“grow in the grace & knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 peter 3:18 “grow in the grace & knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”

Knowing god better Luke 12:27-30 “little faith” Ephesians 3:14-19 “the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” How well have we developed an understanding of God’s presence? Grow in “seeing the unseen” – Hebrews 11:13

What is god’s presence? In a sense it is for all men – 2 Chronicles 16:9 God’s presence represents the fellowship and protection of God to the faithful. Exodus 33:13,14 God’s power & protection allowed them to survive & be greatly blessed – Deuteronomy 4:37-40 Knowledge of God’s presence comes by learning about God’s revealed nature. Learn about God’s love & how He seeks our good. Learn about His holiness so we can approach Him – Leviticus 22:3 Learn about faith & forgiveness – Psalm 51:9-12 Learn about longsuffering – 2 Kings 13:23

Men of faith strong & courageous because of god’s presence Moses confronted Pharaoh – Exodus 3:12 Joshua took the promised land – Joshua 1:5; 3:7 God’s power & protection allowed them to survive & be greatly blessed – Deuteronomy 4:37-40 David faced Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:37

Confidence In god’s vengeance keeps men from being consumed in bitterness Psalm 9:3,4; 17:1,2 What a blessing to know that God knows! We rejoice in God’s blessing while in the presence of our enemies – Psalm 23:5

Knowing god’s presence diminishes fear of man God plays no favorites – Deuteronomy 1:17 Calms our spirits when men try to hurt us- Psalm 31:19,20 What a blessing to know that God is with us!

Worship vital to developing consciousness of god’s presence What is worship? John 4:23,24 proskuneo (προσκυνέω), “to make obeisance, do reverence to” (from pros, “towards,” and kuneo, “to kiss”), is the most frequent word rendered “to worship.” It is used of an act of homage or reverence.” Must be acceptable – Leviticus 2:2; Malachi 1:9 We come into His presence – Jeremiah 12:10,11

Worship based on an acceptable relationship with him God finds the people acceptable – Ezekiel 20:40,41 Heart untouched makes worship vain – Matthew 15:8,9 Do worldly men desire a worship that challenges them to change?

Worship involves thanksgiving & rejoicing Psalm 95:2,3 “let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God.” Psalm 100:2,3 “Serve the Lord with gladness” We consider & glory in God’s nature Are we a people that love to talk about God?

Jesus showed the power of the presence of god Knew God would never forsake Him- John 16:32,33 “and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” Knew death would not hold Him – Psalm 16:10,11 “You will not leave me soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” He wants us to have such faith!

Knowing christ keeps us from pride 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” Excellency of the knowledge of Jesus makes worldly wisdom seem like trash! He wants us to have such faith! When God is in view men’s presence is nothing – Numbers 20:6 “the glory of the Lord appeared to them”

May god grant us to be emptied of all but the lord! 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Jesus is working for us right now in the presence of God! How are we “saved by His life?” – Romans 5:10 He now appears in heaven for us – Hebrews 9:24

Do you know his presence? Jude 24,25 “Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”