The Presence

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The Presence

1 Samuel 2 and 4
Would you know if God's presence left? His presence is one of our greatest blessings.
Self examination is something we should do daily. Sin is serious (1 Samuel 2:23-25).
The people blatantly disobeyed God (on purpose) and He was ready to abandon them.
Why does the church seem to be "defeated" by the world? Hophni and Phinneas relied on the ark, not God (1 Samuel 4:1-3). There is no substitute for the holiness of God.
God withdraws His presence because of human sin.
God is always working around us. He's working to repair relationships between people and Himself. His presence is the key-- our methods are not.
God's people tend to depart. We tend to drift. Our heart shifts because of disobedience to God and substitutes for God.
God disciplines-- it gets more severe the longer His people don't respond. God's love for us drives His discipline.
God calls His people to repent-- turning away from sin and turning towards God with our whole hearts.
God revives us and changes us. Repentance comes first and then He refines us like a fire-- He burns away our impurities.
No condition is hopeless.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 –