WORSHIP NIGHT 33 (2023) GMS JABODETABEK - AWESOME GLORY

Let's lift our faces. Our Father in heaven, we're looking at Your face. Our eyes and hearts are fixed on You. You who sit on the throne. Today, we gathered here we only have one audience, our Most High God, the Holy One, the Revered One, the Glorious One who is in heaven. LORD, Your presence dwells on our worship and praise. Hold us, LORD, and convey Your Words to us today. Thank you, LORD. In the name of Jesus, those who are loved by God say, Amen! Let's give applause to God. Church, before you sit, you can look around, greet at least ten people and say, "God will visit you tonight." Yes, please be seated. Shalom, everyone! Wow! How many of you felt the presence of God tonight? Hallelujah! I was also immersed in His presence as if the atmosphere of heaven descended on this place tonight. We need to do this often, so when we go to heaven, we won't be surprised. Amen?! Before I share the Words of God, I want to greet all congregations who are outside, in the overflow room, hall, including public areas. We can't provide sound system in the public areas, but just now, I got a photo that many congregations who couldn't get in, even in the overflow area, are outside. But like I preached last Sunday, worshiping God is not about the place. Alright? A Samaritan woman talked to Jesus, "Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place is in Jerusalem.” Then Jesus said, "Believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." In other words, worship is not about the place. So today I'd like to give... what should I say... the power and support as you can't join us in the main hall. Maybe you are at the corner and the sound isn't good enough. But worship is not about the facility or venue. Instead, wherever you are, in any corner, maybe you are... maybe you are sitting in that corner. Hello all! Or maybe you're sitting on the left side. So long our hearts worship Him. Remember, our heart is at work when we worship, amen?! I believe wherever you are sitting, you can enjoy the fullness of worship. And you can experience God if you open your heart, and worship Him with all your heart. Amen? Today's worship night is entitled "The Awesome Glory." There is an extraordinary prayer which was said by Moses. This verse is very famous, which we may even have memorized, but it's better to read this again. A prayer of Moses or the request of Moses to the LORD. Exodus 33 verses 15-18. [15] "Then Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. [16] How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” [17] And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."" Verse 18, [18] "Then Moses said," so Moses answered, “Now show me Your glory.” We read until here. This is a request recorded in the Bible. This is a prayer still being recorded in the Bible until this day as it is an extraordinary request. Why is it extraordinary? Church, this request came out from a heart or spoken by a man who has never experience encounter with God. I repeat. This prayer becomes extraordinary, because it came out from a man who not only encounter God once or twice, instead it came from someone who had many spectacular experiences with God. It started with Moses' first encounter in the wilderness when he tended the flock of his father-in-law. God showed Himself to Moses in the wilderness in the form of flames of fire from within a bush, but it didn't burn up. Moses encountered God there and received his calling. When Moses gone over to look at the bush, a voice called to him, “Take off your sandals, then you can come closer." Church, the second encounter. The second experience was when Moses saw the presence of the LORD in the form of the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Then, what happened? Church, the LORD worked with the signs of wonders. God worked with such a mighty way to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. The next experience was when Moses went up to Mount Sinai, where the cloud of glory was so real looked like a consuming fire. There was thunder and Moses came up and stayed there for forty days and forty nights. There was also an experience when Moses entered the tabernacle or the tent of meeting, where the ark of the covenant was kept. It was recorded when Moses entered there, God's glory would come down and Moses spoke face to face, as one speaks to a friend. with the LORD. So this prayer is said after so many experiences with God happened. It is a prayer from a man who had many spectacular experiences with God. Until conversing with God was so real, as one speaks to a friend. When Moses entered the tent, the glory of God would covered it. So this is not just anyone's prayer. This is a prayer from a man who has a rich experiences with God. Say amen. From Moses' prayer and his longing, as he said, "Show me Your glory," today we find the truth that the more Moses had experience with God, the more he longed for God. Let me repeat. From Moses' prayer and longing, there is one important truth that we can learn. It turns out the more Moses experiencing God, the more he longed for God. Church, in other words, if you have experience with God, your longing for His presence and glory will increase and not decrease. So if you say you experience God, Church, your longing for His glory and presence will keep increasing instead of decreasing. The more we experience God, the more we will yearn for Him. And Moses, when he prayed "Show me Your glory," that means Moses wasn't satisfied with he already experienced and he wanted more of God. Say amen. Moses wanted something more! That's why today, the more we encounter God the more we yearn for Him too. Amen? If this has not come true in your life, I want to say this to you. Worship Night is here to let you know that there are so many thing God can give or show to your life. Say amen. That's why don't be satisfied with where you are now. Never be satisfied with your experience with God for He still has many things He wants to show to you. God is good! The more we experience Him, the more we will yearn for Him, because He is a wonderful Person. Any amen? So the question is where did Moses get such longing? From where did it come from? I found three reasons why Moses could get such yearning that after all the spiritual experiences he had encountered with God, the more he yearned for God. Take note. First, Moses wasn't satisfied with only witnessing the miracles of God. I repeat. Moses wasn't satisfied with only seeing or experiencing miracles. His first encounter, as mentioned earlier about the burning bush where a voice came out of it, then Moses came closer and encountered God there, and from there, the miracle ministry appeared. That is where he was called to free the Israelites from Egypt, starting from the first one. "What is that in your hand? A staff." "Throw it on the ground." Then he threw it and became a snake. This is not a magic trick. When Moses took the snake by its tail, it turned back into a staff. Church, what happens after is that he went back home and told his family. At first, his family did not believe it as well. Then the LORD said, "Throw your staff" and Moses did it. The staff turned into a snake and vice versa. Then Moses also put his hand into his cloak, the skin was leprous, but it's then healed when he put it back in. Finally, his family believed him and this time, he has to face Pharaoh who was very evil. Back then, it was a superpower country that colonized Israel and made Israel powerless. But Moses came and said to Pharaoh, "Let my people go." Pharaoh, laughed at him. That is where the great 10 plagues took place. The first plague, water turns into blood. The second plague, frogs are everywhere. The third plague, gnats are everywhere. The gnats in Egypt are different from ours, Church. The fourth plague, flies. This type of flies are deadly, Church. The fifth one is the plague on the livestock. All of the animals died from the plague. Then the next thing, the plague of festering boils. Suddenly, everyone has ulcers with boils all over their body. Then the next plague, the plague of hail. Church, have you ever experienced a hail of small hailstones? Well, in the Bible, the hailstones are huge, and people could die if it hits them. Not just hail, there's also plague of locusts that devour everything in the fields as it enters the fields. After that, comes the plague of total darkness, the plague of darkness. Darkness covered all the Egyptian area, yet all the Israelites had light where they lived. So it differs, Church. When you are in a place with total darkness, it could even put off what you light up. The light you turn on can't overcome the darkness. I don't understand how it works, it's a supernatural work. You can't go anywhere and you can't work as well, because it was total darkness. But there was light in Israel. However, Pharaoh still hardened his heart. And the end of it is the death of the firstborn. The ten plagues. Afterwards, the Israelites left Egypt and there was sea. Moses divided the Red Sea, they crossed it and entered the desert. Moses witnessed the miracles that took place there. Say amen. Church, you have to know that at this point, Moses was not satisfied with just experiencing or witnessing miracles. What did Moses do? Moses got interested and curious with who exactly this God of Miracles is? You have to understand that the Israelites did not know who God is. Suddenly, God introduced Himself to Moses in a bush. That was the first time Moses knew God, knew His miraculous work and apparently, these things secretly made Moses' heart attracted and curious. Then what happened? In that desert, God invited the Israelites to go up to the mountain, because He longs to introduce Himself or appeared before the Israelites. And what happened? Do I need to read the verse? I don't, right? You can read it at your home. It's in Exodus. Hold on. It's in Exodus 19:10-13. I'll just read it for you. [10] “And the LORD said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes [11] and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. [12] Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. [13] Not a hand is to be laid on them or they are to be stoned or shot with arrows. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.'" Let's read together. [13] "Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain." God is love and He longs to introduce Himself but God gives regulations. They have to consecrate themselves on the first 3 days, no one should approach the mountain for there are boundaries. One will die when their foot touches it. They have to consecrate themselves for 3 days. After the third day, wait, if the ram's horn sound is heard, only then, they are allowed to approach the mountain. "There, I will show my glory on that mountain." Do you want to know the Israelites' respond? Here's how they responded, Exodus 20 verse 18-21. [18] “When the people saw the thunder" The trumpet's sound is about to be heard. [18] "and lightning and heard the trumpet." This is the sign. When the sound of the trumpet appears, they may approach the mountain to see God. [18] "heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance." What did God say? 'When you heard the sound of the trumpet, approach the mountain.' And what happens after the trumpet's sound appear? They trembled with fear and stayed at a distance. Then who went up? Let's see, [19] “and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." [20] Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Because God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." [21] The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” Furthermore, Exodus 24 verse 15-16. [15] “When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,” What cloud is this, Church? This is the cloud of glory. [16] "and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. [17] The glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain to the Israelites. [18] Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights." At this point, you have to understand that Moses never felt enough with just experiencing or witnessing miracles. On the contrary, he started to be interested in and longs to know who this God of miracles is. When God brought the Israelites to enter the desert, apparently, God has plans. It was on that desert that He wanted to introduce Himself to His people. This whole time, the people only witnessed the signs of miracle. From 10 plagues to a divided Red Sea, they tasted the goodness of God. And this time, God longs to show who He is to the Israelites. But sadly, every single Israelites completely did not care about God's heart or did not care about whether or not they know the God of miracles. When God called out, only Moses who responded to God's calling. Many Christians committed to... Many Christians committed to this one sin. They tend to seek His promises more than He Himself as a God. Church, we should not treat God as a place of worship like any other idols. If questioned, "Why do people follow God?" Honestly speaking, mostly because of His promises and not His Person. Because when we follow God, God promised to be with us and bless us. Is that true? Yes, it's true. God loves to bless people. Not because that is something He can do, but simply because He is good. God is not someone who can love, but He is Love. Say amen. God is good but sadly, most Christians follow God for His promises and not Him as a Person. But Moses is different. Moses secretly have dissatisfaction. "I do not want to merely accept God's kindness, today, I want to know who God is, the miracle maker." If I could ask today, who here have tasted God's help or goodness or miracles? Church, do not merely be satisfied by only receiving God's goodness or help. Amen?! Supposedly, all the miracles, God's miraculous works, help and goodness, ought to draw us to know the One who helps us, the One who is good to us, the One who creates miracles for us. Say Amen. Mawar Sharon church congregation, or whoever that listens to this message, the goodness of God ought to trigger us to know who God, the miracle maker, is. Second, Moses is never satisfied with his past experiences. Any amen? Moses... It is written in Exodus 32. Let us take a look. Verse one, [1] "When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain," Say "was so long". As sung earlier, "I want to stay here enjoying Your temple. I want to stay here... ... Your face." Moses, he lingers long in God's presence. At the previous Worship night at Central Park, I shared about the meaning of "Lingering in God's presence." Church, I believe God has given the two stone tablets on the mountain, but turns out that Moses was so long or lingered. He enjoyed the glory of God on the top of mountain that seen by the Israelites on the camp what looked like a blazing fire. Then, there were cloud and thunder, then Moses entered that dark dew, glorious cloud. How great this experience, isn't it? Church, have you ever had encounter like Moses? The glory of the LORD come as a form of smoke, cloud or fog. Then Moses lingered there, for forty days and forty nights. In other words, I would say Moses' experience at that point was like on his peak. But, amazingly, Moses was dissatisfied with the past experiences. Turns out Moses yearns for more. Say "Yearn for more". Church, do you know the meaning of "Show me Your glory"? The word "glory" in its original language is "Kabod". "Kabod" has several meanings, they are glory, splendor, magnificent, or God's glory or splendor. But it could also mean weight or the abundance or the riches. The riches or the abundance of the glory or the presence of God. In other words, what did Moses asked for? He asked for an encounter with God, that is more substantial, richer, and in abundance of His Presence. Say Amen. He already had the incredible past encounters with God. However, he was dissatisfied and asked, "LORD, I ask for a new encounter that is more in weight, more in quality, more in riches, and in abundance of Your presence or glory." Say Amen. So, he was never satisfied with his past experience with God. And third, turns out Moses was at a point where he doesn't care about the promised land. Say "promised land". Moses said this "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." So where did this response comes from? If you read from the book of Exodus 32, when Moses took his time coming down from the mountain, turned out those below were impatient, right? Because their hearts are set on the promised land. Unbelievably, the leaders, including the people, asked to make them gods in a form of golden calf, and said "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." Outrageous, isn't it? It's outrageous, Church. Then what happened ? God became angry and said this, I will read them to you. The LORD say this...He got angry and... hold on... let me find the verse. Please bear with me... Okay, just trust me on this. I will not read them out, as the fonts were small. Exodus 33:1-3, hallelujah! [1] "Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, ..." So, what did the Israelites want? They wanted gods in a form of statue and enter promised land. Moses was so long in coming down, and finally he went down, God was angry. [1] "The LORD told Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ [2] I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. [3] Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But...I will not go with...you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” Finally, the LORD said this, "Fine, I will fulfill their requests, they will want to rush to leave for promised land, and i will tell them go, I will send an angel before you. Leave this place. This angel will drive out all the enemies before you, and you will have the land flowing with milk and honey." This is Moses' prayer, "LORD, if it is not You who guide us, do not bring us...drive us out." The NKJV version says, "If your Presence..." with a capital 'P,' "...doesn't go with us," "If your Presence doesn't go with us, do not call us to leave this desert." In other words, Moses was at the point of not caring about the promised land. He said, "It's better I am in the desert but with God, than I enter the promised land without the LORD." Do you think Moses wanted to enter the promised land? Do you think Moses wanted to? He wanted it badly, Church. He longed to enter the promised land. There was once that Moses made a mistake. It is a small mistake yet fatal in the eyes of God. Moses was emotional and got annoyed, when the Israelites grumbled. As Moses entered into God's presence, God spoke, "Take your rod, and speak to the rock, and it may yield its water." After Moses left God's presence, he got emotional, then struck the rock and it yielded its water. However, God was angry with Moses, "You have defiled your holiness in front of many people, you are prohibited to enter the promised land." Just because of that! I know when Moses was prohibited, for sure he prayed, brought his petition and plead asking for forgiveness and for a second chance from God. How do I know this? Where is the proof? This is the proof. Near his death, Moses was called to go to Mount Nebo. Moses was given an opportunity by the LORD. God replied his prayers. I suspect God answered his prayers. But God said this, "You won't enter the promised land, as you violated my holiness." If I'm not mistaken, it's in Deuteronomy 32, "But you will only see it from the mountain and you will die there." We might not know where Moses' corpse, but he died on the top of the mountain aftter he saw the promised land from the mountain top. Why did God allow Moses to see the promised land? God knows Moses wanted to. But when he said, "Don't send us up from this wilderness, if Your Presence doesn't go with us." "If Your Presence doesn't go with us, do not bring us up from here." Moses desired the promised land. But at some point, it was no longer appealing as God's Presence is more important. Moses knew the importance of God's Presence. At one time in Exodus 17, when the Israelites was on the way to Mount Sinai from the wilderness, the Amalekites intercepted them. Amalekites usually attacked from the rear targeting the strayers. That time they did a frontal assault. And then what happened? God told the Israelites to fight. They did as commanded. Meanwhile, Moses stood on top of a hill with the staff of God in his hands. Then, when his hands became heavy... "Kabod" is written as the word "heavy". Why is "kabod" used? Because it isn't only about weight. His hands became "heavy" that Aaron had to support him. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. When he held up his hand Israel prevailed. What is it about? It's about God's Presence. Say amen. When Moses held up his hand, God acted. When he let it down, God didn't act. It's about God's Presence. The Israelites had to fight indeed, but their victory came from God. Their victory wasn't solely their efforts. But their victory was also depended on Moses' dependence upon God. Say amen. Church, our success indeed requires our efforts. But, it's not solely by our efforts. It also depends on our dependence upon God. The fight with Amalekites teaches us the importance of God's Presence. Any amen? When Moses grew tired, feld heavy, why "Kabod" is used for "heavy" because it talks about God's Presence or glory. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. How could it be? What is it about? In business theory, it's called the X factor. "How could it be!? We've done all business theory, but we still failed." There's the X factor. The Israelites had fought but Moses' hands affected their battle. So, there's something supernatural that affects our success. Say amen. That is God's Presence. Amen, Church? Thus, I know that Moses understood the importance of God's Presence. Thus, he said, "If You does not go with us, if Your Presence does not go with us, please, LORD, do not bring us up from here. We prefer being in the wilderness with You, than in the promised land with angels, but without You." Those three experiences made Moses someone who kept desiring God. Despite his rich supernatural experiences, he asked for a richer, deeper, and more abundant of God's Presence. Amen, Church? I will close with this. "Pastor Fuji, how to experience God's glory?" It's simple. Church. It's simple. You need to empty yourself. Unless you're like, "LORD, I need You more in my life!" and you also prepare an exclusive room for God to enter your life, then you'll never experience His glory. You have to desperately feel that you need God more. And to desire more of God, you have to make more room for God in your life. You need to empty yourself to experience God's glory. Being too full of yourself and of your own glory, and being too full of worldly things, makes you never experience the glory of God's Presence. We're too full already. God will not fill a cup that's already full. Being too full of worldly things will hinder us. Do you want to be like Moses? By the way, God warned Moses. When Moses said, "Show me Your glory." God replied, "For no one may see Me..." Face to face. "...and live." Even someone of Moses' caliber couldn't see God's glory face to face. Moses only reached a point where God said, "I will put you in a place near Me. I will pass by. Then you will see My back." When His glory passed by, God could only show Moses His back. Not face to face. What's the meaning of this, Church? We cannot enter God's Presence if we're too full of flesh. If we're too full of worldly things, we cannot experience God's glory. If we're too full of ourselves and make no room for God in our lives, we cannot experience His glory. We need to empty ourselves. Amen? Let's stand up. Exodus 34. I will read the last verses. What happened next? Exodus 34:18-30. Exodus 34:18-30. God gave a second chance to the Israelites. Moses broke the first two stone tablets. After God showed His glory per Moses' request, God gave them a second chance. Moses must climbed the mountain again. Let's see what happened. Sorry, it's Exodus 34:28. [28] "Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. [29] When Moses came down from Mount Sinai..." It was the second time he did it. "...with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. [30] When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. [31] But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. [32] Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. [33] When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. [34] But whenever he entered the LORD’s Presence to speak with Him, he removed the veil until he came out." After answering Moses' request, "Show me Your glory." God told him to come up Mount Sinai as He would give the Ten Commandments again. When Moses came down after forty days, he was not aware that his face was radiant. Church, 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that we all are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory. In other words, there's an after-effect. If we keep desiring God and seeking a new encounter with God that's deeper, richer, and more abundant, these will happen. Our hearts and lives will be transformed. and we will reflect the radiant of Christ in our lives. Therefore, someone who truly encounters God, will have their life changed. They won't treat their spouse poorly. They won't be arrogant. They won't follow their carnal desires. Their mind will be transformed. They will certainly be transformed with ever-increasing glory. We will be more like Jesus. In other words, we will reflect or radiate life. Moses' face glowed without having to go to a beauty clinic. Glowing face here doesn't refer to a bright face, but his face is radiant like a lamp! That's why his face is covered as the Israelites were afraid as his face was so bright! This is what happens when we enter into His glory. Our flesh will die and we will be transformed. Amen?! How many of us long to be more? How many of us say, "LORD, I am not satisfied. I want more. I want a new experience in God that is more heavy, higher quality, richer, and more abundant! I'm not satisfied just by seeing and knowing Your miracles, but I want to know You. I'm not satisfied with my past experience, but I want the new one that is deeper, heavier, richer and greater." Amen?! Let's put our hands on our chest. Thank You, LORD. You are... You are my King... Let's raise our hands together... Amen, LORD... I worship... I worship... You are my God... Amen, God... Hallelujah... I worship... I worship... One more time, let's raise hands together... We thirst for You, LORD... Once more... Let's enjoy His Presence... Go deeper... Let us worship... We long for more, God, to experience and enjoy Your Presence... We yearn for more, God, to experience glory... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... We are thirsty and long for You... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... We praise you LORD... Amen LORD... Amen LORD... Church, let's all praise Him... Lift up your heart... Lift up your voice... Enter deeper... into His presence... Hallelujah...hallelujah... We thirst for You LORD... Hallelujah... I worship You... Church, let's give a round of applause for our God... Let's put our hand on our chest. Father, I want to pray. Let the word of God today be planted in our hearts. Starting today, we long to be like Moses. To desire greater glory. To desire a more substantial presence and more abundant. Bring us closer to You. Sealed Your words. Beloved Church, let's raise your hands. Receive blessings from God the Father. Let the abundant love of Jesus come upon you. There is no one today, who does not feel loved. God's love abounds upon you. Receive the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit God. He who lives in you will continuously bring you closer. So you can experience the glory of God. I release this blessing, only in the name of Jesus. All who believe say amen! Shalom, Church! We believe that tonight has been beautiful, because of God's love and touch upon your life is renewing your love for Him. Therefore, do not stop there, but seal every encounter with God by witnessing to the people around you. That includes by sending us through Instagram account on the screen or subscribe to our YouTube channel "GMS Jakarta" and share your testimony in the comments section. So that every testimony will be a great blessing for those who read them. Next, for those who are on your own living in Greater Jakarta and Banten regions, as you don't have a community to grow in God. Don't wait any longer. Come and join us! We have a community to help us grow in God, called "Connect Group" that you can join. It's very easy to join the Connect Group. You can contact us at this phone number on the screen and provide your name, address, age, and an active phone number. Once we have all the info, our team will contact you and will help you to grow in a community, that is Connect Group. Lastly, let's keep advancing in God. Not only hearing God through other people, but also personally experience His glory. See you on the next worship night and the LORD Jesus bless you!