heart to stand on God's side.
• When it feels like God is keeping a distance, remember that it is His meticulous consideration and love for us.
• Even in the lowest places, such as the scene of suffering like a vinyl greenhouse, God is the Lord of the sanctuary who is with us.

Bible Passages and Reference Materials

• Bible — Exodus and Psalm 90:1 (Lord, You have always been our dwelling place)
• People — Bezalel and Oholiab (craftsmen whose hearts were willing to build the tabernacle)
• Place — Sorokdo (a place of isolation for leprosy patients and where the poignant love between parents and children resides)
• Materials — Patriarchs and Prophets (religious commentary on the sanctuary and the ministry of Moses)