The Glory of God in the House

Eli Hatcher’s Funeral

• Reflection on preaching at the funeral of Eli Hatcher, an eight-year-old boy.
  • The feeling of everyone expecting an answer to “why.”
  • Acknowledging the inability to explain certain things, like why young people die or why bad things happen to good people.
  • Sustaining belief anchored in the blood of Jesus.
  • Reliance on the grace of God and the Holy Spirit.

Scripture References

• Mark 2:1 – Jesus in Capernaum, news spreading that he was in the house.
• Mark 9:33 – Jesus in Capernaum asking what the disciples were arguing about in the house.
• Mark 10:10 – Disciples asking Jesus about a matter in the house.
• Mark 14:3 – Jesus in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.
• 2 Chronicles 5:14 – Priests unable to minister because the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

The Glory of God in the House

• Desire for God’s glory.
• Moses’ experience on the mountain, wanting to see God’s glory.
  • God allowed Moses to see a portion of His glory.
  • Moses’ face glowed, making it difficult for others to look at him.
• Comfort in God’s promise to meet where two or three are gathered.
• The need for God’s glory to change lives and save people.
• Solomon’s dedication to building an elaborate temple for God’s presence.

Solomon’s Preparation for God’s Glory

• Assembling
  • People came together, making an effort to be present.
  • COVID-19 pandemic and church closures.
    • Closing the church for five months was a mistake.
    • Trusting God in the midst of uncertainty.
  • Importance of physical presence in the church.
    • Online streaming is beneficial for those unable to attend.
    • Those who are part of the church should prioritize being there in person.
  • Experiencing God in person.
    • God is an “in-person kind of God.”
    • Nothing better than being in God’s house.
  • Looking forward to the Holy Ghost’s presence.
  • Talented singers and musicians in the congregation.
  • The importance of God’s presence over talent alone.
  • Need for more of God, not more of the world.
  • References to Jesus going into houses in the book of Mark.
  • Woman with the issue of blood.
    • When people gather and seek God, He will show up.
  • Encouragement to attend services despite scheduling difficulties.
  • Praying for those who listen online to be convicted and drawn to the church.
  • Nehemiah and Ezra gathering people in the street, resulting in God’s presence.
  • God showing up in the midst of a “ragtag” group.
  • Promise of God being in the midst when people gather.
• Sacrificing/Repenting
  • King Solomon and the congregation sacrificed sheep and oxen.
  • The need for repentance before God’s glory can manifest.
  • Acknowledging and repenting of sins.
  • Living in sin alienates individuals from God’s presence.
  • Sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
  • Sacrificing sheep and oxen.
    • The number of sacrifices was so great it couldn’t be counted.
  • Sinful nature of people.
    • Need for help to maintain fellowship with God.
  • People choosing to live in sin and avoid the church.
    • Feeling singled out by God when the glory falls.
  • Encouragement to return to church and then get right with God.
  • The Holy Ghost doesn’t play favorites or mess around with sin.
  • Being present is not enough; sacrifice is necessary.
  • Compromise with sin drains the power of churches.
  • Turning and repenting is the only response to sin.
  • Desire to see people get right with God during worship.
  • Strategic surgery to remove things that hinder fellowship with God.
• Placing the Promises of God in the Rightful Place
  • The priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant.
    • The Ark contained the tables of stone (Word of God).
  • After repentance, the promises of God should be honored.
  • The Word of God should be the highest priority.
  • The reason God calls men is so there could be no boasting.
  • Exalting the Word of God.
  • The Word of God is above all.
    • It trumps opinions and stands firm.
  • Making Jesus greater than anyone else.
• Worship
  • Trumpeters and singers making one sound to praise and thank the Lord.
  • Lifting up voices with instruments and praising the Lord.
  • The house was filled with a cloud.
  • Worship is vital.
  • Worship is praising the Lord and thanking Him.
  • Raising hands and expressing agreement during preaching.
  • Repentance leads to worship.
  • Using talents to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
  • Worship is praising the Lord and thanking Him.
  • Worship is not limited to skilled singers.
  • Everyone has the privilege to worship.
  • Worship is a key component to seeing God’s glory fill the house.
  • The priests were pushed out by the cloud.

Conclusion

• The need for God’s glory in the church.
• Being present, getting right with God, and becoming holy.
• Desire to see people get right with God, exalt Christ, and worship Him.
• The glory of the Lord filling the house of God.
• The glory got so big those that would stand to minister just got out of the way.
• The need for a greater magnitude of glory.
• Meeting the conditions for experiencing God’s glory.
• God is worthy of praise.