Embracing the Immediacy of God's Presence
Summary
### Summary
Greetings to everyone this evening. It's a blessing to be here with you, and I trust that God will help us in this service. We are reminded that any effort we make to connect with God will be honored and blessed by Him. Tonight, I want to focus on the concept of a "now God." Drawing from 2 Corinthians 6:2, which states, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation," we explore the immediacy of God's presence and action in our lives.
Reflecting on personal experiences, I recall how my mother would call me to come home for church, emphasizing the urgency of "now." Similarly, God calls us to respond to Him immediately. He is not a God who puts us on hold or asks us to come back later. He is present and ready to meet our needs right now. Many of us have faith for the future, believing that God will eventually answer our prayers. However, God exists in the eternal now, simultaneously present in our past, present, and future.
In Luke 5:17, we see that the power of the Lord was present to heal, yet many did not receive healing because they did not believe in the immediacy of God's power. Similarly, in John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well had faith in the past and the future but struggled to believe in the present. Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah, showing that He is a God of the now.
In Matthew 24, the disciples were in a storm-tossed sea, and Jesus came to them in their immediate need. He didn't wait for the storm to pass; He met them in their now. This illustrates that God is a very present help in times of trouble. Whatever you are facing, God is with you right now, ready to help, heal, and deliver.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Honors Our Efforts to Connect with Him: Any effort we make to reach out to God, whether through prayer, worship, or service, will be honored and blessed by Him. This principle holds true even in challenging times. God sees our efforts and responds to our faithfulness. [10:01]
2. God Exists in the Eternal Now: Unlike us, God is not confined by time. He is present in our past, present, and future simultaneously. This means that He is always available to meet our needs at any moment. We don't have to wait for a future time to experience His power and presence. [15:47]
3. Faith for the Present: Many people have faith for the future, believing that God will eventually answer their prayers. However, it is crucial to have faith for the present. God is a now God, ready to act in our immediate circumstances. We must believe that He can and will work in our lives right now. [19:43]
4. God Meets Us in Our Immediate Needs: Just as Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well and the disciples in the storm, He meets us in our immediate needs. He doesn't wait for our circumstances to improve; He comes to us in our present struggles and offers His help and healing. [27:46]
5. God is a Very Present Help in Trouble: The Bible assures us that God is a very present help in times of trouble. Whatever challenges we face, we can trust that God is with us right now, ready to provide the support, strength, and solutions we need. We don't have to wait for a future time to experience His intervention. [31:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:01] - Importance of Praying for Your Pastor
[11:48] - Introduction to the Concept of a "Now God"
[13:30] - Personal Story: Responding to the Call
[14:35] - Definition of "Now"
[15:47] - God Exists in the Eternal Now
[17:03] - Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
[18:24] - The Power of the Lord is Present
[19:43] - Faith for the Present
[20:55] - The Story of the Four Men and the Paralytic
[21:56] - Immediate Healing and God's Present Power
[23:09] - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
[24:43] - Faith in the Past and Future
[26:30] - Jesus Reveals Himself as the Messiah
[27:46] - God Meets Us in Our Immediate Needs
[29:45] - Jesus Comes to the Disciples in the Storm
[31:18] - God is a Very Present Help in Trouble
[32:41] - God is with Us Right Now
[34:24] - Prayer for Immediate Needs
[35:22] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 6:2 - "For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
2. Luke 5:17 - "And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them."
3. John 4:25-26 - "The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 emphasize about the timing of God's salvation? How does this relate to the concept of a "now God"? [10:01]
2. In Luke 5:17, what was the reaction of the people present when the power of the Lord was there to heal? Why did they not receive healing? [19:43]
3. How did Jesus reveal Himself to the Samaritan woman in John 4, and what was her initial reaction? [27:46]
4. What was the significance of Jesus coming to the disciples during the storm in Matthew 24? How does this illustrate God's immediacy in our lives? [29:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God exists in the eternal now change our perspective on prayer and faith? [15:47]
2. Why do you think people often have faith for the future but struggle to believe in God's power in the present? [19:43]
3. What can we learn from the Samaritan woman's struggle to believe in the present about our own faith journeys? [27:46]
4. How does the story of Jesus coming to the disciples in the storm challenge our understanding of God's presence in our immediate troubles? [29:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was distant. How does the concept of a "now God" change your understanding of that experience? [15:47]
2. Are there areas in your life where you are waiting for God to act in the future rather than believing He can act now? How can you shift your faith to the present? [19:43]
3. Think about a current struggle or challenge you are facing. How can you invite God into that situation right now, rather than waiting for a future resolution? [31:18]
4. How can you cultivate a habit of recognizing and responding to God's immediate presence in your daily life? [10:01]
5. The sermon mentioned that God honors our efforts to connect with Him. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to God in your current circumstances? [10:01]
6. How can you support someone else in your life who might be struggling to see God's presence in their immediate situation? [27:46]
7. Reflect on the story of the Samaritan woman. Are there past regrets or future anxieties that are hindering your faith in God's present power? How can you address these to strengthen your faith in the now? [27:46]
Devotional
### Day 1: God Honors Our Efforts to Connect with Him
Description:
God sees and honors every effort we make to connect with Him, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service. This principle holds true even in challenging times when it may feel like our efforts are in vain. God is attentive to our faithfulness and responds to our sincere attempts to draw near to Him. This is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is dynamic and interactive; He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles and endeavors.
When we reach out to God, He meets us where we are. This truth is a source of great encouragement, especially during difficult seasons. It reassures us that our prayers are heard, our worship is valued, and our service is meaningful. God’s response to our efforts is not based on the magnitude of our actions but on the sincerity of our hearts. [10:01]
Bible Passage:
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." — James 4:8 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent time when you made an effort to connect with God. How did you feel His presence or see His response? How can you make a consistent effort to draw near to Him this week?
### Day 2: God Exists in the Eternal Now
Description:
God is not confined by time as we are. He exists in the eternal now, meaning He is present in our past, present, and future simultaneously. This profound truth means that God is always available to meet our needs at any moment. We don't have to wait for a future time to experience His power and presence; He is with us right now, ready to act in our lives.
Understanding that God exists in the eternal now can transform our faith. It shifts our perspective from waiting for a future intervention to recognizing His immediate presence and power. This awareness encourages us to live with a sense of expectancy and trust, knowing that God is actively involved in our lives at this very moment. [15:47]
Bible Passage:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." — Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Reflection:
How does knowing that God exists in the eternal now change your perspective on your current challenges? What immediate needs can you bring to Him today, trusting in His present power?
### Day 3: Faith for the Present
Description:
Many people have faith for the future, believing that God will eventually answer their prayers. However, it is crucial to have faith for the present. God is a now God, ready to act in our immediate circumstances. We must believe that He can and will work in our lives right now, not just at some distant point in the future.
Having faith for the present means trusting that God is actively involved in our current situations. It requires us to shift our focus from what might happen to what God is doing right now. This kind of faith is dynamic and alive, enabling us to experience God's power and presence in our everyday lives. [19:43]
Bible Passage:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you need to exercise faith for the present? How can you actively trust God to work in that situation today?
### Day 4: God Meets Us in Our Immediate Needs
Description:
Just as Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well and the disciples in the storm, He meets us in our immediate needs. He doesn't wait for our circumstances to improve; He comes to us in our present struggles and offers His help and healing. This truth is a powerful reminder that God is intimately aware of our situations and is ready to intervene.
God's willingness to meet us in our immediate needs demonstrates His compassion and love. He is not a distant deity who waits for us to get our lives together before He steps in. Instead, He is a present help, ready to provide the support, strength, and solutions we need right now. [27:46]
Bible Passage:
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current struggle or need you are facing. How can you invite God into that situation today, trusting that He is ready to meet you where you are?
### Day 5: God is a Very Present Help in Trouble
Description:
The Bible assures us that God is a very present help in times of trouble. Whatever challenges we face, we can trust that God is with us right now, ready to provide the support, strength, and solutions we need. We don't have to wait for a future time to experience His intervention; He is actively involved in our lives at this very moment.
This assurance is a source of great comfort and strength. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. God is not only aware of our troubles but is also actively working to help us. This truth encourages us to lean on Him and trust in His immediate presence and power. [31:18]
Bible Passage:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
Reflection:
What current trouble or challenge are you facing? How can you lean on God as your refuge and strength today, trusting in His very present help?
Quotes
1. "Anything we do for God, any effort we put forth, God is going to bless it. He's made that known and that's a principle of his and even in the times we're living in, making an effort to join God in whatever format you can to connect to God, to reach out to God and however you can, God's going to honor that and God's going to bless you." [10:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everybody seems to have faith for the future. We all believe that one day God is going to help us meet our needs, answer our petitions, work the things out we need. We need him to work out. Everybody's got faith for the future, but the Lord, if I could say it like this, doesn't live necessarily in the future, nor does he live in the past. God lives in the eternal now, amen." [15:47] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He dwells in the eternal. Now, before we ever get to tomorrow, he is at our tomorrow right now, and he is in our yesterdays right now. He is a now God. Hallelujah. Oh, thank you, Jesus. I feel the touch of heaven here today. Praise God. Praise God. Hallelujah. He is a God that lives and dwells in the eternal. Now, he's not going to be any more powerful. In my tomorrow than he is right now, because he dwells in the eternal. Now, he was not more powerful in my yesterday than he is right now, because he dwells in the eternal. Now, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever." [17:03] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He's a now God. It's it's a. It's amazing. It's awesome. Hallelujah. He is where you are right now, and he's where I am right now. And he doesn't have to leave me to get to you. Do you leave you to get to me? He is here right now. He's here to help us. He's here to touch us. He's here to work on our behalf." [18:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But it was not because he's not a now God, but it was because they did not believe he was a now God. They believed that Messiah was coming. They believed that he was coming in the future, but they could not have the faith to believe that he was standing right before their eyes presently and immediately and at that present time." [19:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And I want to just use that to speak to you here today, right now, and to tell you, he's not a God that's just going to come one day and touch you one day and heal you one day and save you. But I'm preaching to you about a God that's right there where you are at. At this very present time, he is there to heal. He is there to deliver. He is there to save. He is there to work for you. He's not coming and he hasn't left. He's there and he's there right now. Immediately, he's there presently. He is a now God." [20:55] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But she said this. She said, I know that one day Messiah cometh. And when he comes, he's going to tell us all things that ever we did. She said, I know I'm telling you right now. I know I don't know about now. She said, I don't know about here. I don't know about presently. I don't know about immediately. I'm a wreck. There's a lot of unanswered questions. There's a lot of broken pieces. There's a lot of things I need to get fixed up in my life. She said, but I'm telling you, Messiah is going to come one day. And when he comes, he's going to he's going to help us. He's going to work for us." [26:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But Jesus looked at this woman and he said, lady, I that speak unto thee am he. What you have. Faith in in the past. That is me. And what you have faith in in the future. That is me. So Jesus reached out in both directions and he pulled the past in the future together right there in the middle of the day at Jacob's. Well, he said, I'm just not a God that's in your past and I'm not just a God that dwells in your future. But I am a God that has met you here at Jacob's. Well. And a place in your life that you're unsatisfied." [27:46] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You need me in your present. You need me in Samaria, in Sychar, at Jacob's well in the middle of the day. You need me in the middle of your storm-tossed sea when life is contrary to you. And it looks like you're not going to make it out of this storm. You need me to come to your now. That's the kind of God he is. He is a now God. And he's come to us right now. And he's moving upon us right now. And he's here to touch us right now, presently and immediately." [30:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Whatever you're facing, whatever you're going through, whatever you're dealing with, right now, you know where God is? He's in your now. He's not just waiting tomorrow. He's not just, he didn't just stay in yesterday. Right there in the middle of the storm, he's coming to your now. Right there at Jacob's well. In the life that's unsatisfied and you don't have answers, he's coming to your now. He is a now God." [31:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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