Embracing God's Presence: Transforming Community Through Awe

The early church described in Acts 2:42-47 was marked by a profound sense of God’s presence—a presence so tangible that it filled every soul with awe and reverence. This awe was not a fear that drives people away, but a holy reverence that draws people closer, creating space for miracles, healing, and transformation. God’s presence was the foundation for their generosity, devotion, and unity. As we seek to reconnect as a church community, it is vital to remember that everything flows from God’s presence among us.

Throughout the story of Scripture, God’s presence is central. From the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve walked with God, to Moses encountering God in the burning bush, to the tabernacle and temple at the heart of Israel’s worship, God has always desired to dwell with His people. Even when sin and rebellion led to exile and the destruction of the temple, God promised to return and restore His presence. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us—who “tabernacled” among us and, through His Spirit, continues to dwell with His people.

The Acts 2 church was a living demonstration of this reality. Their actions—devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity—were not just religious duties, but responses to the overwhelming reality of God’s nearness. The church became the new temple, the place where God’s presence was made visible in the world. This is not just a historical account, but a calling for us today. As we gather, whether in large groups or small, we are invited to be present to God and to one another, allowing His presence to shape our lives and our community.

As we move forward, let us not focus merely on what we do, but on being a people marked by God’s presence. Let our gatherings, our relationships, and our service be rooted in awe and reverence for the God who dwells among us. In doing so, we become a living demonstration of His presence to our wider community, inviting others to encounter the God who is always present and always seeking relationship with His people.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Awe in God’s Presence Transforms Community The early church’s sense of awe was not rooted in fear, but in a reverent awareness of God’s nearness. This awe created an environment where miracles and transformation were possible, reminding us that true spiritual vitality flows from encountering God’s presence, not just following religious routines. [02:07]
• 2. God’s Presence is Relational and Foundational From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. His presence is not abstract or distant, but deeply relational—He seeks to be with us, to walk with us, and to shape our lives through relationship. This relational presence is the foundation for all genuine community and spiritual growth. [04:12]
• 3. The Church as the Living Temple The Acts 2 community became the new temple, the place where God’s presence was made visible in the world. Our calling is to embody this reality, allowing God’s presence to be demonstrated through our actions, our unity, and our love for one another. We are not just individuals, but together we become the dwelling place of God. [06:34]
• 4. Actions Flow from Presence, Not Performance It is easy to focus on the impressive actions of the early church—generosity, devotion, service—but these were not the result of human effort alone. Their actions flowed naturally from being overwhelmed by God’s presence. When we prioritize presence over performance, our service becomes authentic and life-giving. [05:59]
• 5. Reconnection Begins with Being Present As we seek to reconnect with church and with one another, the first step is to be present—to God and to each other. Whether in large gatherings or small groups, it is in our shared presence that God’s Spirit moves, heals, and transforms. Our challenge is to cultivate spaces where God’s presence is welcomed and experienced afresh. [07:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:34] - Introduction to the Midweek Series
• [00:44] - Continuing the Theme of Reconnecting
• [01:07] - Reading Acts 2:42-47
• [01:54] - The Awe of God’s Presence
• [02:40] - Fear, Awe, and Miracles
• [03:14] - God’s Presence in the Old Testament
• [03:59] - God’s Relational Nature
• [04:23] - The Temple and God’s Presence
• [04:48] - Exile and the Promise of Return
• [05:04] - Jesus: God With Us
• [05:26] - The Spirit in the Early Church
• [05:59] - Actions Rooted in Presence
• [06:34] - The Church as God’s Temple
• [07:07] - Demonstrating God’s Presence Today
• [07:30] - Reflecting on Reconnection
• [07:51] - Looking Ahead in the Series

Bible Reading

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) — And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Observation Questions

1. What specific practices did the early church devote themselves to, according to Acts 2:42-47?
2. How does the passage describe the atmosphere or feeling among the people as they gathered? ([02:07])
3. What actions flowed out of the early church’s experience of God’s presence? ([05:37])
4. According to the sermon, what was the result of the church being “together and had all things in common”? ([01:30])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the early church’s awe was not about being scared, but about reverence. How does this kind of awe change the way people relate to God and each other? ([02:40])
2. The pastor mentioned that God’s presence is a theme from Genesis to Revelation. Why do you think God’s presence is so important for building real community? ([03:14])
3. The church is called “the temple of God” in the sermon. What does it mean for a group of people, not just a building, to be God’s temple today? ([06:34])
4. The sermon points out that the early church’s generosity and service were responses to God’s presence, not just religious duties. Why does this difference matter? ([05:59])

Application Questions

1. The early church was marked by a sense of awe in God’s presence. When was the last time you felt a real sense of awe or reverence for God? What was happening, and how did it affect you? ([02:07])
2. The sermon says God’s presence is relational—He wants to be with us. Are there ways you have been “hiding” from God’s presence, like Adam and Eve? What would it look like to step out of hiding this week? ([03:24])
3. The early church’s actions—like generosity and sharing—flowed from being overwhelmed by God’s nearness. Is there an area of your life where you are acting more out of duty than out of God’s presence? How could you invite God into that area? ([05:59])
4. The pastor encouraged us to be present to God and to each other. What is one practical way you can be more present with someone in your life this week—maybe by listening, praying, or simply spending time together? ([07:39])
5. The sermon challenges us to create spaces where God’s presence is welcomed. What could you do in your home, workplace, or small group to make space for God’s presence? ([07:39])
6. The early church became a living demonstration of God’s presence to their wider community. Who in your life might need to see or experience God’s presence through you? What is one step you could take to reach out to them? ([07:07])
7. As we reconnect as a church, what is one thing you want to change about how you approach gatherings—whether big or small—so that they are more about God’s presence than just going through the motions? ([07:18])