Seeing God
The concept of "seeing God" in the Bible carries profound theological significance and often represents a direct encounter with the divine presence. In the Old Testament, the phrase is notably associated with the idea of experiencing God's glory and holiness. For instance, in Exodus 33:20, God tells Moses, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." This indicates that while one can experience God's presence, the full manifestation of God’s essence is beyond human capacity to endure.In the New Testament, the notion evolves with the revelation of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God (John 1:14). Jesus states in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," suggesting that spiritual purity enables believers to perceive God's presence and work in their lives. Additionally, in Revelation 22:4, the promise of seeing God in the eschatological future highlights the ultimate fulfillment of this desire when believers will dwell in His presence eternally. Thus, "seeing God" encapsulates both a present spiritual awareness and a future hope of direct communion with the divine.
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Seeing Him
By K.P. Yohannan0PSA 139:7K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of seeing Christ beyond our physical senses, urging believers to open the eyes of their understanding to truly perceive His presence and glory. He explains that while we often seek God in grand experiences, He is present in the quiet moments of our daily lives, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we are transformed as we gaze upon Him. Yohannan encourages us to recognize God's hand in the small events of life, reminding us that He is always with us, even when we feel lost or alone. By cultivating a habit of looking for God in everyday occurrences, we can find hope and strength in His constant presence. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to pause, seek, and listen for the Lord, who promises never to leave us.
Purity of Heart and Life
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 24:3MAT 5:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the vital importance of purity of heart, asserting that true cleanliness comes from the Spirit and the Word, leading to outward holiness through obedience. He explains that our affections influence our understanding; if we love evil, we cannot grasp goodness, and a foul heart results in dimmed perception of God. Spurgeon highlights the privilege of seeing God, which is granted to the pure in heart through Christ, and stresses that this vision is contingent upon the removal of sin from our hearts. He encourages believers to pursue godliness, echoing Moses' desire to see God's glory, and reminds us that the hope of seeing God inspires us to purify ourselves. Ultimately, he prays for purity of heart so that we may fully experience God's presence.
What Does It Take to See God
By Carter Conlon2.2K51:00GEN 4:82CH 24:20MAT 6:33MAT 23:34LUK 10:25In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. He reminds the congregation that Jesus promises to provide for their needs if they prioritize Him. The pastor then refers to Malachi 3, where the Lord speaks of a people who fear Him and meditate on His name. He highlights the significance of a upcoming fast and encourages everyone to participate. The sermon concludes with a discussion on how religious hearts can turn against the revelation of God, persecuting those sent by Him. The pastor also mentions a victorious and discerning people who love Christ wholeheartedly and are filled with His life, even in the face of misunderstanding and ridicule from the world.
Do You See Jesus?
By Brad Scheelke1.6K43:52JHN 1:29COL 3:1Brad Scheelke emphasizes the importance of seeing Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away our sins, reminding us that our worthiness comes from Him alone, not our own actions or relationships. He encourages the congregation to focus on Jesus during communion, highlighting that salvation is simply about looking to the cross and recognizing His perfect worthiness. Scheelke challenges the audience to shift their perspective from worldly concerns to heavenly ones, fostering deep relationships rooted in love and forgiveness, as modeled by Christ. He concludes by urging everyone to seek a deeper vision of Jesus, which transforms our interactions and relationships with others.
In the Year of King Uzziah’s Death, I Saw the Lord
By Art Katz0ISA 6:1LUK 24:13Art Katz emphasizes the transformative power of disillusionment in his sermon 'In the Year of King Uzziah’s Death, I Saw the Lord.' He draws parallels between the death of King Uzziah and the necessity of experiencing loss to truly see and understand God's sovereignty and holiness. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus had their eyes opened after a profound loss, believers today must confront their own 'Uzziahs' to gain a clearer vision of the Lord. Katz argues that the collapse of false expectations can lead to a deeper faith and a more authentic relationship with God, ultimately preparing the Church to fulfill its role in Israel's restoration. He challenges listeners to embrace the reality of God's plans, even when they involve painful transitions.