Key Takeaways
1. Hosting God's Presence: Our Ultimate Calling
Learning to host the Presence of God is the biggest challenge of the Christian life.
A Divine Invitation. The stories of Peter, Jesus, and Paul demonstrate the tangible power of God's presence. Hosting God is not merely a religious activity but the core assignment of the Christian life, requiring a yielded heart and a constant awareness of His nearness.
Beyond the Ordinary. The extraordinary miracles witnessed in the Bible should not be exceptions but the new norm for believers. This requires a shift in focus from self to Him, allowing faith to become a natural expression.
Partnership with the Almighty. Hosting God involves both honor and responsibility, recognizing that He is a Person who longs for fellowship and partnership. It's about creating space for His agenda, allowing Heaven to interact with earth.
2. From Eden to Now: Reclaiming Dominion Through Intimacy
Our true nature and personality will never come to fullness apart from His manifest Presence.
The Original Design. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were designed to rule like God, protecting and empowering creation. Their authority flowed from their intimate relationship with Him, walking and talking in the cool of the evening.
The Interruption and Redemption. Satan's deception led to humanity's fall, forfeiting dominion. Jesus came to reclaim what was lost, defeating the devil through His sinless life, death, and resurrection, restoring humanity's original assignment.
Restoration of Purpose. Believers are now called to manifest God's rule to a world in unbelief, enforcing the victory obtained at Calvary. This involves learning to carry His presence and extending the borders of His Kingdom until all is changed.
3. Overcoming Insignificance: God's Presence Defines Us
You’re the one I want to be with.
Beyond Qualifications. Like Moses, we often question our qualifications for God's assignments. However, God's response is not about our abilities but His presence with us, defining our significance.
Favor Through Yieldedness. Moses' life exemplifies a yielded life, marked by face-to-face encounters with God. His willingness to obey, even when unqualified, moved him into a highly favored position.
A People of His Presence. God's heart is for His people to become priests, ministering to Him and becoming known by His presence. This requires a willingness to leave behind convenience and embrace sacrifice.
4. Empowered by the Spirit: Living Beyond the Law
The Spirit of God, One who, Himself, saturates Heaven with His Presence, rests upon people.
The Prophets' Example. The prophets of the Old Testament were feared and respected because the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, enabling them to speak God's word with power. Their lives offer glimpses into a coming day when such experiences would become normal.
Sovereign Encounters. God's sovereignty is evident in moments when the Spirit comes upon individuals unexpectedly, regardless of their willingness or hunger. These encounters reveal the need for a culture that understands and embraces the ways of the Holy Spirit.
Grace and Opportunity. The story of King Saul illustrates how the Spirit of God can come upon even the wicked, offering opportunities for transformation. However, it is up to individuals to steward that touch and maintain their relationship with God.
5. Sneak Previews: Longing for a Greater Reality
He doesn’t hide things from us. He hides things for us.
The Prophets' Vision. The Old Testament prophets longed for the day when the Spirit of God would live in and rest upon each believer. They were given glimpses of a superior reality that was to come, fueling their desire for something greater.
The Privilege of Today. Believers today have access to something that even the greatest kings and prophets of the Old Testament missed out on. This privilege comes with a deep responsibility to steward hope in a time of hopelessness.
Heaven on Earth. God has given every human being a sense of hope for a better future. The Church is called to manifest the beauty of His rule to a world in unbelief, bringing Heaven to earth through prayer and obedience.
6. Answering Ancient Cries: Heaven's Invasion Through Humility
He is the One who is the orchestrator and conductor of life, and He has given a promise.
The Tearing of the Heavens. The baptism of Jesus marked a violent act from Heaven, tearing open the heavens and releasing the Spirit of God upon Him. This was the answer to Isaiah's prayer and the cries of the kings and prophets.
Open Heavens for All. Every believer has an open Heaven, a reality that must be embraced and lived out. This requires a shift in focus from the enemy to the provisions and promises of Christ.
The Desire of All Nations. God is the Desire of All Nations, and the Church is called to re-present Him to the world. This involves hosting His presence and becoming like Him, allowing His kindness to lead others to repentance.
7. David's Tabernacle: A Prototype of Presence-Centered Living
It is a story of heart, presence, extravagant worship, and of unusual purpose among the nations.
The First Leaders' Conference. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed the issue of Gentile believers and their relationship to Jewish traditions. The apostles based their theology on what they saw God doing, recognizing His outpouring among the Gentiles.
Restoring David's Tabernacle. James identified the rebuilding of David's tabernacle as the work of God that was bringing Gentiles to faith. This tabernacle was a place of 24/7 worship, where priests ministered to God without blood sacrifice.
Worship and Fruitfulness. The restoration of David's Tabernacle signifies the church as a worshiping community that offers spiritual sacrifices to God. This worship releases the glory of God and brings about fruitfulness in the lives of believers.
8. Red-Letter Revival: Following Jesus' Example
Jesus Christ is perfect theology.
The Standard of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the perfect example for believers to follow, and His life, ministry, and commission are to be patterned after. There is no Plan B in the Kingdom of God.
Jealousy for the Anointing. Believers should be jealous for the anointing that Jesus carried, seeking to live in the same reality of purity and power. This requires a willingness to surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide every aspect of life.
The Importance of Character and Power. Both character and power are essential for effective ministry. The church must strive for both, recognizing that they are equal in importance and work together to reveal the heart of God.
9. Releasing the Dove: Stewarding and Sharing God's Presence
The secret of the ministry of Jesus is in the relationship He has with His Father.
The Dove That Remains. Jesus lived a life marked by the constant presence of the Holy Spirit, the dove that remained upon Him. This is the standard for believers, requiring a commitment to stewarding and protecting that presence.
Learning to Recognize the Presence. Like Noah, believers must learn to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and cooperate with Him. This involves releasing peace, discerning the worthy, and trusting in God's provision.
The Power of Worship. Worship is a powerful tool for releasing God's presence and changing the atmosphere. It is a way of declaring His worth and inviting Him to inhabit our lives and surroundings.
10. Practical Presence: Transforming Daily Life
It’s easy to get so preoccupied with the vision for our lives that we miss the process entirely.
The One Thing. All of life gets reduced to one thing: how we steward the Presence of God. This involves prioritizing His Kingdom and His righteousness, allowing all other things to be added.
The Importance of Trust. Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledging Him in all our ways is essential for discovering His presence. This requires a willingness to go beyond understanding and embrace the unknown.
Creative Expression and Community. The Holy Spirit releases creative ideas and insights, transforming every aspect of life. This creativity is best expressed in community, where believers can share His joy and experience His power together.
11. Baptism of Fire: The Power to Fulfill Our Purpose
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
The Father's Promise. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the Father's promise, a gift that reintroduces humanity to its original purpose: to carry the fullness of God on earth. This baptism is a baptism of fire, igniting every heart with passion and purpose.
The Heavenly Sound. The sound of Heaven released at Pentecost transformed the atmosphere over Jerusalem, drawing people to the truth and leading to mass conversions. This demonstrates the power of God's presence to change destinies.
The Ongoing Need for More. Even after the initial outpouring of the Spirit, believers must continue to seek more of Him. This requires a lifestyle of dependence and a willingness to give away all that we receive.
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FAQ
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.
Review Summary
Hosting the Presence receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with readers praising its depth, insights, and transformative impact on their spiritual lives. Many find it eye-opening and practical, highlighting Johnson's focus on experiencing God's presence rather than just gaining knowledge. Some readers note the book's repetitive nature and occasional lack of clarity. Critics argue it promotes questionable theology. Overall, most reviewers appreciate Johnson's emphasis on intimacy with God and the Holy Spirit, finding the book inspiring and life-changing.
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