Psalm 27:4–5 Psalm 42:1–4 Psalm 84:1–4 Psalm 92:12–15 Psalm 135:1–2 Observation: In the prayer book of God's people, there is a deep affection for the house of the Lord. ** Why is there such passion exhibited for God's House?** This God made them and redeemed them as His own. That's where you went to meet with God. The house of God was where He dwelled, there was both joy and reverence when you went to the house of God. When you don't go to the house of God, there is something missing. We were made to know and live and be with God. What do we mean when we talk about God's house? In the Old Covenant, God's house was a place where His presence dwelled… Activities are associated with God's House: Praise, worship, “sacrifice”, prayer, transformation, growth and flourishing. Isaiah 66:1–2 In the New Covenant, God house becomes a people with whom He dwells When Jesus died, there were several signs/miracles, one of which the temple curtain between the holy of holies and inner court, ripped in two. After Jesus resurrection and ascension he told them to wait until the Holy Spirit comes… God's Spirit will now be with and among His people, empowering the for His purpose giving witness to Jesus, and discipling people of all nations. 1 Peter 2:4–10 The emphasis of God's House moves from a physical structure to a dynamic community of believers, anchored in Christ as the cornerstone, unified by and filled with God's Spirit. This emphasis highlights spiritual unity in communal worship, the indwelling presence of God within each believer and among His people as we gather in His name, and our mission to live as empowered ministers sent with the message of Jesus to people of all nations. To summarize: God's House refers to God presence with His people for His purpose. God's House is Where His Very Presence Dwells… Though He is Everywhere, He dwells where He is welcome and with whom He feels welcome. How can we yield to God's Spirit individually and collectively? 1. Instead of being unaware of Him, we become more attentive to Him. Psalm 139:7–10 (NIV) 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 2. Instead of grieving him, we adjust to his heart and expectation. Ephesians 4:30–32 (NIV) 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 3. Instead of quenching him, we make room for his voice and ministry. 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (NIV) 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.