Associate Pastor Ruby Hammack September 30, 2021 8:18 pm
Because He Lives
Associate Pastor Ruby Hammack September 19, 2021 6:29 pm
God’s presence carries a wide range of meaning.
It may be something people fear.
Adam and Eve’s sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden
Gen 3:8
God’s holiness cast light on Isaiah’s sinfulness
Isa 6:5
Many people who encountered God or his angel feared for their lives
Judges 13:22 ; Luke 1:11-12 ; 2:9
Others tried un-successfully to escape his presence
Jon 1:3
As God displays his presence through his great power, the whole earth trembles.
Judges 5:5 ; Psalm 68:8
False gods also become powerless before him
Isa 19:1
Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation.
Jer 5:22
God’s presence provides comfort in times of trouble or anxiety
Joshua 1:5
The downcast seek him and find encouragement and strength to praise him.
Psalm 42:5
Knowing God is present should keep our behavior respectful and humble, for God hears our every word and holds us accountable.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ecclesiastes 5:6
He will not tolerate pride, and will bring our speech under his judgment
Eze 28:9
However, he will exalt those who humble themselves before him.
James 4:10
God also displayed his presence at a place of worship.
The Israelites brought their sacrifices to the tabernacle — and later the temple because God chose to establish his name there
Deuteronomy 14:23 Deuteronomy 14:26
Worshipers thus experienced a special closeness to the Lord in such a place.
Inside the place of worship, the bread of the Presence reminded Israel of God’s nearness
2 Chron 4:19
When Solomon dedicated the temple, the manifestation of God’s glorious presence prevented priests from fulfilling their usual duties ( 1 Kings 8:10-11 ). =Reverent and proper behavior was important, for disastrous consequences might result if people did not follow God’s pattern for worship ( Lev 10:1-2 ).
God’s presence also accompanied times of covenant renewal and other solemn occasions. ==Before Isaac died, he determined to bless his son “in the presence of the Lord
Gen 27:7
Aaron was confirmed as high priest in God’s presence
Num 16:7 ; 17:9
As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, Moses told them they stood in God’s presence
Deut 29:15
God would guide them as they undertook the enormous task of conquering the land ( Numbers 32:29 Numbers 32:32 ), and would provide Israel’s leaders the strength they needed ( Joshua 1:9 ).
The apostle Paul charged Timothy to remain faithful to the Lord, reminding ->his son in the faith, of God’s watchful presence as Timothy performed his ministry
1 Tim 5:21 ; 2 Tim 4:1
The Bible describes heaven as a place filled with God’s presence. Angels stand in God’s presence and act on his authority as he directs them
Luke 1:19
Satan came before the Lord when he sought permission to attack
Job 1:6, 12
The heavenly host rejoice before God when one sinner repents
Luke 15:10
Jesus completed his earthly ministry by entering “heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence
Heb 9:24
Since heaven is the highest, most exalted place of all, it is fitting that God display his presence there.
God’s presence is a place where prayer is heard.
David sought the Lord’s presence when Israel faced a three-year famine
2 Sam 21:1
God’s spokesman called the nation to cry out to the Lord in the face of Jerusalem’s destruction
Lam 2:19
Paul constantly interceded for the Thessalonian church, bringing their name before the Father’s presence
1 Thess 1:3
Christians may approach the Lord with confidence because of Jesus’ finished work on our behalf.
Heb 4:15-16
Furthermore, God promises to hear and forgive those who come into his presence with humble repentance
2 Chron 7:14
God’s presence is also a place of judgment. The Lord cast his people from his presence
Jer 15:1 ; 52:3
The Scriptures describe this action as God hiding his face
Isa 59:2 ; Ezek 39:29
But God’s presence for judgment also carries an eschatological dimension. The Lord will one day summon all nations before him; heaven and earth will flee his holy presence ( Rev 20:11 ). Those who see this judgment coming will beg for deliverance, but to no avail ( Rev 6:16 ).
The most awful aspect of God’s judgment is eternal separation from his presence
2 Thess 1:9
But God’s presence is also a place of blessing. David counted it a joy to experience the Lord’s presence ( Acts 2:25 Acts 2:28 ), and Peter described it as the source of blessing for all who place their faith in Jesus Christ Acts 3:19 ).
To experience God’s presence is to experience the shining of God’s face
Psalm 67:1
He has promised to be with us until he comes again
Matt 28:20
In the age to come, God’s presence will be the ultimate blessing, for believers will see him face to face
1 John 3:2
His immediate presence will render a temple unnecessary
Rev 21:22
It is the anticipation of this presence that should motivate Christians to faithful service in this present age
1 Thess 2:19 ; 2 Peter 3:10-11
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
Our Mission & Vision
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We look forward to you joining us on Sunday and all our weekly services/activities!
During Sunday times, we join as a community for a time of worship.
Find Us
4131 Coolidge Avenue Lincoln Park, MI
Phone: 313.806.1329 | 313.418.1624
Questions, Comments or Suggestions: lhfg48146@gmail.com