01-04-2009 Pressing Into God

“Pressing Into God” John Isaacs January 4, 2009 KingsWay Community Church

“Everything will work out fine, if we press into God's presence in 2009!”

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

“For the Christian, there is a profound difference between simply acknowledging God's omnipresence and personally experiencing his nearness.” - C. J. Mahaney

Benefits of Being in God’s Presence

In HIS Presence

1. Rest Exodus 33:14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you.”

In HIS Presence

1. Rest Matthew 11:29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

In HIS Presence

2. Refreshing Acts 3:19-20 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

“Nothing quenches your thirst like the glorious presence of God; not the greatest earthly pleasures or thrills, not knowing the answers to life’s most difficult questions, not any lofty goals you may have accomplished, not your popularity, not more toys, not the acceptance of others, not the warmest approval from the most important people you know, not even being one of the most physically attractive people on earth. Drinking the Spirit of God is better, more exciting, more filling.” (Author Unknown)

In HIS Presence

3. Joy Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

In HIS Presence

3. Joy 1 Chronicles 16:27 Honor and majesty surround Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling.

In HIS Presence

4. Help Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon ME, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him.

In HIS Presence

4. Help Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God is HE who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

In HIS Presence

5. Fruitfulness 1 Chronicles 22:11 Now, my son, may the Lord be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the Lord your God.

Results of Being in God’s Presence

2 Chronicles 7:1-6 1 When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 2 The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of

2 Chronicles 7:1-6 (cont.) the Lord filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures

2 Chronicles 7:1-6 (cont.) forever!” 4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices to the Lord. 5 King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple of God. 6 The priests took their assigned

2 Chronicles 7:1-6 (cont.) positions, and so did the Levites who were singing, “His faithful love endures forever!” They accompanied the singing with music from the instruments King David had made for praising the Lord. Across from the Levites, the priests blew the trumpets, while all Israel stood.

1. Worship Becomes More Passionate 2 Chronicles 7:3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”

2. We Give Sacrificially To God. 2 Chronicles 7:4-5 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices to the Lord. King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple of God.

3. We Are Released Into Our Calling. 2 Chronicles 7:6 The priests took their assigned positions, and so did the Levites who were singing, “His faithful love endures forever!” They accompanied the singing with music from the instruments King David had made for praising the Lord. Across from the Levites, the priests blew the trumpets, while all Israel stood.

Pressing Into God’s Presence

We must progress from believing in and acknowledging God's existence to seeking him earnestly that we may experience the promised reward — HIS transforming presence and power. What Christians really need is to be in the presence of God. - Wayne Grudem

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Pressing Into God 1. The Promise God will reward you

2. The Condition … believe that HE will reward those who diligently seek HIM.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Pressing Into God 1. The Promise You will find HIM

2. The Condition … if you seek HIM with all your heart.

Psalms 145:18-19 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

Pressing Into God 1. The Promise The LORD is near and HE will hear your cry and fulfill your desire.

Pressing Into God 2. The Condition … if you call upon HIM in truth. … if you cry out to HIM as the ONE you fear most.

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you doubleminded.

Pressing Into God 1. The Promise God will draw near to you.

2. The Condition … if you draw near to HIM by dealing with your sin.

Start Dealing With Anything That Is Separating You From God.

Remove All Barriers That Create A Gap Between You and God.

Common Barriers To “Pressing Into God” 1. Un-confessed Sin 2. Relational Offenses 3. Disobedience 4. Idols 5. Distractions