Encountering God's Presence
“But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” 1 Corinthians 14:24-25
In the early church, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, the gift of prophecy wasn’t primarily about predicting the future—though that could happen. More often, prophets were forth-tellers, boldly proclaiming God’s word and His revealed will. They spoke truths from Scripture, highlighting how God’s standards were being upheld or disobeyed in people’s lives. This wasn’t mere information; it was a divine exposure of the heart. Through prophecy—whether a direct word or embedded in teaching—the Holy Spirit pierced through pretense, revealing hidden sins, doubts, or longings. An unbeliever walking into such a gathering wouldn’t just hear words; they’d feel seen by God Himself, leading to conviction, repentance, and worship.
This mirrors the broader power of God’s word throughout Scripture. As Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When God’s truth is proclaimed, it doesn’t stay on the surface—it transforms from the inside out.
As we gather as the church, our heart posture matters deeply. We don’t come merely for routine, entertainment, or emotional highs. We come to encounter God. But what does that look like under the New Covenant?
In the Old Covenant, God’s presence was often manifest in dramatic, visible ways—the glory cloud filling the temple (Exodus 40:34-35), a tangible sign of His holiness and power. People approached with awe, but from a distance, mediated by priests and sacrifices.
Today, however, the Spirit has come not to hover over buildings but to dwell within believers (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). We are the temple! God’s presence is made known through our lives: our witness to the world, our service to one another, the fruit of the Spirit blooming in us (Galatians 5:22-23), and the love that marks us as His disciples (John 13:35). Most profoundly, He reveals Himself as His word comes alive in our hearts by the Holy Spirit’s power.
Paul’s vision in 1 Corinthians isn’t about creating an “atmosphere” of God’s presence through lights, music, or mystical experiences—as some modern worship songs might suggest, implying a cloud-like glory descending on the congregation. No, the unbeliever falls on their face and declares, “God is really among you,” because the proclaimed word, empowered by the Spirit, exposes and convicts their heart. It’s intimate, personal, and transformative—not a vague feeling, but a direct encounter with the living God through His truth.
So, how do we cultivate this heart posture? Let’s approach our gatherings with New Covenant expectancy:
This is true worship—not rituals or emotions alone, but spirit and truth (John 4:24). When we gather this way, God’s presence isn’t just “felt”; it’s known, declared, and transformative.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your word that exposes our hearts and draws us to You. Help us shed Old Covenant mindsets and embrace the New—where Your Spirit dwells in us, making Your presence real through love, service, and truth. As we gather, stir our hearts to come prepared, expectant, and humble. Use us, Lord, and let Your word come alive among us. May unbelievers and seekers alike declare, “God is really here!” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the early church, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, the gift of prophecy wasn’t primarily about predicting the future—though that could happen. More often, prophets were forth-tellers, boldly proclaiming God’s word and His revealed will. They spoke truths from Scripture, highlighting how God’s standards were being upheld or disobeyed in people’s lives. This wasn’t mere information; it was a divine exposure of the heart. Through prophecy—whether a direct word or embedded in teaching—the Holy Spirit pierced through pretense, revealing hidden sins, doubts, or longings. An unbeliever walking into such a gathering wouldn’t just hear words; they’d feel seen by God Himself, leading to conviction, repentance, and worship.
This mirrors the broader power of God’s word throughout Scripture. As Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When God’s truth is proclaimed, it doesn’t stay on the surface—it transforms from the inside out.
As we gather as the church, our heart posture matters deeply. We don’t come merely for routine, entertainment, or emotional highs. We come to encounter God. But what does that look like under the New Covenant?
In the Old Covenant, God’s presence was often manifest in dramatic, visible ways—the glory cloud filling the temple (Exodus 40:34-35), a tangible sign of His holiness and power. People approached with awe, but from a distance, mediated by priests and sacrifices.
Today, however, the Spirit has come not to hover over buildings but to dwell within believers (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). We are the temple! God’s presence is made known through our lives: our witness to the world, our service to one another, the fruit of the Spirit blooming in us (Galatians 5:22-23), and the love that marks us as His disciples (John 13:35). Most profoundly, He reveals Himself as His word comes alive in our hearts by the Holy Spirit’s power.
Paul’s vision in 1 Corinthians isn’t about creating an “atmosphere” of God’s presence through lights, music, or mystical experiences—as some modern worship songs might suggest, implying a cloud-like glory descending on the congregation. No, the unbeliever falls on their face and declares, “God is really among you,” because the proclaimed word, empowered by the Spirit, exposes and convicts their heart. It’s intimate, personal, and transformative—not a vague feeling, but a direct encounter with the living God through His truth.
So, how do we cultivate this heart posture? Let’s approach our gatherings with New Covenant expectancy:
Come Prayed Up: Before you step into the church doors, seek the Spirit to work in you and though you. Pray for openness, for the preacher, and for those who might hear God’s word for the first time. As Ephesians 6:18 urges, pray “at all times in the Spirit.”
Embrace the New Covenant Reality: Leave behind Old Covenant expectations of visible spectacles. Instead, trust that God is at work through ordinary means—His people using their gifts, serving one another, and especially through the preaching of His word. Come with faith that the Spirit might use you—your encouragement, your testimony, or even a prophetic insight—to touch someone’s heart.
Encounter Him Through the Word: Make the sermon the centerpiece. Listen actively, ready to hear God’s voice. The Spirit will make the Scriptures alive, applying them to your life, exposing areas of disobedience or affirming His will. Be prepared to respond: to repent, to rejoice, to bow down in worship.
This is true worship—not rituals or emotions alone, but spirit and truth (John 4:24). When we gather this way, God’s presence isn’t just “felt”; it’s known, declared, and transformative.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your word that exposes our hearts and draws us to You. Help us shed Old Covenant mindsets and embrace the New—where Your Spirit dwells in us, making Your presence real through love, service, and truth. As we gather, stir our hearts to come prepared, expectant, and humble. Use us, Lord, and let Your word come alive among us. May unbelievers and seekers alike declare, “God is really here!” In Jesus’ name, Amen.