Is God’s presence a priority? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres kicked off our SUNDAY BEST series with a message about the gift of God’s presence in our lives.
1 Chronicles 13:10
The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.
From the beginning, God’s people have been defined by His presence. From Genesis on, one central theme of the scripture is the movement toward a renewal of human experience in the presence of God. King David’s hope was to experience that blessing when he moved the ark of God, but there were lessons to be learned.
1) Revival is a restoration of the presence of God.
From the incarnation to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on every believer, the hope of the Old Testament finds expression in the experience of the Christian who has access to the life-giving presence of God. God has designed us to experience his presence.
2) Revival is not just about what comes to life, it’s also about what dies.
The death of Uzzah was a reminder that God’s uncommon presence should never be treated as common. As believers, we have access to an uncommon grace that gives life, but we are also called to put to death those things belonging to our sinful nature.
3) Revival is a return to fruitfulness.
Obed-Edom was an outsider to God’s people, but God blessed his house and his family because he welcomed the presence of God. Wherever God’s presence is, life and flourishing follow!
Psalm 84:10
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
