The Psalms often talk about “going up to Jerusalem” to worship God. Jerusalem was not just the capital city and people were not merely patriotic. It was something more.

They talk about its walls and the light of the setting sun and walking over the rise near Bethany to get that first sighting of those holy towers protecting the chosen city.

And that’s the point the Psalmist is making. “God is there.” The temple is there and God is in the Holy of Holies.

Today we know that God is not just in a geographical location but within each of us who are believers. Not just as individuals but as a church. That means that relationships within the church are critical to our witness and our experience of God’s presence.

Seeking Jerusalem is about spiritual unity. It’s about how we treat each other as we are in Christ, even though we continue to sin. It’s about confession, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It’s about identity, purpose, and significance which make up the meaning of our lives. To live in the truth of what will be as a testimony of what already is.

That is Seeking Jerusalem.

But we seek Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, unified and whole and without blemish while we are on the way, on the road to Jerusalem.

It is not an easy road. It takes faith, hope, and love. It brings us joy and peace. But it often brings us trouble and suffering as well. Jesus warned us of that. It’s part of the package.

But still, we need some practical advice on how to walk on this road to Jerusalem. Where are the bandits and the washed-out bridges? Where does the road get rough and where are the rockfalls? The heat can be intense but there are also shady spots where we can take some rest. Knowing the lay of the land is always helpful.

But we don’t walk this road by ourselves. It is the community of saints, the church herself, that is walking this road together. Yes, some people don’t belong. There are weeds as well as wheat. But everyone is welcome and we minister to everyone regardless of where they are at in their journey. Together we are seeking God.

This is the Road to Jerusalem and we are called to walk upon it. It has been called the Highway of Righteousness. It has been called the Way of Holiness.

But we would be amiss if we think of it only in moral terms. It is that but more. Above all, it is about relationships healed by the blood of the lamb and taking that ministry of reconciliation to the world.

Outline

Introduction

Chapter One – The Sanctification Gap

Chapter Two – The Sweet Spot

Chapter Three – Hosea and Gomer

Chapter Four – Wrestling with God

Chapter Five – The Helper

Chapter Six – Hannah’s Secret

Chapter Seven – Let Go and Let God

Chapter Eight – The Lost Art of Repentance

Chapter Nine – The Road to Jerusalem

Chapter Ten – Love Wins (story)

Conclusion