The Presence Of God Series

The presence of God. WBC 15 Aug 2004 am.

Readings: Ex 26:31-35, 1KI 6:14, -19, MK 11:15-17, MT 27:50-51

We go in – we have access

In the OT- God is presented as omnipresent and loving

- but not incredibly accessible

o only to the few. Mainly in a ‘national sense’

 = because of His holiness

o High priest could only enter the MHP once a year

 After lots of ceremonies, blood

 Even then = risky. Vines around ankles

So, someone like David stands out dramatically as ‘ a man after God’s own heart’ as He saw and understood God’s desire to be ‘accessible’.

In the temple there was a 2ft thick curtain separating God’s presence from the Holy Place

- torn in 2. From top to bottom… God to man.

o So that we may go in

“But how big was that gap in the curtain, Daddy?” A little girl asked. “Big enough for anyone and everyone to get through”

We have access to God. The way to Him is open

HEB 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

We have access- to God and to heaven

This has implications for us:

Wherever you are-you have access to heaven…God…Jesus

- whether you feel it or not

Access to the Kingdom of God. God’s reign. His resources.

- Lk 17:21 ‘the kingdom of heaven is in the midst of you… among you”

- Lots in eph 2:18 about us having access… the barrier being destroyed….

o Access to all the blessings of God in heaven described in ch 1 (v3ff “praise be to the God..”

o In fact- though we are down here on earth- we are seen as ‘seated in heavenly places’ (eph 2:6)

 That’s the kind of access we have. 100%. There all the time

In fact it- the presence of God is no longer found in temples etc- but He comes to live in US! We are the temples of the HS!

2 cor 6:16For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

We have access to God’s presence, just like Jesus did

- -Spontaneously prays “Father, I thank you that you hear me. You always hear me”

This is so important! Because we must believe God on this…and act as fact

- doubts keep you out (psychologically, not spiritually or actually)

- so many of us are robbed of things because of the lies and doubts sown by the devil (liar and accuser) and others

It has huge implications for others, as well

- it means that wherever we… you go… you take heaven with you

o God’s presence! Seriously!

“there is a place where heaven touches earth- and we are that place” Simon Oliver

You see the fullness of what this means in

- Lk 4: Jesus’ ministry begins and wherever He walks heaven grows. Signs of the kingdom

- And then the 12 and 72 – LK 10:8 "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, `The kingdom of God is near you.

- Wherever they are there is the presence of God… the Kingdom

It’s the same with you. Workplace, school, play, shopping:

- you take God and heaven with you

o because that is the access in which you now stand (Roms 5:2)

- dramatic? No- NORMAL! And TRUE! (that’s what you must grasp)

Illustr: Me and exorcisms of poltergeist.

I understood this right from the start (maybe better, then!) Ibiza and brothel

Let me build on this, and God’s plan…

God goes out- invading space

Think of the ark of the covenant (a box)…..

.. and the tabernacle ( a rectangular tent)….

…. And the temple (a stone rectangular building)…

= fascinating! Although God is omnipresent and working everywhere

- His revealed presence is ‘constrained’… almost ‘concealed’

The veil was torn in two- and it not only lets us in

- but it lets God out. Into the fullness of His plans

- > and it’s not out into the church (as many understand it)