The theme of the presence of God is crucial to both the Old and New Testaments. The main calling and purpose of the people of God is to be a people of His presence. In the New Testament, there is a very explicit equating of the now-present Holy Spirit with the same Holy Spirit who led Israel out of Egypt into the Promised Land and who was present among them, first in the tabernacle and then in the temple. It was that presence that was lost in the exile and has now been restored: first in the coming of Christ and then in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Check out this message if you would like to hear more about the importance of our calling to be a people of God’s presence. Note: This is part three from the "Life in the Spirit Equip Class” that was offered at Bethel Church in Redding, California
