Encountering God: The Power of Revelation

In our spiritual journey, the concept of encountering God can sometimes feel abstract or distant. However, when we delve into the Psalms, we discover a profound invitation to experience God in a tangible way. This blog post explores the transformative power of revelation and the significance of our relationship with God, as expressed through the beauty of the Psalms.

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The Importance of Community in Faith

Before we dive into the depths of God’s word, it’s essential to recognize the role of community in our faith journey. The relaunch of our church, with its emphasis on every member playing their part, illustrates the body of Christ in action. This involvement not only fosters growth but also transforms our walk with Christ from a spectator sport to a deeply engaged experience.

When we work together, we witness God’s movement among us. Our contributions, no matter how small, play a vital role in building something beautiful in the kingdom of God. Each effort, each meeting attended, adds to the collective experience of His presence.

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Understanding the Nature of God

As we approach the Psalms, we must acknowledge the dual nature of God. On one hand, we have Elohim, the Creator God, who reveals Himself through the beauty of creation. On the other hand, we have Yahweh, a personal God who desires a relationship with His people. This relationship is not merely ritualistic; it’s an invitation to converse, to engage, and to experience God on a personal level.

In the Psalms, we find language that speaks to both aspects of God’s nature. We see expressions of awe and curiosity as the psalmists encounter His presence. This blend of reverence and intimacy is crucial for our spiritual growth.

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The Power of Revelation

Revelation from God is transformative. It ignites excitement and a renewed sense of purpose. When we experience a glimpse of His glory, it changes everything. Whether during personal prayer or in moments of everyday life, these encounters can be life-giving and invigorating.

In the midst of challenges, remembering past encounters with God can provide perspective. The memories of His faithfulness and goodness can carry us through dark times. This is the essence of revival—cultivating a heart that remembers and rejoices in God’s presence.

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Encountering God in the Psalms

The Psalms are not just poetic verses; they are invitations to encounter God. They remind us that we can approach Him freely, thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus. The psalmists often express their struggles, doubts, and fears, yet they also declare the goodness of God amidst those trials.

When we read the Psalms, we should not view them as dry rituals but as vibrant conversations with God. They reflect real experiences, filled with emotion and truth. Each psalm invites us into a deeper understanding of who God is and how He interacts with His creation.

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Finding Our Identity in God

One of the most pressing questions in today’s society is, “What is man?” This question speaks to our identity and purpose. The psalmist reflects on the majesty of God and our place in His creation. When we understand that we are made in His image, we recognize our inherent value and worth.

In a world that often feels chaotic and devoid of meaning, the answer to this question brings hope. We are not accidents; we are intentional creations of a loving God, designed for relationship and purpose. This understanding should inspire us to live boldly and authentically.

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Addressing the Issues of Our Time

As we reflect on our identity, it’s essential to address the challenges facing our society. Issues such as rising suicide rates, drug addiction, and a sense of hopelessness permeate our culture. These problems stem from a lack of understanding of our value and purpose.

The church has a critical role in responding to these challenges. We must bring the light of the Gospel into dark places, offering hope and healing to those who feel lost. By embodying Christ’s love and grace, we become agents of reconciliation in a broken world.

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The Call to Action

We are called to be ministers of reconciliation, reflecting the heart of God to those around us. This task is not just for a select few; it’s a mission for the entire body of Christ. As we encounter God, we are empowered to share that experience with others, inviting them to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Every day presents an opportunity to enter into God’s presence. We must prioritize this relationship, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. This transformation equips us to love others genuinely, breaking down barriers and building bridges.

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Conclusion: Embracing Our Identity

In conclusion, encountering God through the Psalms is a powerful reminder of our identity and purpose. We are called to embrace our role as beloved children of God, reflecting His love in our daily lives. As we remember His goodness and seek His presence, we become vessels of His grace in a world that desperately needs it.

Let us commit to entering into this relationship daily, allowing the transformative power of God’s love to flow through us. Together, we can restore humanity, shining His light in the darkness and bringing hope to those who feel lost.

Restoring Humanity

(Sermon Outline)

1. Psalms is a the prayerbook and worship hymnal of the Bible.
   1. That statement contains the radical idea that we can have an encounter and a conversation with God.
      1. Elohim vs. Yahweh (Hashem)
      1. We see curiosity and the celebration of awe
         1. Revelation – the excitement of just a glimpse – the moments we encounter God!
         1. We can enter into an encounter, an experience with God that is exhilarating because of who He is.
         1. Not dead religion!
         1. I am going to read almost all of Psalm 8.
   1. Psalm 8:1–9 (NIV84) — 1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
   1. THE DISCOVERY OF HUMANITY – THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT QUESTION!
2. The battle over identity – who we are – and the implications for this world.
   1. People are genuinely concerned over suicide rates, school shootings, human trafficking and the drug epidemic and the list goes on.
   1. Putting the axe to the root rather than putting a Band-Aid over it.
   1. Purpose, value, worth, significance – A LOSS OF IDENTITY
   1. NOT LEGALISM BUT AWAKENING TO LIFE – ENTERING INTO LIFE!
   1. Let’s explore the Who are we? In greater depth:
      1. Genesis 1:27–28 (NKJV) — 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
      1. We can speak, we can think, and therefore imagine a world different from the one that currently exists. Creation begins with the creative word, the idea, the vision, the dream. Language – and with it the ability to remember a distant past and conceptualize a distant future – lies at the heart of our uniqueness as the image of God.[1]
      1. If the first stage in creation is imagination, the second is will. The sanctity of the human will is one of the most distinctive features of the Torah. There have been many philosophies – the generic name for them is determinisms – that maintain that the human will is an illusion. We are determined by other factors – genetically encoded instinct, economic or social forces, conditioned reflexes – and the idea that we are what we choose to be is a myth. Judaism is a protest in the name of human freedom and responsibility against determinism. We are not pre-programmed machines; we are persons, endowed with will. Just as God is free, so we are free, and the entire Torah is a call to humanity to exercise responsible freedom in creating a social world which honours the freedom of others. Will is the bridge from “Let there be” to “and there was.”[2]
3. The New Creation! –
   1. Colossians 1:27–29 (NKJV) — 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
   1. Human will is not enough Judaism – Philippians 2:13 (NIV84) — 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
   1. Imagine! The Kingdom of God is Here!
   1. Let me give you a warning (Example from passage):  Quit playing with dead things – it is all about discerning life and breaking revelation free from the dead traditions of men.
   1. 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV) — 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
4. Restoring humanity
   1. It is exciting and it is at the heart of the battle today
   1. How do we bring the dead to life?
   1. The power of God’s love
   1. To see that someone is good and to say so is a creative act – one of the great creative acts. There may be some few individuals who are inescapably evil, but they are few. Within almost all of us is something positive and unique, but which is all too easily injured, and which only grows when exposed to the sunlight of someone else’s recognition and praise. To see the good in others and let them see themselves in the mirror of our regard is to help someone grow to become the best they can be.[3]
   1. Reconciled and Reconciling all things by reconciling humanity to the image of God and the image of Christ!

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[1] Sacks, Jonathan. Genesis: The Book of Beginnings (Covenant & Conversation 1) (p. 25). Kindle Edition.

[2] Sacks, Jonathan. Genesis: The Book of Beginnings (Covenant & Conversation 1) (p. 26). Kindle Edition.

[3] Sacks, Jonathan. Genesis: The Book of Beginnings (Covenant & Conversation 1) (p. 28). Kindle Edition.