Access All Areas. A familiar term to us all. A term commonly used on backstage passes where the bearer has unrestricted access to all areas of the venue. Access available ONLY to those with particular privileges.

For me, the most familiar experience of AAA is the phenomenal worship festival David's Tent hosted in both the UK and the USA. Usually I’m serving in a capacity that gives me access to all areas including the Guest lounge where we find world renowned musicians like the Bethel guys, Housefires, VIP guests and speakers. It’s where all the posh food is, the big fridge with the lush drinks. There is an endless supply of goodies, the speciality coffee is found here along with the lush meals and the delish desserts. Here divine connections are birthed, cultivated and strengthened. Deep chats long into the night happen in this privileged space, ministry opportunities are discovered and dreams are realised.

Sometimes people get this access because of their gifts, talents, perhaps their stature or their name. Other times folk find themselves enjoying this privileged space because they are serving here or one might simply inherit this access through who they are associated with relationally.

And when you’re there you get to wear these fabulous white and gold wristbands that say AAA. These royal looking wristbands signify that you have access to the most special places at David‘s Tent. It also indicates that you have closest proximity to the main stage where the altar is. These wristbands are coveted by most and anyone who wears one or sees one recognises it’s a privilege, a luxury and ab utter blessing to be given this kind of access and to have access to all the fringe benefits that come with this wristband.

And when I consider that we as believers in Christ, get to wear these invisible bloodstained wristbands that give us access all areas to the most a holy throne of God, with a mind-blowing spiritual inheritance and all the heavenly benefits that come with the territory I shake my head in disbelief.

Yet I am amazed at how often I overlook and fail to cherish the privilege, the honour, the great wonder and awe associated with having access all areas to Jesus - the most famous, most celebrated, most glorious, the richest, most talented, most loving, most attractive, most powerful person to ever exist; to GOD. To whom there is no rival. No comparison. He transcends above ALL. God Almighty. God Supreme. Flawless and Love Personified.

In this sermon I unpack our propensity to dilute, ignore and disregard the incredible privilege we have to be able to come boldly and fearlessly into God’s presence as royal priests, the children of God and as the bride of Christ. I unpack a little the beauty, worth and weighty privilege of God’s presence and how failing to absolutely enjoy the fullness of this glorious access is daylight robbery because we were created, saved and redeemed to draw near to God and Jesus is worthy of our utter devotion and nearness. Not only that, He woos us closer even when we don’t deserve it, never withholding His glorious presence from us. Always beckoning us to His banqueting table despite our fragilities and frailties.

Oh how beautiful, winsome and delightful is He? I pray that as you watch this sermon that you will be stirred to draw ever closer to the One who gave it all so that we could draw near.