The Sunday Bible School held on February 22, 2026, was broadcast live from the Communications Center of the Maranatha Christian Church in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study featured messages from Pastors Alexandre Gueiros, Gilson Sousa, and Antônio Carlos Oliveira, who continued the teaching on the Tabernacle and its prophetic significance for the faithful Church today.
The Journey of God’s People
Pastor Gilson Sousa opened the message by reflecting on the people of Israel’s journey from Mount Horeb to the banks of the Jordan River, emphasizing that Israel’s experiences in the wilderness serve as spiritual lessons for the Church today. Based on 1 Corinthians 10, he reminded the church that those events were written as examples for believers, calling the faithful to vigilance and obedience to the Lord.
The Tabernacle and God’s Presence
Continuing the teaching, Pastor Antônio Carlos Oliveira highlighted the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of God’s presence among His people. In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle represented God’s dwelling place; today, it represents the Church, where the presence of the Lord is manifested through the Holy Spirit’s operation.
The Church, established according to the model revealed in the New Testament, is led by Jesus as the Head, with the five ministries and the nine spiritual gifts operating according to the will of the Spirit. Just as Moses followed every instruction from the Lord in building the Tabernacle, the Church today seeks to walk according to the Holy Spirit’s direction.
The Ark of the Covenant and the Church’s Walk
Pastor Alexandre Gueiros, President of the Maranatha Christian Church, emphasized that Israel’s journey through the wilderness symbolizes the Church’s walk in this world. Just as the Ark of the Covenant went before the people, the Lord Jesus goes before His Church, guiding and sustaining His people.
The Ark signified the presence, guidance, and protection of the Lord. In the same way, the Church today depends on the presence of the Lord Jesus, who is Emmanuel — God with us. More than seeking blessings, believers are called to seek fellowship with the Lord Himself.
A Call to Sanctification
In the final part of the message, the study recalled the moment when Joshua commanded the people to sanctify themselves before crossing the Jordan River. This call was presented as a prophetic message to the Church today.
As the people of Israel stood at the entrance of the Promised Land, the Church now lives with the expectation of the soon return of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, believers are exhorted to live in sanctification, vigilance, and prayer, prepared for the moment when the Lord will complete His promise and take His Church to the eternal Promised Land.
To Continue the Study
If you would like to go further in this study, click here to access the full Bible School Bulletin.
Watch the Maranatha Christian Church Sunday Bible School broadcast:
Click here to access all previous Sunday Bible School Bulletins.
