The Fourth Dimension | James Kilgore | BOTT 1989

The Fourth Dimension: Ascending into the Presence of God

Introduction to the Concept of Ascension

• The speaker references David's words about who can ascend to God's holy place, emphasizing the need for clean hands and a pure heart. This is not merely about going to heaven but entering God's divine presence.

The Atmosphere of God's Presence

• The description of God's throne highlights its holiness, where angels proclaim His sanctity. This sacred atmosphere is contrasted with earthly experiences, suggesting that true connection with God requires ascension beyond physical limitations.

Scientific Analogy: Mixing Medications in Space

• An analogy is drawn from astronauts mixing medication in space due to the absence of gravity, illustrating that some solutions require a different realm or higher state—paralleling spiritual ascension to find answers from God.

The Price of Spiritual Ascension

• Emphasizing that there are no shortcuts in spiritual growth, the speaker notes that true access to God’s presence comes at a cost and through genuine effort rather than simplistic beliefs like "name it and claim it."

David's Character and Spiritual Journey

• David is portrayed as a man after God's own heart despite his ups and downs; he experienced both despair and triumph, demonstrating resilience through faith. His journey reflects the complexity of human experience intertwined with divine purpose.

Strength of Character: Compassion and Leadership

• David's compassion for the innocent is highlighted; he was willing to bear consequences for others' sake, showcasing his strong character traits which attracted God's favor throughout his life.

Standing for a Cause

• The speaker emphasizes David's courage in standing alone against enemies when necessary, representing a cause greater than himself—a theme relevant to those present at the conference who may feel isolated yet part of something significant.

Handling Jealousy and Vengeance

• David’s ability to manage jealousy without seeking vengeance illustrates his spiritual maturity; he chose empathy over retaliation even towards adversaries, reflecting deep moral integrity valued by God.

Keeping Promises: Kindness Beyond Expectations

• A poignant moment occurs when David seeks out Jonathan’s descendants to show kindness despite their lowly status; this act underscores loyalty and commitment to promises made amidst personal power dynamics as king.

A Call to Renew Faith and Prepare for God's Work

The Struggles of the Faithful

• Many attendees feel spiritually wounded, coming from various directions, yet they have been nourished by the word of God.

• The gathering serves as a challenge to renew faith and align with God's direction for the church in this hour.

Preparation for God's Work

• Acknowledgment of individuals like Brother Mangan who prepare others for ministry without jealousy or desire for recognition.

• Emphasis on hard work and dedication in preparing materials and people for future endeavors, exemplified by David's preparation for Solomon's temple.

Humility in Service

• Reflection on personal experiences with humility, highlighting a father's desire to serve rather than seek the spotlight at conferences.

• Recognition of those who build character and strength within the community, emphasizing their importance in spiritual battles.

Seeking Spiritual Purity

• David’s plea to God for self-examination reflects a deep desire for purity and alignment with divine will at the end of his journey.

• The need for introspection is highlighted; believers are encouraged to allow God’s searchlight to reveal any wickedness within them.

The Driving Force of the Spirit

• Discussion on different expressions of the spirit that drive individuals towards deeper spiritual engagement and commitment.

• Personal anecdotes illustrate reliance on divine provision during challenging times, reinforcing faith in God's guidance through life's uncertainties.

The Role of the Spirit in Personal Transformation

The Lost Souls and the Impulse of the Spirit

• The speaker emphasizes that there are souls yet to be awakened, hearts untouched, and experiences unshared, indicating a divine urgency for spiritual outreach.

• The concept of the spirit "smiting" or impacting one's heart is introduced as a means of personal growth and awareness; these moments can be uncomfortable but ultimately beneficial.

Experiencing Conviction Through Smiting

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about feeling smitten by the spirit when straying from prayer or closeness to God, highlighting an internal struggle with guilt and correction.

• Acknowledgment of human fallibility is made; even those in high positions can err. However, the presence of God's spirit serves as a corrective force leading to repentance.

Seeking Forgiveness and Restoration

• After realizing wrongdoing in communication with another preacher, the speaker felt compelled to seek forgiveness, illustrating how spiritual conviction leads to reconciliation.

• Upon resolving conflict through confession and apology, a sense of relief follows—demonstrating how addressing guilt restores harmony with both others and God.

Dimensions of Spiritual Conviction

• The speaker discusses three dimensions of spiritual conviction:

• Biblical Conviction: Based on scripture (e.g., belief in one Lord).

• Personal Experience: Insights gained from teachings during gatherings that deepen understanding (e.g., baptism's significance).

Establishing Strong Biblical Foundations

• Emphasis is placed on having convictions rooted in scripture rather than societal trends; this includes essential beliefs about salvation practices like repentance and baptism.

• The importance of adhering to biblical standards regarding personal conduct (e.g., hair length for men and women), reinforcing that these convictions should stem directly from scriptural teachings.

Wrestling with Spiritual Convictions

The Nature of Spiritual Conviction

• The speaker discusses the intense spiritual struggle involved in prayer, likening it to wrestling with dark forces to gain clarity and direction for others seeking a deeper connection with God.

• Emphasizes the importance of unwritten laws that guide personal convictions, which may not always be explicitly stated in scripture but are nonetheless vital for spiritual living.

Personal vs. Collective Convictions

• Highlights the danger of spiritual pride when individuals impose their personal convictions on others, leading to judgment and exclusion based on differing beliefs.

• Shares an anecdote about attending a camp meeting where standards regarding women's attire were enforced, contrasting them with his own family's practices.

Cultural Standards and Personal Choices

• Recounts a situation abroad where cultural expectations around wedding rings created tension; his wife humorously declined a ring after years without one.

• Reflects on strict teachings from Bible College regarding jewelry and coffee consumption, illustrating how such rigid beliefs can instill fear rather than faith.

Developing Sacred Personal Convictions

• Discusses how personal convictions develop through sincere desire to draw closer to God, emphasizing that these should remain sacred and private between the individual and God.

• Remembers making significant consecrations as a boy that have shaped his life without imposing those choices on others.

The Importance of Individual Spiritual Journeys

• Uses the story of Jephthah's vow as an example of personal conviction that is unique to each individual's relationship with God, stressing its non-prescriptive nature.

• Urges listeners to refrain from judging others based on their adherence or lack thereof to specific standards or appearances in faith communities.

The Power of Spiritual Unity and Transformation

The Forging Process: A Metaphor for Spiritual Growth

• The speaker describes a vivid metaphor of a blacksmith forging iron, emphasizing the intense heat that transforms raw materials into useful tools. This imagery sets the stage for discussing spiritual transformation.

• Just as iron is shaped by fire, the speaker suggests that participants in the meeting are being spiritually "melted together" to form a unified community ready to serve their purpose.

• The speaker expresses a need for various influential figures within the community, indicating that collective strength and support are essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in their mission.

• There is an urgency conveyed about becoming spiritually sharper and more effective in their endeavors before significant events occur, such as "the coming of the Lord."

• A call to worship emphasizes reliance on divine assistance to achieve personal and communal goals, highlighting humility and dependence on God.

Harmony with Divine Presence

• The concept of harmony is introduced through references to priestly garments designed by God, which included bells symbolizing life and connection with God’s presence.

• The ringing of bells serves as a metaphorical sign of being alive in God's presence; it symbolizes assurance that one can approach God without fear of death or judgment.

• Achieving this state of harmony within the church community could lead to miraculous occurrences without direct intervention, suggesting a deepened faith among members.

• A prayerful plea is made for those who may come with negative attitudes or criticisms, urging them instead to embrace unity and spiritual openness during gatherings.

• Emphasizing the importance of spiritual communication, there’s an aspiration for everyone present to experience divine interaction through speaking in heavenly languages.

Ascending Towards Divine Connection

• Recognition is given to individuals who have dedicated themselves through fasting and prayer, contributing positively to the spiritual atmosphere during meetings.

• An uplifting sentiment arises as it seems like angels are rejoicing; this indicates an expectation of divine encounters during worship sessions.

• The speaker reflects on personal experiences while praying deeply but facing interruptions from worldly distractions; this highlights challenges faced when seeking closeness with God.

• Despite interruptions, perseverance in prayer leads to breakthroughs where one feels carried away by the Spirit—an encouragement towards maintaining focus amidst distractions.

• A hopeful vision is presented where all attendees could communicate freely in spirit-filled language before concluding meetings—this signifies unity leading towards healing and miracles.

Conclusion: Reaching Out for Miracles

• If they can collectively reach this heightened state of spirituality, every need will be met—including physical healings—indicating faith in God's provision through communal worship.