Divine Presence
Divine Presence12
God Is All
By Andrew Murray0PSA 19:1PSA 104:24ISA 40:28JER 10:10JHN 1:3ACT 17:28ROM 11:36COL 1:16HEB 1:3REV 4:11Andrew Murray emphasizes that God is the source of all life and existence, asserting that everything in the universe reflects His glory and power. He explains that the heavens and the earth are merely garments of God, who is the everlasting and unchanging 'I am that I am.' Murray encourages believers to recognize that all creation is dependent on God, and that true perception of the world reveals God's omnipresence. He calls for a shift from worldly blindness to a joyful acknowledgment that God is all in all.
The Fire Came Down From Heaven, and Consumed
By F.B. Meyer02CH 7:1PSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 15:4ROM 12:11CO 10:16HEB 12:29JAS 4:81PE 1:161JN 1:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of God's immediate response to prayer, illustrating that when we make room for Him, He fills our lives with His presence. The fire that came down from Heaven symbolizes God's Divine Presence, Purity, and Fellowship, urging believers to maintain a constant awareness of God's glory through prayer and meditation. Meyer encourages the faithful to seek God's cleansing power and to experience the transformative effect of His holiness in their lives. He highlights the importance of communion with God, as believers partake in the Lord's Supper, feeding on Christ and enjoying fellowship with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit's Presence in the Church
By John Nelson Darby01CO 3:16John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence in the Church, likening it to the ark as a symbol of God's abiding presence on earth. He urges believers to recognize the divine presence among them, which empowers them to live holy lives and fosters unity within the body of Christ. Darby highlights the importance of faith in experiencing the Holy Spirit's work, reminding the congregation that the Spirit is a gift from Christ, sent to comfort and guide them. He calls for a deep appreciation of the Holy Spirit's role in the Church, encouraging believers to walk in faith and obedience to God's will. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for reverence in His presence.
Now the Hand of the Lord Was Upon Me in the Evening
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 34:18PSA 73:26ISA 40:31MAT 11:28ROM 8:282CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the multifaceted ways the hand of the Lord can be felt in our lives, particularly during times of affliction and spiritual dryness. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's chastening while also yearning for the uplifting presence of the Lord that brings joy and spiritual renewal. Spurgeon expresses a deep desire for divine communion, recognizing his own weaknesses and the need for God's healing touch to restore his faith and devotion. He encourages believers to seek the Lord's hand, which can transform their hearts and minds, and to remember the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt plea to experience God's presence and strength in their lives.
Timnath-Serah, or the City of the Sun
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 16:11MAT 5:14JHN 15:11PHP 4:19A.B. Simpson explores the significance of Timnath-Serah, the city of the sun, as a metaphor for the highest possibilities in the Christian life. He emphasizes that Joshua, a selfless leader, received this inheritance as a gift from his people, symbolizing the joy, grace, and presence of Christ available to believers. The sermon highlights the importance of dwelling in this city, which represents spiritual joy, divine healing, and unbroken communion with God. Simpson encourages believers to build their lives in this city by opening themselves to God's light and love, and to actively seek their inheritance through prayer and faith. Ultimately, he calls for a life filled with the warmth and power of Christ, leading to a vibrant and fulfilling Christian experience.
"The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18)
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 4:231SA 15:231SA 16:18PSA 3:1PSA 22:3PSA 42:5PSA 69:9PSA 114:2ACT 10:38PHP 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudence in speech, and comeliness, all culminating in the profound truth that 'the Lord is with him.' David's worship began in solitude, shaping his character and leading to public praise, while his courage stemmed from a deep faith in God. As a warrior, he fought for God's honor, and his prudent speech reflected a teachable spirit. Ultimately, David's life exemplified a deep relationship with God, which was evident to others, showcasing the transformative power of divine presence.
Then the House Was Filled With a Cloud.
By F.B. Meyer02CH 5:13PSA 100:4PSA 132:8ACT 2:1PHP 4:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of inviting God's presence, symbolized by the Shekinah cloud, into our lives and spirits, as it represents God's desire to dwell among His people. He highlights that the Most Holy Place, akin to our spirit, should be a welcoming home for God, where He brings blessings, joy, and strength. Meyer outlines three essential conditions for this divine presence: unity among believers, heartfelt sincerity in worship, and a spirit of thanksgiving and praise. He encourages the congregation to embody these principles to experience God's abundant blessings and presence in their lives.
The Secret of the Vision
By A.B. Simpson0JOB 23:3A.B. Simpson emphasizes the deep longing of the soul to find God, as expressed in Job's cry for divine presence. He outlines several ways to encounter God: through nature, His Word, providences, His people, the ordinances of the church, and the secret place of the heart. Each method reveals God's character and love, encouraging believers to seek Him actively and recognize His presence in all aspects of life. Simpson concludes that God desires to meet us personally and that we must be open and responsive to His call.
Lord, Walk Me Home!
By David Wilkerson0DAN 3:15David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound faith of the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, illustrating their willingness to surrender their lives completely to God. He suggests that their encounter with Jesus in the fire was not about avoiding pain but about desiring to be with Him, expressing a longing for divine companionship. Wilkerson challenges listeners to commit every aspect of their lives to God, trusting Him even in the face of trials, and to invite Jesus into their crises. He reassures that when Christ enters our struggles, His presence provides strength and peace that transcends our suffering. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt prayer, 'Lord, walk me home,' as a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan.
The Highest Heavens and the Lowest Hearts
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MIC 6:8MAT 5:3LUK 18:14PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's glorious presence dwells in both the highest heavens and the lowest hearts, highlighting the importance of humility in experiencing God's presence. He asserts that humble souls are the ones who truly recognize their need for God, cherish His presence, and long for a deeper relationship with Him. Brooks encourages believers to walk humbly with God, as it is the humble who are favored by Him and who will experience His comfort in times of trouble. The sermon underscores that true greatness in God's eyes comes from being lowly in spirit, and that only those who are contrite can fully enjoy the divine presence.
"I Will Not Forsake You!"
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 28:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while men without God face isolation and despair, true followers of Christ are never alone in their mission. He reassures that every Christian, whether a martyr or a missionary, is accompanied by Jesus, who fulfills His promise to guide and support them. Tozer highlights the importance of surrendering to Christ's lordship and obeying His commands, especially as young people are called to their missionary responsibilities. The assurance of Christ's presence and power empowers believers to go forth and make disciples, knowing they are never forsaken. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and divine companionship in the face of life's challenges.
Unclean by Comparison
By A.W. Tozer0ISA 6:5REV 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound impact of encountering the living God, illustrating how such revelations evoke feelings of terror and amazement, leading individuals to recognize their own guilt and uncleanness in comparison to His holiness. He reflects on the Apostle John's experience in Revelation, where John's humility and fear in the presence of the glorified Lord Jesus highlight the natural human response to divine strength. Tozer reassures that this sense of unworthiness is not met with condemnation but with compassion, as Jesus comforts John, reminding him of His eternal life and authority. The sermon calls for believers to embrace the humility that comes from experiencing God's manifest presence, which leads to a deeper understanding of His grace and mercy.