Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

238 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

C. The Church congregates in eager anticipation of God’s presence (Ephesians 2:22). 1. The Church now comes into the presence of God at every gathering: a. Like the covenant people in the Old Testament, the Church gathers in the presence of God (Exodus 18:12; 34:34; Deuteronomy 14:23; 15:20; Psalm 132:7; Hebrews 12:18-24). b. The gathered Church makes manifest the reality of the Kingdom of God by being in the presence of the King (1 Corinthians 14:25). 2. The Church anticipates the future gathering of the people of God when the fullness of God’s presence will be with them all (Ezekiel 48:35; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 21:13). D. The Church is absolutely dependent on the presence of the Spirit of Christ. 1. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit there is no Church (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:3; Ephesians 2:22; 4:4; Philippians 3:3). 2. The Holy Spirit creates, directs, empowers, and teaches congregations of believers (John 14:16-17, 26; Acts 1:8; 2:17; 13:1; Romans 15:13, 19; 2 Corinthians 3:18). 3. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to the Church so that it can accomplish its mission, bringing honor and glory to God (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Hebrews 2:4). 4. The Holy Spirit binds the Church together as the family of God and the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:3). E. The Church is a Kingdom of priests which stands in God’s presence (1 Peter 2:5, 9): 1. Ministering before the Lord (Psalm 43:4; Psalm 134:1-2). 2. Placing God’s blessing on his people (Numbers 6:22-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14). 3. Bringing people before the attention of God (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3). 4. Offering themselves and the fruit of their ministry to God (Isaiah 66:20; Romans 12:1; 15:16).