Lecture Notes on God's Presence, Power, and Glory

Introduction

• Acts 1:8: Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you. This verse is foundational for understanding the source of God's power.
• Anointing vs. Glory: The anointing is the manifestation of God's power, whereas God's presence is His glory.

Understanding God's Glory

• Definition: God's glory is His presence, while His power is the anointing that comes from His presence.
• Importance: The glory must be understood before experiencing the power.

Characteristics of God's Glory

• Five-fold Manifestation:
  • Glory
  • Person (attributes)
  • Ways
  • Presence
  • Name
• Example of Moses (Exodus 33:18, Exodus 34:5): Moses asks to see God's glory. God's response showcases His attributes and presence.
  • God's glory also revealed through His name.

Relationship Between Glory and Power

• Glory Imparts Power: The power is a gift from the glory.
• Loss of Glory: One can lose God's glory yet retain His power (e.g., Samson, Saul).

Experiencing God's Glory

• Psalm 103:7: Moses knew God's ways, Israel knew His acts.
• Isaiah 55:8-9: God's ways are higher than human ways; revealed to those who know Him.
• Exodus 33:13: Moses seeks to know God's ways to deepen his relationship with God.

The Presence of God

• Changes in the Self: God's glory upon Moses made him unaware of his appearance (Exodus 34:29).
• Adam's Experience: As long as Adam was covered with God’s glory, he did not realize his nakedness.

God's Glory and Spiritual Changes

• 2 Corinthians 3:17-18: The glory changes the inner man.
• Psalm 42:7: God's glory is experienced in the depths of the heart.
• Psalm 91:1: God's shadow as protection.

Seeking God's Presence

• Isaiah 26:8-9: God's presence is sought in the depth of our spirit, beyond soul's desire.
• Silence and God's Presence: True prayer is silent, and this silence invites God's presence.

The Role of Silence in God's Presence

• Silence vs. Quietness: Silence is spiritual, produced by abundance.
• Psalm 46:10: Be still to know God's presence.
• Job 4:16: God's voice is a silent voice heard in the heart.

Power and Action

• John 14:17, Acts 1:8: Holy Ghost first with you, then in you, then upon you.
• Presence vs. Power:
  • Presence changes the heart.
  • Power changes actions and emotions.
• Example of Saul (1 Samuel 10:6-7, 11:6): Power stirs emotions and actions.
• Example of Samson: God's power enabled physical feats (Judges 14:5-6).

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Conclusion

• Importance of seeking God's glory to experience His power.
• Understanding the distinction and relationship between God's power and His presence is crucial for spiritual growth and action.