Notes of Faith July 31, 2024
The Abiding Presence
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
1 Peter 1:8
In His Upper Room sermon in John 13–17, Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure. They had enjoyed His physical, visual presence for three years, but now He was leaving them—by His death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He explained He was leaving in order to send His Spirit who would be with them and in them (John 14:17).
Recommended Reading:
1 Peter 1:3-8
Years later, Peter told his readers that we can still love, trust, and rejoice in Christ even if we don’t presently see Him. We have His Spirit, making Him real to us, and the Holy Spirit can be with every believer across the world at once.
That’s why we must abide in Christ. We can enjoy His abiding presence by the indwelling Holy Spirit until that day when we see our Lord face to face. Today, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit, and rejoice in His presence.
The branch of the vine does not worry, toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine.
J. Hudson Taylor
Heb 13:5-6
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
NKJV
God is always with us, dwelling in us. There is no place that we could go that He is not there, for we are His temple and carry Him everywhere.
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
NKJV
He is here now, saving your eternal soul!
Pastor Dale