Hosting the Presence

What's "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" about?

• Central Theme: The book explores the concept of hosting the presence of God, emphasizing the importance of living a life that invites and sustains the Holy Spirit's presence.
• Biblical Examples: Bill Johnson uses biblical figures like Moses, David, and Jesus to illustrate how they hosted God's presence and the impact it had on their lives and those around them.
• Practical Guidance: It provides practical advice on how believers can cultivate a lifestyle that attracts and maintains the presence of God.
• Spiritual Growth: The book encourages readers to deepen their relationship with God and experience His power and presence in their daily lives.

Why should I read "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda"?

• Spiritual Enrichment: The book offers insights into deepening one's spiritual life by understanding and hosting God's presence.
• Practical Application: It provides actionable steps for believers to experience God's presence more fully in their lives.
• Inspirational Stories: The book includes testimonies and stories that illustrate the transformative power of God's presence.
• Enhanced Understanding: Readers gain a better understanding of biblical principles and how they apply to modern-day living.

What are the key takeaways of "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda"?

• Presence-Centered Life: The importance of making God's presence the central focus of one's life.
• Role of Worship: Worship is a powerful tool for inviting and sustaining God's presence.
• Faith and Trust: Trusting in God's goodness and His plans is crucial for experiencing His presence.
• Transformation Through Presence: Hosting God's presence leads to personal transformation and impacts the world around us.

How does Bill Johnson define "hosting the presence" in the book?

• Intentional Living: Hosting the presence involves living with the constant awareness of God's presence and making choices that honor Him.
• Partnership with God: It is about partnering with God in His work on earth, allowing His presence to guide and empower us.
• Cultivating Atmosphere: Creating an environment in our lives where the Holy Spirit feels welcome and can move freely.
• Continuous Pursuit: It requires a continuous pursuit of God's presence through prayer, worship, and obedience.

What are the best quotes from "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" and what do they mean?

• "Hosting God is filled with honor and pleasure, cost and mystery." This quote highlights the privilege and responsibility of hosting God's presence, acknowledging both the joy and the challenges it brings.
• "The Presence of God upon us is due north." This emphasizes the idea that God's presence should be the guiding force in our lives, providing direction and purpose.
• "We are to know the ways and Presence of the Holy Spirit so we can cooperate with Him in a way that changes the world around us." This quote underscores the importance of understanding and aligning with the Holy Spirit to effect change in the world.

How does Bill Johnson use biblical figures to illustrate hosting God's presence?

• Moses: Johnson discusses Moses' face-to-face encounters with God and how they set a precedent for intimacy with the divine.
• David: David's passion for God's presence, as seen in his efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, serves as a model for worship and devotion.
• Jesus: Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate example of hosting the Holy Spirit, living a life fully surrendered to God's will.
• Prophets and Kings: The book references various prophets and kings who longed for the day when God's presence would be accessible to all believers.

What practical advice does "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" offer for experiencing God's presence?

• Daily Worship: Engage in regular worship to invite and sustain God's presence in your life.
• Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer and meditation, focusing on God's goodness and His plans for you.
• Obedience and Trust: Live a life of obedience to God's word and trust in His promises.
• Community and Fellowship: Surround yourself with a community of believers who also seek to host God's presence.

How does "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" address the role of faith in hosting God's presence?

• Faith as a Foundation: Faith is the foundation for experiencing God's presence, as it opens the door to His supernatural work in our lives.
• Trust in God's Goodness: Trusting in God's goodness and His plans is essential for hosting His presence.
• Faith in Action: The book encourages readers to put their faith into action by stepping out in obedience and expecting God to move.
• Overcoming Doubt: It addresses the importance of overcoming doubt and unbelief to fully experience God's presence.

What is the significance of the "dove" in "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda"?

• Symbol of the Holy Spirit: The dove represents the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for believers to be sensitive to His presence.
• Remaining Presence: The book discusses the importance of living in a way that allows the Holy Spirit to remain upon us, as He did with Jesus.
• Guidance and Peace: The dove symbolizes the guidance and peace that come from hosting the Holy Spirit.
• Awareness and Sensitivity: Believers are encouraged to develop an awareness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's movements and promptings.

How does "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" explain the impact of God's presence on the world?

• Transformation: God's presence transforms individuals, leading to personal growth and change.
• Influence on Others: When believers host God's presence, it influences those around them, drawing others to Christ.
• Cultural Impact: The book suggests that hosting God's presence can lead to cultural and societal transformation.
• Miracles and Signs: The presence of God often results in miracles and signs that testify to His power and love.

What role does worship play in "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda"?

• Invitation to Presence: Worship is a key way to invite and sustain God's presence in our lives.
• Expression of Love: It is an expression of love and devotion to God, aligning our hearts with His.
• Atmosphere of Heaven: Worship creates an atmosphere that mirrors Heaven, where God's presence is fully realized.
• Corporate and Personal Worship: The book emphasizes the importance of both corporate and personal worship in hosting God's presence.

How does "Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda" address the challenges of hosting God's presence?

• Cost of Hosting: The book acknowledges that hosting God's presence comes with challenges and requires sacrifice.
• Maintaining Focus: It discusses the importance of maintaining focus on God amidst distractions and challenges.
• Overcoming Fear: Believers are encouraged to overcome fear and doubt to fully embrace God's presence.
• Continuous Pursuit: Hosting God's presence requires a continuous pursuit and dedication to living a life that honors Him.