The Power of His Presence

Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1-4,12-13; John 3:3; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:16; Luke 24:49; Ephesians 4:5; Revelation 3

Introduction

Dr. George Theroux preached a passionate message titled “The Power of His Presence” following a lively revival weekend. He spoke to the need for revival, the necessity of prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the practical outworking of revival in family life, church life, and personal holiness. He drew from Acts chapter 1 and 2 as the biblical foundation for understanding the Spirit’s empowering work and called the congregation back to seriousness before God — to prayer, to unity, to biblical separation, and to faithful witness. This sermon is aimed at helping ordinary church members, especially young adults, grasp both the warm experience of God’s presence and the sober demands of holy living.

It’s good to be in the house of the Lord. There’s nothing wrong having some laugh, laughter, having fun. And it’s good for the. As the Bible says, medicine for the soul. Right.

Outline

1. The Promise and Pattern of His Presence
   1. Prayer and One Accord — The early church “continued with one accord in prayer” (Acts 1:14). Revival begins where praying hearts gather and persist. When we tarry in prayer and seek God together, we are aligning ourselves with the biblical pattern that brought Pentecost.
   2. Power from on High — Luke 24:49 and Acts 2 show the promised coming of the Holy Ghost. The presence of God is manifest by power — a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire. Expecting experiences without prayer misunderstands how God chooses to pour out His Spirit.
2. The Demonstration of His Presence
   1. Conviction, Conversion, and Courage — The Spirit convicts (John 16; implied in the sermon), people are saved (Acts 2:41 — thousands came to faith in that early outpouring), and believers receive boldness to witness. When God’s presence is real, hearts are changed and mouths are opened.
   2. Visible Effects in the Church — The preacher emphasized that after a true revival there is renewed love among members, restored marriages, recovered burdens for souls, renewed giving, and renewed attendance. Revival changes behavior and relationships, not merely emotions.
3. The Means to Receive His Presence
   1. Prayerful Expectation — Revival starts when individuals and leaders draw near to God in persistent prayer. The sermon urged drawing a circle around the preacher or believer who refuses to move until God revives them.
   2. Scriptural Preaching and Reverence for the Word — True revival rests on the preaching of God’s Word, not on entertainment, man‑made programs, or new versions that depart from the King James standard the preacher upholds. The power of God accompanies faithful proclamation.
   3. Personal Holiness and Biblical Separation — Revival requires repentance from sin and a willingness to practice biblical separation. The preacher warned against worldly music, profane speech, and casual religion — habits that quench the Spirit.
4. The Responsibility After Revival
   1. Witnessing and Soulwinning — When filled with the Spirit, believers become witnesses. The sermon exhorted members to pass out tracts, engage coworkers, and invite neighbors, remembering that revival should produce outward evangelistic fruit.
   2. Perseverance and Follow‑Through — The danger is cooling off after the mountaintop. The church must keep prayer meetings, soulwinning efforts, and faithful teaching going so that the kindling becomes a lasting fire.
5. The Cost and Courage of True Revival
   1. Boldness to Expose Error — Like Elijah calling false prophets to account, revival churches must stand against false teaching and unbiblical practice. This requires courage and reliance on God’s power to expose and overcome deceit.
   2. Suffering, Sincerity, and Stewardship — Revival calls people to die to self: genuine repentance, sacrificial giving, and faithful church attendance as signs of an authentic work of God.

Summary

Dr. Theroux’s message centers on a biblical conviction: the power for the church comes from God’s presence, and that presence is given in response to united prayer, faithful preaching of God’s Word, repentance from sin, and a holy separation from the influences that quench the Spirit. Revival is not entertainment. It is the Holy Ghost coming with conviction, conversion, and empowerment for service. True revival leaves visible fruits — changed lives, restored relationships, renewed zeal for souls, and increased witness in the community. The responsibility of the church is to pursue God in prayer, preach Scripture plainly, live holy lives, and persevere so that the kindling of revival becomes a sustaining fire.

We had a mountaintop experience. There’s no doubt in my mind. We’re talking about Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Tony Hudson, man, we hadn’t booked before, and that Covid happened and we had to cancel him, but brother Terry rebooked them. Thank you for doing that.

Application for the Week

Here are practical, actionable steps you and your small group can take this week to steward the revival and position yourselves for a continued outpouring of God’s presence.

1. Commit to Daily Prayer for Revival
   1. Set aside ten to twenty minutes each morning this week to pray specifically for revival in your heart, your family, and your church. Use Acts 1:14 and pray for unity and for the Holy Spirit to fall again.
2. Practice Personal Repentance
   1. Identify one ongoing sin or worldly habit (speech, music, entertainment) that quenches God’s presence. Confess it and take one concrete step this week to stop it.
3. Re‑engage in Church Life
   1. Attend or bring someone to a midweek prayer meeting or soulwinning event. Be intentional to arrive early and participate — revival’s flame stays lit when people stay faithful to the means of grace.
4. Share Your Testimony
   1. Tell one friend or coworker how the revival affected you. Invite them to come (or to a recorded sermon). Ask God for specific words to say (Luke 24:49 — “ye shall receive power”).
5. Study and Memorize Key Scriptures
   1. Memorize Acts 2:1-4 and Romans 6:23 this week. Meditate on how the Spirit and the gospel work together: power to live and the gift of eternal life.
6. Begin a Family Altar Time
   1. If you have a family, lead a simple prayer and Scripture reading at meals or at bedtime for the next seven nights. Make this a habit so your children build memories that point to God.
7. Join or Start a Prayer Circle
   1. Gather three to seven believers and “draw a circle” — commit to a set time each week to pray until God answers for your church and community.

Final Encouragement

Revival is God’s gracious response to a people who seek Him with unity, prayer, and sincere hearts. The Power of His Presence is not merely an emotional uplift; it is the life‑changing work of the Holy Spirit that brings conviction, conversion, and mission. As Dr. Theroux urged, do not treat revival as a fleeting experience. Anchor yourself in prayer, Scripture, confession, and faithful service. If you have not yet trusted Christ as your Savior, remember that salvation is by grace through faith — a gift (Romans 6:23). If God has already moved in your life, steward that work with steadfastness, and help others see Christ through your changed life.

If the Lord has spoken to your heart tonight, make your way to the altar, pray with a believer, or ask a trusted leader to help you follow the steps above. Revival begins when a believer’s knee hits the altar in honest, persistent prayer.

May the Lord renew the right spirit in us; may He fill us with His presence and empower us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Preacher: Dr. George Theroux