A Church That Practices Presence

South Union Baptist Church

A Church That Practices Presence

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Exodus 40:16–17, Exodus 40:33–34

Bottom line: Because of God’s love for His people, He desires His presence to dwell among us. Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross and the Spirit’s indwelling us, we can dwell in His presence.

God has always desired to dwell among His redeemed people. In Christ, we not only have access to and atonement with God, and can see the glory of God; but we have the very presence of God living in us. God moved into the neighborhood (of humanity), died for us, and said, “I will be your God and you will be my people. You can come into my presence anytime you like and stay as long as you want.”

In Exodus 40 we see three things the children of Israel that foreshadow how we can practice the presence of God: 1) obey God, 2) reverence God, and 3) follow God.

A Church That Prospers By The Power Of God

August 4, 2024 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Acts 1:8

Bottom line: A church known for being prospered by God's power is a church that preaches, prays, and praises. The early church turned the world upside in less than a generation. How? By the power of God. Jesus promised the power before He ascended, and He sent the power in the person of the Holy Spirit. What God said to Zerubbabel He could say to us, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD." Every great thing that happens for the kingdom happens as a result of God's power. How do we see the power of God practically displayed in and through the church? We preach the Word/Gospel; we pray as a "house of prayer;" and we praise the One who inhabits our praises, for where God's presence resides His power abides.

A Church That Preaches The Word

July 28, 2024 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Timothy 4:1–5

Bottom line: To fulfill the ministry God has given to us we must be known for preaching the Word. The early church in Acts 8:1, 4 went every where preaching the Word. The world stands in need of a steady voice consistently speaking truth. Paul would encourage us today in the same we he encouraged Timothy - preach the Word and do it faithfully. As we do this, we fulfill the ministry God has given to us.

A Church That Preaches The Gospel - Part 2

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Chad Thompson • Galatians 2:11–21

Bottom line: Identification with the gospel's purpose brings a demonstration of the gospel's power. Paul confronted Peter in Galatians 2 because Peter was not living in accordance to the truth of gospel. He wasn't living out his identity with the gospel. When we find our identity in anything other than the gospel, then we lose out on the power available to us through Jesus and His good news. But, when we live out our identity with the gospel, then the life of Jesus is demonstrated through us. This demonstration of Jesus' life is a mighty witness to those who are lost.