REPORTS & SIGHTINGS OF HIS GLORY!

HIS GLORY WITNESSED: BIBLICAL REPORTS and SIGHTINGS OF HIS GLORY

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).“… the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB). “… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB). “…. the whole earth is full of [God’s, the invisible Holy Spirit’s]…glory…” (Isaiah 6:3). ^“..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness…” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG). 

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God’s GLORY (presence), because of its purity (cleanliness from sin) and holiness (freedom from sin), is more BRILLIANT than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need of the sun … for the glory of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV). “… It shone with the GLORY of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” … When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun, we are told, damages the eyes. However, looking directly at God’s GLORY will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s GLORY is the WITNESS of his presence. However, NO human being can SEE his pure and holy presence, directly, and live. “…You cannot see my face ...and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God CLEARLY shows mankind his presence throughout CREATION or throughout the things he has MADE.“…The invisible [Holy Spirit, I AM]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

God CLEARY witnesses his presence through his POWER (creation) and the DIVINE GOODNESS (provisions and blessings).  “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power…[and]... divine nature…[which is] …clearly seen …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). Everything God created (MADE) was very good. “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… [His POWER and NATURE]...tell of His glory among the nations, [and]... His wonderful deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB).

His NAME even witnesses his GLORY. “… God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said … ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name^]to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God’s Glory, UNLEASHED or DIRECT, is too PURE and HOLY for humanity; he has to stamp it into creation and put it within earthen vessels. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…You cannot see my face ...and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

 YET, “ …we have this treasure in earthen vessels...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s glory SETS him in a category all by himself. “…majestic  in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “…You are very GREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER and MAJESTY, Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

 “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “… Let Your glory be above all the earth…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).“…. the whole earth is full of [your]…glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

There are many explanations, theories, doctrines, and definitions for God’s GLORY. I will attempt to discuss three biblical reports or sightings of God GLORY I have, personally, found: 1. the visible or audible WITNESS of his Glory; 2. the power WITNESS of his Glory; and 3. Jesus, the radiant WITNESS of his HOLY glory.

1. The visual or audible WITNESS of his GLORY was reported in the Old and New Testament. ^“..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEEN this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORY of God (his presence)…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God (telling of his presence)...” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory  (God’s presence) is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG).

“… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEE the GLORY of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“… the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB).

“… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAW the GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY of God and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“… to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glorious presence); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“… The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence and were visual WITNESSES of his GLORY. These objects, representing God’s GLORY,  were VISIBLE to the Israelites.  ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they also HEARD the audible WITNESSES of his GLORY ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

2. The POWER of his GLORY  (presence) is WITNESSED through his GOOD DEEDS. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe (trust in, depend upon & cooperate with), you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH,  (GOOD DEED) bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

WHAT GOOD DEED, OF GOD’S, WAS WITNESSED? “….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...”

WAS GOD’S POWER WITNESSED? YES. “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT) “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

3. His GLORY was also WITNESSED “THROUGH” Jesus Christ. “…The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“...And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of God in the face of Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

 “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“….the WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV).

“…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… divine nature… …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…[jesus]... was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV). “...we saw His glory...” (John 1:14 NASB).

Jesus said: “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). "…I (Jesus came) as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB).  "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

“…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good (being a WITNESS of God’s presence), and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW?] ...GOD  ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…God  ...[DID] ...powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “…The Father that dwelleth in [jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

"..[God, the Holy Spirit) is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit ...” (John 15:8 NIV).

The reports and sightings of God’s GLORY are found in the bible, but TODAY the WITNESS of his presence COMES from “Christ in YOU.” (Colossians 1:25-28).  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV).

Today, the reports and sightings, of his GLORY, are WITNESSED through his people.  The question changes FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Where is His Glory?”

This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His Glory is IN YOU!  “ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s GLORY is witnessed through Christ Jesus, which is “IN” you. “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

When you say “GLORY” you are giving PRAISE to the WITNESS of his PRESENCE, you personally SAW, with your own eyes or HEARD with your own ears.

When you are saying “GLORY;” you are also saying, “I SAW him” or “I HEARD  him.”

This PRAISE or WORSHIP of God’s GLORY comes through a personal witness of his healing power, a touch of his Godly love, a whisper of transforming truth, revelation knowledge of who he is, the preached word, miraculous changes in situations or circumstances, a soul saved, or simply for his many divine attributes!  “… Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory (WITNESSED PRESENCE) is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 148 NASB).

Everything that belongs to God will WITNESS his GLORY. Believers BELONG to God and “contain or carry” his GLORY through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

God’s people and ALL of his creation will exhibit his GLORY. “…Let every created thing give praise (be a witness of his PRESENCE) to the Lord…” (Psalms 148:5 NLT). “… All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

Remember: “…[jesus]... was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV). And because of Jesus, “...we saw His (god’s) glory...” (John 1:14 NASB).

Even Jesus’ identity gave GLORY to God. He said: “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). Jesus also said: "…I (came) as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB).  

“…In this world … [God’s people] … are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). SO"…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT THE “GOOD” WORKS YOU DO GLORIFY GOD AND NOT YOU? “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good (being a WITNESS of God’s presence), and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW?] ...GOD  ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO “GOOD” WORKS THAT GLORIFIED GOD, BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM. ^“…It is God who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

WHAT ROLE DID THE HOLY SPIRIT PLAY IN THE “GOOD” WORKS AND WHAT ROLE DID JESUS PLAY? “…The Father that dwelleth in...[jesus]...he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS WAS THE HUMAN VESSEL AND THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, DID THE GOOD WORKS, THROUGH HIM. “ … [You] … have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…God  ...[DID] ...powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

WHEN THE HUMAN VESSEL AND THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT UNITE AND WORK TOGETHER, GOD IS GLORIFIED. “…The [invisible, indwelling Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness (good deeds), faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

"..[God, the Holy Spirit) is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit ...” (John 15:8 NIV).

God’s GLORY is a WITNESS of his PRESENCE in the world, ESPECIALLY THROUGH HIS PEOPLE and his HOLY SPIRIT is the SOURCE of it ALL!! “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  ^“…It is God who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).  “…The Father that dwelleth in ...[jesus & in you]...he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

HIS GLORY IS WITNESSED THROUGH YOUR OBEDIENCE AS A WILLING VESSEL WHO ALLOWS THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO DO “GOOD” WORKS “IN” AND “THROUGH” THEM.