What actions can believers take to ensure God's presence is evident in life? Placing Ezekiel 37:28 at the Center “Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.” God links His manifest presence to a sanctified people who host His “sanctuary.” Although spoken to Israel, the principle carries forward: when God’s dwelling is welcomed and honored, the watching world notices. Below are practical ways believers today can live so that His presence remains unmistakable. Embrace the Reality: You Are Now His Sanctuary • 1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds, “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” • Action: Maintain a consciousness that every thought, word, and activity happens in the “inner sanctuary.” Reverence in the ordinary invites His nearness. Pursue Personal Holiness • Psalm 24:3-4—“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • James 4:8—“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Steps: – Repent quickly when conviction comes. – Guard what enters the mind and heart. – Choose integrity in hidden places; holiness attracts His manifest presence. Practice Obedient Living • John 14:23—“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Daily rhythm: read, heed, and apply Scripture. Obedience is the doorway through which God “makes His home” openly. Cultivate Corporate Unity • Ephesians 2:22—“In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.” Ways to build unity: – Forgive quickly; refuse offense. – Serve with your gifts instead of seeking position. – Assemble faithfully; shared worship amplifies His presence. Keep a Continual Atmosphere of Worship • Psalm 22:3 teaches that God is “enthroned upon the praises of Israel.” Pulse-points for worship: – Begin and end the day with thanksgiving. – Sing or speak praise aloud during routine tasks. – Turn anxieties into adoration; worship shifts the environment. Walk in Love and the Fruit of the Spirit • Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit that prove the Spirit’s residence. • Matthew 5:14-16 urges letting that light “shine before men.” Practical outflow: – Actively bless those who wrong you. – Seek opportunities for generosity. – Let kindness govern conversations, demonstrating that God indeed lives within. Stay Filled with the Word • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Routine: memorize, meditate, and speak Scripture. A heart saturated with the Word resonates with His voice and presence. Anticipate Eternal Fellowship Ezekiel 37:28 points to an everlasting sanctuary. Revelation 21:3 echoes it: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Keeping eternity in view fuels present faithfulness. Summary Snapshot Believers make God’s presence evident when they 1. Recognize themselves as His present-day sanctuary, 2. Pursue holiness and swift repentance, 3. Obey Scripture consistently, 4. Guard unity in the body, 5. Maintain a lifestyle of worship, 6. Overflow with Spirit-produced love, and 7. Let God’s Word abide richly. Live these truths and the promise of Ezekiel 37:28 becomes visible: people around you will know that the LORD Himself is among His people. |
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