Life Together: The Presence of God
This week's texts from Scripture are:
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Technology amazes us, but it can dull us to true awe.
C.S. Lewis’ “mud pies vs. holiday by the sea” – we are too easily satisfied.
Luke records: “And awe came upon every soul…” (Acts 2:43).
Key Question: Why did this happen, and how can it happen today?
I. Awe Wasn’t About Eloquence
Apostles were not polished speakers (Acts 4:13: “uneducated, common men”).
What marked them was that they had been with Jesus.
Application: Awe flows from Jesus’ presence, not human ability.
II. Awe Wasn’t About Personal Gain
Early believers gave away possessions instead of grasping for more (Acts 2:44–45; Acts 4: Barnabas’ gift).
This was not commanded, but the overflow of the gospel.
Contrast: The serpent’s lie in Genesis 3 (“God is holding out on you”) vs. Ignatius’ truth (“Sin is refusing to believe God wants my deepest happiness”).
Application: Awe flows from generosity and trust in God’s provision.
III. Awe Wasn’t About Power or Influence
Apostles faced imprisonment, persecution, and eventually martyrdom.
Sons of Sceva (Acts 19) show that God’s power cannot be manipulated.
Early Christians gained not control but courage.
Application: Awe flows when the Spirit gives boldness to live and witness for Christ.
IV. Awe Came From the Presence of God
Acts 2:43 – “Many wonders and signs” pointed to God’s presence, not human effort.
God transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary encounters.
Personal story: awe comes when God rewires hearts to live for Jesus.
Application: The Holy Spirit’s presence among His people stirs awe today.
Conclusion & Applications
For the seeker – Believe and encounter the living presence of Jesus.
For the distracted believer – Repent, turn back, and rediscover awe in God’s presence.
For the church – Be a community marked by awe, not because of eloquence, gain, or influence, but because God is truly in our midst.
Application Question:
For person and Life Group study…
Personal Awe & God’s Presence
When was the last time you felt a deep sense of awe at God’s presence? What was happening in your life at that moment?
What “lesser awes” (technology, entertainment, ambition, comfort) most often distract you from being in awe of God?
How might you intentionally create space this week to experience the awe of God’s presence in prayer, silence, or worship?
In what ways do you sense God’s presence in your ordinary daily routines? How can you train your heart to notice Him more?
Repentance was described in the sermon as “changing direction” back toward God. Where might you need to change direction so awe can be restored in your walk with Him?
Community & Discipleship
How does your participation in Christian community (church, life group, friendships) help you experience God’s awe more fully?
What might change in your life if you lived with the expectation that awe could “come upon every soul” whenever believers gather?
The early church was “devoted” to four practices (teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayers). Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which do you tend to neglect?
How can you strengthen your commitment to one of these practices in your own discipleship this month?
What would it look like for our church community to be known as a place “where awe comes upon every soul”? How could you personally contribute to that reality?
Mission, Boldness & Generosity
The early Christians gave sacrificially to meet needs. What fears or doubts hold you back from living with that kind of generosity?
Where might God be calling you to give sacrificially—your time, resources, or abilities—in a way that reflects His generous presence?
Acts 4 says people recognized the apostles as those who “had been with Jesus.” Would others say the same about you? Why or why not?
How might spending more intentional time with Jesus (in Scripture, prayer, or reflection) change the way you live and the way others see you?
What specific situation in your life right now requires you to act with Spirit-filled boldness, like Peter and John?