Embracing God's Presence: A Call for Unity
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of God's presence and the reverence it demands. Reflecting on the Old Testament temple, we noted how the journey towards the Holy of Holies was marked by increasing silence, culminating in the high priest's silent awe before God. This imagery serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's presence, a presence that now dwells within us as believers. The idea that the Almighty God desires to dwell within us is both humbling and awe-inspiring. It challenges us to consider how we treat one another, knowing that each believer houses the Holy Spirit.
We also delved into the often-neglected topic of the fear of the Lord. In our quest to make church more appealing, we've sometimes sidelined the foundational truth that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not about being scared but about having a deep reverence and respect for God, which should guide our actions and interactions. The lack of this foundational fear has led to divisions and a lack of unity within the church.
Unity was another key theme. We are reminded that a divided kingdom cannot stand, and the church's divisions have weakened its witness to the world. However, there is hope. The younger generation is yearning for unity, questioning denominational labels, and seeking to be simply the church. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for us to strive for the unity that Christ prayed for, a unity that can demonstrate to the world the truth of the gospel.
Finally, we are called to action. Just as I reflected on a missed opportunity to intervene during a chaotic moment at a little league game, we are challenged to raise our voices for unity. We must recognize the Spirit of God in each other and work towards breaking down the barriers that divide us. This is not just a call for unity for unity's sake but a call to fulfill the prayer of Jesus that we may be one, so the world may believe.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Sacredness of God's Presence: The journey towards the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple teaches us about the reverence due to God's presence. As believers, we house the Holy Spirit, and this should profoundly impact how we treat one another, recognizing the divine presence within each of us. [01:29]
2. The Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and friendship with God. It's not about being afraid but having a deep respect and reverence for God, which should guide our lives and decisions. This fear has been neglected, leading to divisions and a lack of unity in the church. [08:07]
3. Unity as a Witness: A divided church cannot stand, and our divisions weaken our witness to the world. However, there is hope as the younger generation seeks unity beyond denominational labels. This is an opportunity to strive for the unity that Christ prayed for, demonstrating the truth of the gospel. [12:11]
4. The Call to Action: We are challenged to raise our voices for unity, recognizing the Spirit of God in each other and working to break down barriers. This is not just for unity's sake but to fulfill Jesus' prayer that we may be one, so the world may believe. [20:05]
5. The Power of Unity: When the church comes together, it proves to the world the truth of our salvation and their own judgment. This unity is not at the expense of truth or holiness but is a powerful witness to the world of God's love and the reality of the gospel. [14:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - The Fast-Paced World
- [00:47] - Silence in the Holy of Holies
- [01:29] - God's Presence Within Us
- [02:44] - The Awe of God's Indwelling
- [05:24] - Respect for the Indwelling Spirit
- [06:49] - The Fear of the Lord
- [09:22] - The Challenge of Unity
- [12:11] - Division and Its Consequences
- [14:53] - The Power of Unity
- [18:09] - Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
- [20:05] - The Call to Unity
- [23:19] - Examples of Unity in Action
- [24:46] - The Heart of God for Oneness
- [25:14] - Prayer for Unity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 12:25 - "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
2. Philippians 1:27 - "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
3. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are."
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple, and how does it relate to the concept of God's presence within us today? [01:29]
2. How does the sermon describe the fear of the Lord, and why is it considered foundational to wisdom and friendship with God? [08:07]
3. What are some of the consequences mentioned in the sermon of a divided church, and how does this affect its witness to the world? [12:11]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of recognizing the Spirit of God in each other, and what impact does this have on our interactions? [20:05]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the imagery of the Holy of Holies challenge believers to reflect on the sacredness of God's presence within them? [01:29]
2. In what ways does the fear of the Lord influence a believer's decisions and interactions with others, according to the sermon? [08:07]
3. How does the younger generation's desire for unity present an opportunity for the church to demonstrate the truth of the gospel? [12:11]
4. What practical steps can believers take to raise their voices for unity and break down barriers within the church? [20:05]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you better recognize and honor the presence of the Holy Spirit in others? [01:29]
2. Consider your understanding of the fear of the Lord. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your life, and how might this change your actions? [08:07]
3. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced division within the church. How did it affect your faith, and what steps can you take to promote unity? [12:11]
4. Identify a barrier that divides your church community. What specific action can you take this week to help break it down and foster unity? [20:05]
5. Reflect on the pastor's story about the little league game. How can you be more proactive in addressing conflicts or divisions in your community? [18:09]
6. How can you encourage others in your church to strive for unity and work together for the faith of the gospel? [13:47]
7. What is one practical way you can demonstrate the love and unity of Christ to someone outside the church this week? [14:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sacredness of God's Indwelling Presence
The journey towards the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple was marked by increasing silence and reverence, culminating in the high priest's silent awe before God. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of God's presence, which now dwells within us as believers. The idea that the Almighty God desires to dwell within us is both humbling and awe-inspiring. It challenges us to consider how we treat one another, knowing that each believer houses the Holy Spirit. Recognizing the divine presence within each of us should profoundly impact our interactions and relationships, fostering a deep respect and love for one another. [01:29]
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
Reflection: How does the awareness of God's presence within you change the way you interact with others today? Can you identify one relationship where you need to show more reverence and love?
Day 2: Reverence as the Foundation of Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and friendship with God. This fear is not about being scared but about having a deep respect and reverence for God, which should guide our lives and decisions. In our quest to make church more appealing, we've sometimes sidelined this foundational truth, leading to divisions and a lack of unity within the church. Embracing the fear of the Lord invites us to live with integrity and humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our actions with His will. [08:07]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you neglected the fear of the Lord? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 3: Unity as a Testimony to the World
A divided church cannot stand, and our divisions weaken our witness to the world. However, there is hope as the younger generation seeks unity beyond denominational labels. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to strive for the unity that Christ prayed for, demonstrating the truth of the gospel. Unity is not just a call for togetherness but a powerful witness to the world of God's love and the reality of the gospel. When the church comes together, it proves to the world the truth of our salvation and their own judgment. [12:11]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: What steps can you take to promote unity within your church community? How can you contribute to breaking down barriers that divide believers?
Day 4: The Call to Raise Our Voices for Unity
We are challenged to raise our voices for unity, recognizing the Spirit of God in each other and working to break down barriers. This is not just for unity's sake but to fulfill Jesus' prayer that we may be one, so the world may believe. Just as one might reflect on a missed opportunity to intervene during a chaotic moment, we are called to seize the opportunity to advocate for unity within the church. This call to action requires courage and intentionality, urging us to actively participate in the reconciliation and healing of divisions. [20:05]
John 17:20-21 (ESV): "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Reflection: Is there a specific situation or relationship where you can raise your voice for unity today? How can you actively work towards reconciliation and healing in your community?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Unity
When the church comes together, it proves to the world the truth of our salvation and their own judgment. This unity is not at the expense of truth or holiness but is a powerful witness to the world of God's love and the reality of the gospel. The power of unity lies in its ability to transform not only the church but also the world around us, as it reflects the heart of God for oneness and demonstrates the truth of the gospel. Embracing this unity requires a commitment to truth, love, and holiness, as we seek to embody the message of Christ in our lives. [14:53]
Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the transformative power of unity in your church and community? What practical steps can you take to embody the message of Christ in your interactions with others?
Quotes
"and to think right now as we sit here there's a being in heaven who is determining if he is going to give me another breath and all of us are dependent on hashem the name the one for every breath and he's keeping us alive right now and the thought that that god wants to be one with me he says i want to dwell inside of you" [00:01:47]
"do we believe the scriptures that christ is in me right now do we believe the scriptures that the holy spirit of god dwells within believers so if we believe that this holy god dwells inside of others who know christ how dare we slander and divide some of the things that are written by fellow christians against other christians" [00:05:41]
"scripture says the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom and i grew up in a time when that's when the churches started to stop talking about the fear of god because we're all about getting people in the doors and so you think what type of message will attract people to the church" [00:06:37]
"the bible says the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom but it also says that the friendship of the lord is for those who fear him it's not just the beginning our friendship with god is built upon this foundation the reason why so many people walk away from the faith and make some of these foolish choices is because they didn't have a foundation of the fear of the lord" [00:08:09]
"jesus says in matthew 12 verse 25 he promises that a kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation every city or house divided against itself will not stand so this is a promise he goes i promise you if a kingdom is divided it will not stand this is the word of god" [00:11:18]
"god says if you would be united and he was if you'd be united it would prove to them their destruction their perdition their judgment and would prove to them that you were actually saved see when i read that verse i go gosh that doesn't make logical sense to me" [00:14:03]
"this is when you come together and you strive together as one when you bear with one another when you treat each other with honor like you would anyone who houses the holy spirit of god and have that reverence for them" [00:15:25]
"we know that god in heaven almighty him hashem the name the one we're all going to stand before we know he wants all believers at one table i've looked at catholic priests and i go there's no way you can tell me that god is happy with this that you having the spirit of god and believing i have the spirit of god but we can't take of the same communion table" [00:19:04]
"what i don't want is to come to the end of my life and realized maybe if i screamed loud enough i could have brought us back to one table maybe if i begged you guys to think about what god desires that we all start raising our voices and saying this isn't right" [00:20:06]
"i think we have the best opportunity we've ever had at least in my lifetime towards unity and i think some of us just have just accepted the fact that we're so divided and we can't put these denominations back together but let me remind you that the first thousand years after christ's death there was one church" [00:21:54]
"there's such a hunger in the young people because they're looking at this book and saying why can't we just be one why can't we just be the church and i'm not saying i have the answer of how this is all going to come together i just want to stand before god and say i did my part" [00:22:50]
"i just wonder if we all scream for this unity that christ died for could we see it in our lifetime we're seeing amazing things happen through illuminations and the bible you know translation groups coming together and it's like whoa we're actually getting the scripture in every language because we work together" [00:23:59]
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