The Importance of Being Present with God

NPPBC's Media Ministry

Exodus 24:12-18 – Being Present with God

• The message centers on Exodus 24:12-18, emphasizing the importance of being present with God, drawing parallels between Moses’ experience on Mount Sinai and the modern church.
  • “And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there.”

The Lost “There”

• The speaker laments that the modern church has lost its “there,” contrasting it with simply filling seats.
  • People come to church and sit in their “assigned Baptist seat” every Sunday.
  • The challenge is for the church to “be there” for God.

Rejecting Leisurely Christianity

• There’s a rejection of “leisurely Christianity,” where people decide when to go, serve, or sit back.
  • Memories of past revivals and communion nights are contrasted with the current state.
  • The speaker wants to be used by God, acknowledging personal insignificance. “I’m nothing. I don’t deserve anything, but I’d sure like for you to use me for a little while.”

Moses as an Example

• Moses is presented as an ordinary man, not someone special, who initially doubted his abilities.
  • Moses questioned his speaking abilities, but God provided Aaron to assist him.
  • God asked Moses to climb the mountain and “be there.”

The Importance of Being Present

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of attending church services and being fully present.
  • The pastor expects attendance at Friday, Saturday, and Sunday services.
  • Communion is a serious time to remember the sacrifice for sins.
  • The speaker expresses a personal need for all the spiritual nourishment available. “I need all of it that I can get.”

Perseverance and the Glory of God

• Moses persevered on the mountain, and on the seventh day, God spoke to him amidst a cloud and fire.
  • The speaker questions whether people truly desire the glory of God in their lives.
  • There’s a reflection on past experiences of relying on others to bring the Spirit to church.
  • The speaker emphasizes the need to be in the right place for God to work.

Overcoming Secret Sins

• The message addresses those on the “outskirts,” urging them to confront and eliminate secret sins.
  • The speaker challenges the desire for the Spirit to move without personal change.
  • Moses stayed on the mountain, leading to mighty works later on.
  • The fire of God may take things away, but it leads to glory and walking in the Spirit.

The “There” God Expects

• The “there” God expects is being on one’s face in His presence, not just filling a seat.
  • The speaker contrasts this with casually trying out church to see how good it gets.
  • There’s a sense of urgency and a need to be ready. “Am I ready?”
  • The speaker contrasts the present with past experiences of people coming to the altar ready to get right with God.

Wickedness of the Heart

• The message emphasizes the wickedness of the heart and the need for humility.
  • People should be on their faces, asking for a chance to get right with God.
  • David’s prayer to be examined by God is referenced.
  • The speaker clarifies that the purpose of gathering is to do business with God, not just for social reasons. “I come on business for the King.”

Climbing the Mountain

• The speaker urges people to “climb that mountain” and allow God to set His glory upon them.
  • The dwindling numbers in the church indicate a lack of desire to be changed by the Spirit of God.
  • The goal is to get out of the way and allow God to work.
  • The wind of the Spirit brings change and movement.

Being Alone with God

• The speaker emphasizes the need to be alone with God, like Moses on the mountain.
  • Moses was asked to come alone, not with a crowd.
  • The speaker criticizes moving with the crowd instead of seeking personal encounters with God.
  • The purpose is to do business with God. “We come here to do business.”

The Fire of God

• The speaker expresses a desire for the church to be in a place where the fire of God can fall.
  • Elijah’s story is used as an example of being in the right place and calling down fire from heaven.
  • The speaker positions himself as being “there” and invites God to “send the fire.”

Communion and Foot Washing

• The speaker reflects on the power of communion and foot washing, questioning whether everyone partakes with a right heart.
  • There’s an invitation to get right with God before partaking in these ordinances.
  • The speaker describes the feeling of unworthiness during communion.
  • Foot washing is an example of service and following God’s example.

Last Chance

• The message conveys a sense of urgency, suggesting that this night might be the last chance for some.
  • There’s a concern that some people take communion without being truly ready.
  • God has provided opportunities, and all He asks is for people to come.

The Glory of God Shining

• The speaker recalls the old men of God who had a visible presence of God’s glory.
  • These men had a dedicated place for prayer and sought God earnestly.
  • The speaker laments not praying as he ought to, so that people would recognize the fire of God in him.
  • The speaker contrasts this with people who come to church and dare God to bless them.

Being Ready to Worship

• The speaker shares an anecdote of someone who would lay on an altar, cry, and then get up ready to worship.
  • The message concludes with a call to examine oneself and be ready to worship.
  • “When’s the last time we covered it?”