Staying Close to God: Embracing His Presence

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Presence

Description: The story of the Ark of the Covenant in Obed-Edom's house teaches us that God's presence brings blessings and transformation. When we honor and revere His presence, our lives, families, and communities are profoundly impacted. Staying close to God means prioritizing His presence in our daily lives. The Ark's stay in Obed-Edom's house brought immense blessings, underscoring the transformative power of God's glory. This narrative illustrates the importance of reverence and proper handling of God's presence. David's efforts to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem were marked by meticulous adherence to God's instructions, contrasting with the Philistines' irreverent handling. This journey culminated in the establishment of the Tabernacle of David, a place of continuous worship and open access to God's presence, symbolizing the inclusivity and accessibility of God's glory to all who seek Him. [47:22]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: How can you prioritize God's presence in your daily routine today? What specific steps can you take to honor and revere His presence in your home and community?

Day 2: Inclusivity in God's Kingdom

Description: The early church's struggle with Gentile inclusion in Acts 15 highlights the importance of not adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and we must be careful not to impose additional requirements that can alienate others from experiencing God's grace. The first major conflict in the New Testament church regarding Gentile inclusion led to a significant discussion in Acts 15. The early church grappled with the requirements for Gentile converts, emphasizing the dangers of adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel. This narrative teaches us the importance of inclusivity and the simplicity of the gospel message. [41:32]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Are there any traditions or practices in your life that might be creating unnecessary barriers for others to experience God's grace? How can you simplify your approach to sharing the gospel to make it more inclusive?

Day 3: Reverence and Obedience

Description: David's meticulous efforts to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem, following God's specific instructions, remind us of the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God. We cannot handle God's glory carelessly; we must approach Him with the utmost respect and adherence to His ways. The story of the Ark's journey from the battlefield to the house of Obed-Edom and eventually back to Jerusalem highlights the significance of reverence and obedience. David's actions contrast sharply with the Philistines' irreverent handling of the Ark, teaching us the importance of following God's instructions carefully. [45:52]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to show more reverence and obedience to God? What specific steps can you take to align more closely with His instructions?

Day 4: Continuous Worship and Access

Description: The establishment of the Tabernacle of David, with its continuous worship and open access to God's presence, symbolizes the inclusivity and accessibility of God's glory. We are invited to dwell in His presence continually, experiencing the fullness of His joy and peace. David's efforts to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem culminated in the establishment of the Tabernacle of David, a place of continuous worship and open access to God's presence. This symbolizes the inclusivity and accessibility of God's glory to all who seek Him. The Tabernacle of David represents a place where worship is unceasing, and God's presence is always accessible. [51:25]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: How can you create a space in your life for continuous worship and access to God's presence? What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are dwelling in His presence daily?

Day 5: Intimacy with God

Description: The image of John leaning on Jesus' chest at the Last Supper illustrates the intimacy we are called to have with God. Staying close to Him allows us to hear His heartbeat, align with His purposes, and witness His power in our lives. This intimacy is the foundation of a vibrant and impactful Christian life. The closeness of John to Jesus at the Last Supper is a powerful image of the intimacy we are called to have with God. This closeness allows us to hear God's heartbeat and align with His purposes, ensuring that His power is manifested in our lives and communities. [29:17]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to draw closer to God and deepen your intimacy with Him? How can you ensure that you are consistently aligning with His purposes in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound concept of "staying close" to God, drawing from various biblical texts and historical contexts. We began by acknowledging the power of modern technology to spread the gospel, even amidst the overwhelming presence of sin on the internet. The central scripture from Psalms 65:4 set the tone, emphasizing the blessedness of those chosen by God to dwell in His courts.

We delved into the historical narratives of the Old Testament, particularly focusing on the division of Israel and Judah, and the first major conflict in the New Testament church regarding Gentile inclusion. This led us to Acts 15, where the early church grappled with the requirements for Gentile converts, highlighting the dangers of adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel.

The sermon then transitioned to the story of the Ark of the Covenant, tracing its journey from the battlefield to the house of Obed-Edom. This narrative illustrated the importance of reverence and proper handling of God's presence. The Ark's stay in Obed-Edom's house brought immense blessings, underscoring the transformative power of God's glory.

David's efforts to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem were marked by meticulous adherence to God's instructions, contrasting with the Philistines' irreverent handling. This journey culminated in the establishment of the Tabernacle of David, a place of continuous worship and open access to God's presence, symbolizing the inclusivity and accessibility of God's glory to all who seek Him.

The sermon concluded with a call to stay close to God, drawing parallels to the intimacy of John leaning on Jesus' chest at the Last Supper. This closeness allows us to hear God's heartbeat and align with His purposes, ensuring that His power is manifested in our lives and communities.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Edom's house teaches us that God's presence brings blessings and transformation. When we honor and revere His presence, our lives, families, and communities are profoundly impacted. Staying close to God means prioritizing His presence in our daily lives. [47:22]
2. Inclusivity in God's Kingdom: The early church's struggle with Gentile inclusion in Acts 15 highlights the importance of not adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and we must be careful not to impose additional requirements that can alienate others from experiencing God's grace.

3. Reverence and Obedience: David's meticulous efforts to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem, following God's specific instructions, remind us of the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God. We cannot handle God's glory carelessly; we must approach Him with the utmost respect and adherence to His ways.

4. Continuous Worship and Access: The establishment of the Tabernacle of David, with its continuous worship and open access to God's presence, symbolizes the inclusivity and accessibility of God's glory. We are invited to dwell in His presence continually, experiencing the fullness of His joy and peace.

5. Intimacy with God: The image of John leaning on Jesus' chest at the Last Supper illustrates the intimacy we are called to have with God. Staying close to Him allows us to hear His heartbeat, align with His purposes, and witness His power in our lives. This intimacy is the foundation of a vibrant and impactful Christian life.

### [47:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:29] - Introduction and Psalm 65:4
[40:36] - Companion Texts in the Bible
[41:32] - The First Church Argument in Acts 15
[42:24] - The Concept of Concision
[43:26] - Church Government and Boundaries
[45:25] - The Structure of Exodus
[46:23] - The Meaning of Righteousness and Holiness
[47:22] - Disciplines to Prevent Backsliding
[48:20] - The Dispute Over Circumcision
[49:14] - Peter's Defense and the Holy Spirit
[50:11] - The Significance of Speaking in Tongues
[51:25] - Rebuilding the Tabernacle of David
[52:52] - The Prophecy in Amos
[54:18] - The Truth as a Person
[55:09] - The Numerical Integrity of God
[56:14] - The Oneness of God
[57:08] - The Story of the Ark of the Covenant
[59:35] - The Ark in the Land of the Philistines
[63:36] - The Return of the Ark
[65:22] - David's Efforts to Bring Back the Ark
[69:02] - The Blessing of Obed-Edom
[72:51] - The Tabernacle of David
[75:18] - Solomon's Temple and the Ark
[80:10] - Obed-Edom as a Doorkeeper
[81:14] - The Impact of God's Glory
[84:01] - Stay Close to God
[86:14] - The Role of the Church
[88:46] - The Importance of Intimacy with God
[93:38] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalm 65:4 say about those who are chosen by God? How does this relate to the theme of "staying close" to God? [39:29]
In Acts 15, what was the main issue that caused the first major conflict in the New Testament church? How was it resolved? [41:32]
Describe the journey of the Ark of the Covenant from the battlefield to the house of Obed-Edom. What were the consequences of its stay in Obed-Edom's house? [01:09:02]
How did David's approach to bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem differ from the Philistines' handling of it? What does this teach us about reverence and obedience? [01:10:26]

Interpretation Questions

What does the story of the Ark of the Covenant in Obed-Edom's house teach us about the power of God's presence and its impact on our lives? [01:09:02]
How does the early church's struggle with Gentile inclusion in Acts 15 highlight the importance of not adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel? What can we learn from this about inclusivity in God's kingdom? [41:32]
Why was David's meticulous adherence to God's instructions in bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem significant? What does this reveal about the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God? [01:10:26]
The establishment of the Tabernacle of David symbolized continuous worship and open access to God's presence. How does this concept apply to our modern-day worship and relationship with God? [01:13:11]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the story of Obed-Edom, how can you prioritize God's presence in your daily life to experience His blessings and transformation? What specific steps can you take this week? [01:09:02]
Considering the early church's debate in Acts 15, are there any "unnecessary burdens" you might be placing on yourself or others in your faith journey? How can you focus more on the core message of the gospel? [41:32]
David showed great reverence and obedience in handling the Ark. Are there areas in your life where you might be handling God's glory carelessly? How can you approach these areas with more respect and adherence to God's ways? [01:10:26]
The Tabernacle of David was a place of continuous worship. How can you incorporate continuous worship into your daily routine? What changes can you make to ensure you are dwelling in God's presence regularly? [01:13:11]
The intimacy of John leaning on Jesus' chest at the Last Supper symbolizes a close relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God in your personal life? What practices can help you hear His "heartbeat"? [29:17]
Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What were the contributing factors, and how can you address them to stay close to Him moving forward? [01:28:46]
How can you be a "doorkeeper" like Obed-Edom, helping others access God's presence and experience His glory? What practical actions can you take to invite others into a closer relationship with God? [01:21:14]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We have the tools now to preach the gospel to the world. Amen. I know there's a lot of junk on the internet. The Bible said where sin abounds, grace doth and yet much more abound. So we're trying to sanctify that thing." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I'm so grateful to be a part of the kingdom. I'm so grateful to be a part of the family of God. What an honor it is to serve Jesus Christ. Let's do everything we can to just keep opening doors and say, hey you need to come in here. I promise you this is going to affect you. This is going to deeply affect you." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You get in church and all of a sudden the presence of God, which is spirit, it's not soul, it's not mental, it's not education, it's sure not flesh. It bypasses the flesh. It bypasses your mind, and all of a sudden the spirit goes, wow, what is that?" (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I want people to come to church and go, whoa, what was that? What was that? See, God is spirit, right? He's spirit. I've taught you for how long now. Capital S, God's spirit. Little s, you know, our spirit. When you read Romans 8, it says, his spirit, capital S, bears witness with our spirit. Little s, that we're his children." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "My God shall supply all of your needs according to his abundant riches and glory. You've got ashes, he's got beauty. You've got despair, he's got a garment of praise. He's saying, let's trade." (13 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I'm convinced the disciplines that we practice are not here to guarantee we get to go to heaven. I think the disciplines that we put in our life are there to keep us from going back to Egypt. And you'll find that when those disciplines are discarded and thrown away, in a very short amount of time you can't tell those people from the very world that God delivered them from." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You can have church without glory. Of course you can. Preach a little sermon, you know, have a little program, beat the baptist to the buffet, everything's good. You know what I think it's in a Benadab's garage. So poor old David does the very same stupid thing that the Philistines did, build a cart." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I want to stay close to Him. I want to pray for people when they get healed. I want to pray for people when they feel something. I want a manifestation of His glory. I don't want to just be a Bible church. I don't want to just be a word church. I want to be a glorious church." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It's amazing what God can do in a foreign house. It's amazing what God can do in the temple of another God. They start moving that ark around and people are dying bad. Maybe God's trying to talk to you. Isn't that a novel idea?" (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Stay close. Stay as close as you possibly can because you know and I know that Holy Ghost stuff changed my life, changed my family, it changed my future, everything about it." (14 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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