Encountering God's Presence: The True Church Experience

In the journey of understanding what constitutes a true New Testament Church, it is essential to recognize that the primary mark of such a church is the palpable presence of God among its people. This presence should be so evident that anyone who enters should leave with the conviction that they have encountered God, not just heard a sermon or been entertained by eloquent preaching. The essence of worship and gathering is to meet with the Lord, not merely to fulfill religious obligations or enjoy the music. When we sing hymns, it is crucial to be conscious of God's presence and direct our worship towards Him, rather than just enjoying the melody or lyrics.

David's longing in Psalm 27:4, to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty, should be our heart's desire. This consciousness of God's presence is not achieved through a single spiritual experience but through a life of trials and sufferings, as exemplified by Job. Job's story teaches us that enduring trials can lead to a deeper revelation of God, moving from merely hearing about Him to truly seeing Him. This transformation is a journey of humility and spiritual growth, as seen in the life of Paul, who progressed from considering himself the least of the apostles to the chief of sinners.

The fear of God is a foundational element in perfecting holiness. It is not merely an Old Testament concept but a vital New Testament principle. The fear of God leads to a life of reverence and respect for His presence, influencing our behavior and speech. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making us aware of God's presence, which in turn keeps us from sin. This awareness transforms our homes and relationships, as we become conscious of Jesus' presence in our daily lives.

Ultimately, the message is not for those who are content with merely reaching heaven but for those who desire to perfect holiness in the fear of God. This pursuit requires a radical commitment to living in the awareness of God's presence and allowing that awareness to shape every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The true mark of a New Testament Church is the undeniable presence of God among its people, leading them to encounter Him rather than just hearing a message. This presence should be the focus of our gatherings and worship. [03:16]
• 2. Worship should be a conscious act of directing our hearts towards God, being aware of His presence, and not just enjoying the music or lyrics. This awareness transforms our worship into a genuine encounter with God. [05:19]
• 3. Trials and sufferings, as seen in Job's life, are pathways to a deeper revelation of God. They move us from merely hearing about God to truly seeing Him, leading to spiritual growth and humility. [12:17]
• 4. The fear of God is essential for perfecting holiness. It is a New Testament principle that leads to a life of reverence and respect for God's presence, influencing our behavior and speech. [39:07]
• 5. The Holy Spirit makes us aware of God's presence, which keeps us from sin and transforms our relationships and homes. This awareness is crucial for those who desire to perfect holiness in the fear of God. [41:22]
  ** [41:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:17] - Protestant Churches and New Testament Pursuit
• [01:34] - The Mark of a New Testament Church
• [03:16] - Experiencing God's Presence
• [04:19] - Conscious Worship
• [05:33] - David's Desire for God's Presence
• [07:49] - Trials as Pathways to Revelation
• [09:10] - The Endurance of Job
• [12:17] - From Hearing to Seeing God
• [14:14] - Isaiah's Encounter with God
• [17:18] - Paul's Journey of Humility
• [19:18] - Spiritual Growth Through Revelation
• [22:07] - Job's Reverence for God
• [25:24] - Accusation vs. Intercession
• [30:39] - Satan's Testimony of Job
• [36:18] - The Fear of God and Holiness
• [41:22] - Awareness of God's Presence
• [42:02] - Pursuing Holiness in the Fear of God

1. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25
2. Psalm 27:4
3. Job 42:5

1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:23-25, what is the reaction of an unbeliever or outsider when they enter a church where God’s presence is evident? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the presence of God as the mark of a true New Testament Church? [03:16]
2. In Psalm 27:4, what is David’s singular desire, and how does this reflect the sermon’s call for believers to be conscious of God’s presence in their lives? [06:16]
3. How does Job’s statement in Job 42:5, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you,” illustrate the transformation that trials and sufferings can bring, as discussed in the sermon? [12:17]
4. What role does the fear of God play in perfecting holiness according to 2 Corinthians 7:1, and how was this concept emphasized in the sermon? [39:07]

1. How does the sermon suggest that the presence of God should influence the way believers conduct their worship and gatherings? What practical changes might this require in a church setting? [03:16]
2. The sermon mentions that trials and sufferings, like those experienced by Job, lead to a deeper revelation of God. How might this understanding change a believer’s perspective on personal hardships? [12:17]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe the fear of God as a New Testament principle, and how does this fear contribute to a life of holiness and reverence? [39:07]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in making believers aware of God’s presence, and what impact does this awareness have on their daily lives and relationships? [41:22]

1. Reflect on your personal worship experience. Are there moments when you focus more on the music or lyrics rather than directing your heart towards God? How can you become more conscious of God’s presence during worship? [05:19]
2. Consider a recent trial or suffering you have faced. How did it affect your relationship with God? Can you identify any ways in which it has led to spiritual growth or a deeper understanding of God? [12:17]
3. The sermon emphasizes the fear of God as essential for holiness. What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a greater reverence for God in your daily life? [39:07]
4. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your home and relationships? What changes might you need to make in your behavior or speech to reflect this awareness? [41:22]
5. David’s desire in Psalm 27:4 was to dwell in the presence of the Lord. What is your heart’s desire when it comes to your relationship with God? How can you align your daily actions with this desire? [06:16]
6. The sermon challenges believers to pursue holiness in the fear of God. What does this pursuit look like in your life, and what specific areas do you feel called to grow in? [42:02]
7. Reflect on the role of trials in your spiritual journey. How can you embrace them as opportunities for growth and deeper revelation of God, rather than merely obstacles to overcome? [12:17]