Sunday, May 16, 2010

Let the Worshipers Arise

2^nd in a Series

Presence

If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

(Moses to God in Exodus 33:15, NIV)

The most awesome experience of life is being in the presence of God.

God’s presence with His people is completely sustaining.

Worship is the response to the awareness of God’s presence.

Awakening our awareness of God’s presence:

Aspects of God’s presence:

1. God’s omni- presence

a. This is sometimes called God’s “Awesome” presence

b. God in Job 38:2-7, He is the God who was before, was in, and is in everything.

c. Paul in Acts 17:24-28

d. Hebrews 4:13

2. God’s abiding presence

a. Or God’s “residing” or “indwelling” presence

b. This is the presence that Moses wouldn’t leave without; it’s personal

c. It’s David’s sense of God’s presence in Ps 139:7-12

d. This is the Holy Spirit living in each Christian!

e. Jesus promises this presence to all who come to him: John 15:4-5

f. Paul in Col 1:27

3. God’s manifest presence

a. God’s specific and actual intervention in the world at a point in time

b. In scripture it was often miraculous in nature (Acts 4)

c. It is God’s response to the prayers and cries of his people in a certain situation

d. Most vividly displayed in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14)

e. This is most observed in the church today in the form of Spiritual Gifts (I Cor 12:7-11)

Arena’s for practicing the awareness of God’s presence:

1. In my thoughts:

a. This is the most fought over arena for many Christians. It is why Paul commands us to be intentional with how we worship God in our thoughts: Philippians 4:8

2. In my words : Colossians 3:17

3. In my actions: Philippians 4:9