He Dwells with Us

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that God's plan is not for us to isolate ourselves in personal worship experiences, but rather to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Him that extends into every area of our lives. We are called to live out our faith in community, not as isolated individuals. The Bible teaches us that God desires to dwell with us, not just within us.

Key Scripture References

• John 14:23-24 - Jesus says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." This promise is not just about personal salvation, but about the presence of God in our lives. It's a call to relationship, not just a prayer.
• 1 John 4:16 - "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them." This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God – as we love Him, He loves us back, and His presence becomes a reality in our lives.
• Psalm 90:17 - "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!" This prayer is not just about success or accomplishment, but about being a people who bear the presence of God in all we do.
• Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." This promise emphasizes that God's presence is not limited to individual experiences, but is available whenever His people gather together in His name.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - "Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are his." This passage teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that His presence is a reality within us.
• Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." This psalm highlights God's omnipresence – He is always with us, no matter where we go or what we do.

Key Takeaways

• This message emphasizes that God's presence is not just a personal experience, but a reality that extends into every area of our lives. As we live out our faith in community, we are called to bear the presence of God in all we do.
• We must understand that God's plan is not for us to isolate ourselves in individual worship experiences, but rather to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Him that extends into every area of our lives. This means being part of a community of believers who are committed to living out their faith together.
• As we seek to experience God's presence, we must remember that it is not just about feeling His presence, but about living in obedience to His Word and bearing fruit for Him in all we do.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific steps to live out your faith in community. First, attend a gathering of believers at your church or with your small group, and seek to bear the presence of God in that setting. Second, look for opportunities to serve others in practical ways, such as volunteering at a local food bank or helping a neighbor in need.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas in my life where I have isolated myself from community and sought individual experiences with God? How can I begin to live out my faith in community instead?
• How can I bear the presence of God in my daily life, not just in personal devotions or worship services? What specific actions can I take this week to do so?
• What does it mean for me to be a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)? How can I live out that reality in every area of my life?