Experiencing God's Reassuring Presence in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone, and welcome. Today, I want to talk about the reassuring presence of God in our lives. Imagine you're an Israelite living in a tent in the desert, facing the threat of invasion. Before you retire for the night, you lift the flap of your tent and see a pillar of fire, a powerful symbol of God's presence. This image reassures you that God is with you, and you can sleep peacefully. This morning, I want to explore the history of God's presence and how it manifests in our lives today.
God's presence is bookended in the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis, where God created a people to be in a relationship with Him. At the end of the Bible, in Revelation, God creates a new heaven and a new earth to live with His people forever. In between, there are numerous stories in both the Old and New Testaments that describe how God loves His people and promises to be with them.
Let's begin with Genesis, where God invites Abraham to look up at the stars and promises that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. God makes a covenant with Abraham to give his offspring a land flowing with milk and honey, the Promised Land. Later, Jacob, one of Abraham's descendants, has a dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven, with the Lord standing at the top, promising to watch over him.
God saw His people suffering as slaves in Egypt and commissioned Moses and Aaron to ask Pharaoh to free them. After ten plagues, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, and they began their 40-year journey in the Sinai desert, led by a pillar of fire at night and a cloud during the day. This manifestation of God is called a theophany, where God reveals Himself to His people.
While traveling to the Promised Land, the Israelites came to Mount Sinai, where God called Moses to ascend the mountain and gave him the Ten Commandments. However, when Moses came down, he found the people worshipping a golden calf. Despite their disobedience, God commanded Moses to build a tabernacle so He could dwell with them. The tabernacle was a place where God literally lived within its confines and traveled with the Israelites.
In the New Testament, the greatest expression of God dwelling with His people occurs when Jesus is born, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah that a child named Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," would be born. Jesus, the image of the invisible God, came to dwell among us, ultimately dying for our sins to restore our relationship with the Father. After His resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our advocate, helper, strength, peace, and guide.
There are four types of God's presence. First, Jesus is the intimate God indwelling the hearts of believers. My grandmother, who led me to faith, left me a card that read, "Jesus is with me now, closer than breathing and nearer than hands and feet." Second, God is the transcendent, omnipresent God who is always and everywhere present. Psalm 139 says, "Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" Third, God manifests Himself in our lives through special circumstances, visions, and words. He comes to our rescue and directs our way. Finally, God is present in the Eucharist, where His body and blood are symbolically shared with us.
To experience God's closeness more fully, we need to pray often, be thankful, and refuse to dwell on problems. Trust that God is protecting you and coming to your help. Remember, there is no hole so deep that God's ladder cannot reach. God is with us, whether we feel it or not, and the storms of life give us the opportunity to prove His faithfulness. If you have a relationship with Jesus, you can sleep in peace because God is with you. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Presence in Biblical History: From the beginning of creation with Adam and Eve to the promise of a new heaven and earth in Revelation, God's presence is a constant theme in the Bible. He made covenants with Abraham, led the Israelites through the desert, and revealed Himself through theophanies like the burning bush and the pillar of fire. These stories remind us that God has always desired to be with His people and guide them through life's journey. [02:57]
2. The Intimacy of Jesus: Jesus, the image of the invisible God, came to dwell among us, fulfilling the prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us." His life, death, and resurrection restored our relationship with the Father. Jesus is closer to us than our own breath, and His presence in our hearts provides comfort and guidance. This intimate relationship with Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that we are never alone. [12:51]
3. The Omnipresence of God: God is always and everywhere present, a concept known as omnipresence. Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth, stating that there is no place we can go to escape God's presence. Whether we are in the highest heavens or the depths of Sheol, God is there. This assurance of God's constant presence provides us with comfort and strength, especially during difficult times. [16:48]
4. Manifestations of God in Our Lives: God reveals Himself in special ways during significant moments in our lives. These manifestations can come through visions, words, or even the actions of others. For example, God provided for me during a financial crisis by arranging for someone to pay my bill. These experiences remind us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and supporting us through every challenge. [26:46]
5. Practical Ways to Experience God's Closeness: To feel closer to God, we need to pray often, be thankful, and refuse to dwell on problems. Trusting in God's protection and help allows us to focus on His presence rather than our difficulties. Remember, there is no hole so deep that God's ladder cannot reach. By maintaining a relationship with Jesus and trusting in His faithfulness, we can find peace and reassurance in God's constant presence. [31:06]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:57] - God's Presence in Biblical History
[12:51] - The Intimacy of Jesus
[16:48] - The Omnipresence of God
[26:46] - Manifestations of God in Our Lives
[31:06] - Practical Ways to Experience God's Closeness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 15:5-6 - "He took him outside and said, 'Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
2. Exodus 13:21-22 - "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."
3. Matthew 1:23 - "'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God make to Abraham when He invited him to look at the stars? (Genesis 15:5-6)
2. How did God manifest His presence to the Israelites during their journey in the desert? (Exodus 13:21-22)
3. What is the significance of the name "Immanuel" as mentioned in Matthew 1:23?
4. According to the sermon, what are the four types of God's presence? [14:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5-6 reflect God's desire to be in a relationship with His people?
2. In what ways does the pillar of fire and cloud in Exodus 13:21-22 symbolize God's guidance and protection?
3. How does the prophecy of Immanuel in Matthew 1:23 fulfill the theme of God's presence with His people throughout the Bible?
4. Reflecting on the four types of God's presence mentioned in the sermon, how do these different manifestations of God provide comfort and guidance in a believer's life? [14:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt God's presence in a special way. How did that experience impact your faith and actions? [26:46]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your daily life through prayer and thankfulness? [29:18]
3. When facing difficult times, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's omnipresence and faithfulness? [31:57]
4. How can you be more aware of God's manifestations in your life, such as through visions, words, or the actions of others? [16:48]
5. In what ways can you actively participate in the Eucharist to experience God's closeness more fully? [18:37]
6. Identify a specific problem or worry you are currently facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to trusting in God's protection and help? [31:06]
7. How can you be a source of God's presence and comfort to others in your community, especially those who may be struggling to feel God's closeness? [28:23]
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Presence in Biblical History
From the beginning of creation with Adam and Eve to the promise of a new heaven and earth in Revelation, God's presence is a constant theme in the Bible. He made covenants with Abraham, led the Israelites through the desert, and revealed Himself through theophanies like the burning bush and the pillar of fire. These stories remind us that God has always desired to be with His people and guide them through life's journey. [02:57]
Bible Passage: "And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people." (Leviticus 26:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt God's presence guiding you through a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your faith and trust in Him?
### Day 2: The Intimacy of Jesus
Jesus, the image of the invisible God, came to dwell among us, fulfilling the prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us." His life, death, and resurrection restored our relationship with the Father. Jesus is closer to us than our own breath, and His presence in our hearts provides comfort and guidance. This intimate relationship with Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that we are never alone. [12:51]
Bible Passage: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in your daily life?
### Day 3: The Omnipresence of God
God is always and everywhere present, a concept known as omnipresence. Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth, stating that there is no place we can go to escape God's presence. Whether we are in the highest heavens or the depths of Sheol, God is there. This assurance of God's constant presence provides us with comfort and strength, especially during difficult times. [16:48]
Bible Passage: "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a moment when you felt distant from God. How can the truth of His omnipresence change your perspective and bring you comfort today?
### Day 4: Manifestations of God in Our Lives
God reveals Himself in special ways during significant moments in our lives. These manifestations can come through visions, words, or even the actions of others. For example, God provided for me during a financial crisis by arranging for someone to pay my bill. These experiences remind us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and supporting us through every challenge. [26:46]
Bible Passage: "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt God's guidance or provision. How can you remain open to recognizing His manifestations in your daily life?
### Day 5: Practical Ways to Experience God's Closeness
To feel closer to God, we need to pray often, be thankful, and refuse to dwell on problems. Trusting in God's protection and help allows us to focus on His presence rather than our difficulties. Remember, there is no hole so deep that God's ladder cannot reach. By maintaining a relationship with Jesus and trusting in His faithfulness, we can find peace and reassurance in God's constant presence. [31:06]
Bible Passage: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to feel God's presence. What practical steps can you take today to invite Him into that area and trust in His faithfulness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Simply refuse to dwell on problems. They're going to come your way, as sure as eggs. Something is going to come your way. Just refuse to let them occupy your thinking. Because soon as you start thinking about them, trying to work them out, trying to fix them, you're hooked. And Satan can have his way and can tear you down. Instead, up your focus in God. Put on your spiritual armour, as described in Ephesians 6, and trust God. Trust God is protecting you and coming to your help. I like this little phrase. There is no hole so deep that God's ladder cannot reach." [31:06]
2. "You may feel God has forgotten you. But nothing could be further from the truth. Biblical history, as we've very briefly outlined, and personal experience, outlines the depths, the lengths and the depths God has gone to be with you. God is with us, whether we feel it or not. And indeed, the storms of life don't deny the presence of God. Rather, they give you opportunity to prove his faithfulness." [31:57]
3. "We see God in our Christian friends. I have a prayer partner called Helen who epitomises Christ to me. We've been meeting every Wednesday for 46 years. We remember the years because our children were six. And every week we used to take it in times to go to each other's house. But because I don't drive anymore, she comes to me and she drives all the way from Berwick just to see me in Blackburn South. So she is Christ to me." [27:37]
4. "Friends here and online, if you believe that Jesus became a real man and paid the price for your sins, it's okay. You can sleep in peace because God is with you. Oh, the reassurance of God's presence." [14:42]
5. "We feel God when we spend time alone with Jesus. Find some quiet time, and I know people that are working, oh, that you probably don't, don't find quite as much time as I do these days, but just find a little bit of time and just sit and say nothing. Certainly, get your prayers out there first, but then spend a little bit of time saying nothing so God can get a word in. And if you do that often enough, you will get to know his voice." [21:46]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to talk a little bit about the history of God's presence this morning, because it's going to add weight to what I say later, the point I make later. But God's presence is bookended in the Bible. It begins with Adam and Eve in Genesis, where God created a people to be with him, in relationship with him. He wanted to have a relationship with people. And at the end, he's seen creation. He's created a new heaven and a new earth, so he can live with his people forever. And of course, in the middle, there are just so many stories in both the Old and the New Testament describing how God loves his people and promises to be with them." [02:57]
2. "Well, while still traveling to the promised land, the people came to Mount Sinai, where God called Moses to ascend the mountain. Now, the people didn't want to go anywhere near the mountain, because it was smoking. It was firing. It was scary. But God asked Moses to come up the mountain. And among other things, he gave him the 10 commandments. And he said, if you obey my voice and keep my commandments, you will be my treasured possession forever. Isn't that a nice way of referring to his people?" [06:18]
3. "And someone lent me a little car to do my parish visits and when I went to get petrol, the man filling up the car said to me, or told me somebody had been in to pay half my bill. Well, can you imagine the relief? A week later, the owner's son came out and he said, I can't believe this. I've never believed in the man upstairs. And of course I knew he was talking about God. But he said, somebody else has been in and paid off the remainder of your bill. You can't tell me that God was not revealing himself to the owner's son and providing him with the money. And that was exciting for me at the same time. It was a large bill and I had it paid fully, I believe, by God's intervention." [26:46]
4. "I want to suggest some ways to experience God's closeness more fully. I mean, who among us doesn't want to be closer to God? Well, first, we need to pray often. And I think that goes without saying. Talk to God about everything. And if there's some things that are just too difficult for you to solve, just lay them at God's feet so he can deal with them in his own time. Second, be thankful. Even in the bad times, be thankful. If you've already lifted this, laid it at God's feet, he has heard your prayer. We need to be confident of this. God hears us when we pray. And he is working on our request, even if it's taking a little while." [29:18]
5. "God loves His world so much that He wrote Himself into the story. God became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God. Here was God coming as the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, an exact representation of God himself. Ultimately, as we know, Jesus died for us and in doing so paid the price for our sins. He's already paid the price for our sins, that we might be restored to a relationship with the Father." [12:51]
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