Embracing God's Presence: Worshiping the True Creator

Today’s gathering centered on the deep need for the presence of God in our lives and the importance of knowing exactly who we worship. In a world full of confusion and competing voices about truth, it’s vital to be clear about what we believe and why. The Apostles’ Creed, while not authoritative like Scripture, serves as a guide to help us articulate the core truths that have united Christians for centuries. Reciting it together is an act of worship and a reminder that our faith is rooted in unchanging realities, not shifting cultural trends.

We explored the nature of God as revealed in Scripture, particularly focusing on two foundational truths: God is both an intimate Father and a powerful Creator. The intimacy of God as Father means that, through Christ, we are adopted into His family—not by birth or tradition, but by a personal decision of faith. This adoption is a radical act of love, giving us a new identity and a new start, regardless of our earthly family experiences. God’s fatherhood is not modeled after imperfect human fathers, but is defined by His own holiness, perfection, and relentless love.

At the same time, God is the almighty Creator—omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. He is in control of all things, from the vastness of the universe to the details of our daily lives. This truth is not just theological; it speaks directly to our anxieties, fears, and uncertainties. Knowing that our intimate Father is also the all-powerful Creator brings peace and confidence, especially in a culture marked by instability and mental health struggles.

We are challenged to examine what “god” we are actually trusting in: a god of our own making, or the God of the Bible who is both near and mighty. True worship is not about our preferences or comfort, but about responding to the God who is worthy of all honor. The call is to move beyond casual or cultural Christianity and to anchor our lives in the reality of God’s presence, power, and love.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Presence of God Is Essential, Not Optional We gather not out of habit or tradition, but because we are desperate for God’s presence. Without His movement in our lives, all our efforts are empty. True transformation and hope come only when we invite God to move, confess our need, and seek Him with sincerity. [40:55]
• 2. Knowledge About God Is Not the Same as Being Known by God It’s easy to accumulate facts or doctrines about God, but Scripture warns that knowledge alone can puff us up. What matters most is loving God and being known by Him—a relationship that goes beyond intellectual understanding to deep, personal connection. [58:30]
• 3. God Is Both Intimate Father and Powerful Creator Our God is not distant or detached; He adopts us as His children, giving us a new identity and family. Yet, He is also the almighty Creator—omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. Holding these truths together brings both comfort and awe, reminding us that the One who loves us is also the One who rules the universe. [70:50]
• 4. Our Image of God Must Be Shaped by Scripture, Not Culture or Experience Many have distorted views of God based on earthly fathers or cultural assumptions. God’s fatherhood is defined by His own holiness and love, not by human shortcomings. We must continually return to Scripture to let God reveal Himself, rather than projecting our preferences or wounds onto Him. [72:34]
• 5. True Worship Requires Clarity and Surrender In a world where “God” can mean anything, we must be clear that we worship the God revealed in Jesus Christ. Worship is not about our entertainment or comfort, but about honoring the One who is both near and mighty. We are called to surrender our idols and preferences, and to give God the worship He alone deserves. [64:59]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [40:55] - Why Are We Here? The Need for God’s Presence
• [43:08] - Invitation to Personal Prayer
• [45:15] - Praying for God’s Movement
• [54:03] - Reciting the Apostles’ Creed
• [55:52] - The Challenge of Describing God
• [56:59] - The Mystery and Majesty of God
• [58:30] - Knowledge vs. Being Known by God
• [59:33] - The One True God
• [61:21] - Idols, Culture, and Clarity About God
• [63:10] - The Importance of Naming Jesus
• [64:59] - Speaking the Name of Jesus
• [68:14] - Yahweh and the Trinity
• [70:50] - God as Intimate Father
• [72:34] - Adoption, Sin, and Spiritual Orphans
• [94:59] - Responding to God: Worship, Communion, and Surrender

1. In 1 Corinthians 8:1-6, what does Paul say about knowledge, love, and being known by God? How does he contrast “knowing about God” with “being known by God”?
2. According to 1 John 3:1, what is the significance of being called “children of God”?
3. In Psalm 147:5, what words are used to describe God’s power and understanding?
4. The sermon mentioned that many people have different ideas about “God.” What are some of the ways people in our culture use the word “God,” and why does the pastor say it’s important to be clear about who we mean? [[01:03:10]]

1. Why does Paul warn that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”? What dangers might there be in focusing only on head knowledge about God? [[58:30]]
2. The sermon says that God is both an “intimate Father” and a “powerful Creator.” How does holding both of these truths together affect the way someone relates to God? [[01:10:50]]
3. The pastor shared that our image of God can be shaped by our earthly fathers or by culture. Why is it important to let Scripture, rather than our experiences, define who God is? [[01:12:34]]
4. The sermon challenges us to consider what “god” we are actually trusting in—one of our own making, or the God of the Bible. What are some signs that someone might be worshiping a “god” of their own preferences rather than the true God? [[01:01:21]]

1. The pastor said, “We gather not out of habit or tradition, but because we are desperate for God’s presence.” When was the last time you truly felt desperate for God’s presence? What would it look like for you to seek God’s presence more intentionally this week? [[40:55]]
2. The sermon warns that “knowledge about God is not the same as being known by God.” Are there areas in your life where you have settled for knowing facts about God instead of pursuing a real relationship with Him? What is one step you could take to deepen that relationship? [[58:30]]
3. The pastor shared about the pain of imperfect earthly fathers and how that can affect our view of God. How has your own experience with family shaped your view of God as Father? Is there any healing or re-learning you need to do in this area? [[01:12:34]]
4. The sermon describes God as “omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign.” Which of these attributes is hardest for you to trust in your current season of life? Why? [[01:10:50]]
5. The pastor challenged the group to ask, “What god are you actually trusting in?” Are there any “idols” in your life—things you run to for comfort, security, or identity instead of God? What would it look like to surrender those to God this week? [[01:01:21]]
6. The sermon said, “True worship is not about our preferences or comfort, but about responding to the God who is worthy of all honor.” How can you make your worship less about your own preferences and more about honoring God? [[01:04:59]]
7. The Apostles’ Creed was described as a tool to help us articulate our faith. If someone asked you this week, “Who is the God you worship?” how would you answer in your own words? What part of your answer would you want to be clearer or more confident about? [[54:03]]