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Longing For The Presence Of God
Contributed by James Roberts on Jul 26, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: We long for God's presence. Why and How.
LONGING FOR THE PRESENCE OF GOD
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon was one of the greatest figures in Israel’s history.
He was richly blessed of the Lord, yet it is said of him in
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his Father.
He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
Now, from the time of Solomon’s turning away from God, until he finally came back.
He was never satisfied, though he sought satisfaction in many ways, it never came.
Thus, was it true for Israel.
She had experienced the blessings of God, and knew his mighty power, and rejoiced at His presence, but now she had turned away from Him, and her heart longed once more for the presence of God.
Thus, we have these verses.
Note with me 3 reasons why Israel longed for the presence of God and why we TODAY NEED the presence of God.
I. BECAUSE OF THE GREAT NEED FELT (v. 1)
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! NIV
Heaven had seemingly closed up on them, God's blessings had been withheld, and they longed for a "rending" of the opening of the Heavens.
A. Compare this to the current events of our day.
1. Churches losing their power
2 Tim. 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such turn away.
Is the church really changing anything in the world today?
Or is the world changing the church?
2. Christians losing their zeal to serve God.
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
How can they help lose it, most churches never feed their people, always preaching salvation messages, never how to fight life's battles with the enemy.
Most christians would rather read STAR, ENQUIRER or some other book rather than THE BOOK God's WORD.
3. Millions losing their souls
Every 24 hours, 146,000 people die
Every 1 hour, 6,000 die
Every 1 minute, 100 die
Every 10 seconds, 17 people die
More than 1 person a second steps off into eternity.
Whether they are prepared to meet God or not.
353,00 people born every 24 hours.
Less than 1%of world is Christian.
236 born every hour.
4 people a minute.
Evangelism is needed, but not by the addition method practiced prevalently today.
We need to evangelize by the multiplication method.
The book of Acts talks of 3000 being saved at one time.
It talks of those the Lord added to the church DAILY such as should be saved.
4. Lack of genuine love among Christians
When we see a need we feel like we need to know the life history of the person before we try to help them.
We are not responsible for what people do with the help we give them, but we are responsilble for helping as the Lord directs.
B. They desired also a new manifestation of His presence.
Manifestation is a public revelation.
There is a great need for the presence of God in our land.
If there has ever been a greater need than in Isaiah's time, it is in our day.
We Need a New Manifestation of:
1. His Power
To change lives:
a. Gadarean demoniac
b. Woman taken in adultery
2. His Promises
Conditional - we meet His conditions and He will Bless
3. His protection
No one can harm us until God is through with us if we trust in His might and power.
4. His provision
David said
Psa. 37:25
"Once I was young, and now I am old but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread".
Phil. 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
II. WE LONG FOR THE PRESENCE OF GOD BECAUSE OF THE GREAT WORK TO BE DONE
As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, (vs. 2).
A. MELTING WORK - That the mountains may flow down at thy presence.
1. Mountains of discouragement
Realize God expects us to be faithful to carry out his commands, not for the results.
Discouragement is one of the spirits that hinder the Fire of God from falling.
2. Mountains of sin
Habits can't get rid of.
Ingratitude neglect of God's word neglect of prayer
mechanical, lazy prayers without feeling lack of love for friends and relatives
lack of concern for the lost neglect of family duties
neglect to watch over your brothers and sisters in Christ worldly mindedness
envy slander gossip