I wanted to share with you my sermon notes from Jeff Purswell's "A People of God's Presence." I heard Jeff preach at Sovereign Grace Worship God '06 conference that I attended in August at the Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD (I think you might be able to find it on their website). God spoke through Jeff and it was very evident. This is probably one of the only sermons that has affected me in an indescribably and immediate way (joy, chills, jaw-dropping). I've heard other sermons that have been great and have changed my life, but I think I had chills at the end from trying to grasp and digest the awesomeness of this. This was basically a summary of Bible in one sermon. I don't attribute any of this to Jeff, God spoke. Anyway... I'll try to keep it brief and yet hopefully get the point across.
What is in our minds when we think or use "presence of God?" Is it a distant wish? Is it something we strive to attain? Is it something we take for granted? Or is it simply a means of cool solidarity with other Christians?
KEY "God's eternal purpose is to dwell among a people He has made His own."
Let me say that again - God has PURPOSED to dwell among His People
Where? How? - There are 5 images that expose this throughout the Bible:
1. A GARDEN Sanctuary/Temple/Mountain
- Safety (protection, enclosure - Adam was placed there by God) Genesis 2:8
- Provision (Food, richness, diversity) Genesis 2:9-17
- Relation Intimacy (Adam & Eve) Genesis 2:18-25
- Divine Companionship (Place where God and man meet) Genesis 3:8
- Presence (walking, talking) Leviticus 26:12
- Temple (Place to worship God)
Here is a pattern of His Kingdom - "Unhindered fellowship with God in an unspoiled environment."
This is what we were created for!! This shows God's desire, His heart, to dwell among His People.
...then the FALL - There is Divine Alienation.
(I'm going to do a point-a-day for the next five days - Stay Tuned!)
Posted by tomglass at November 3, 2006 08:29 AM