A Full House

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 3 – 5

…for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:14)

In today’s passage we read about the completion of the Temple on Mount Moriah. Everything was done according to the instructions that were given from David by God. It was much more elaborate and luxurious than the Tabernacle of the Wilderness. What made this an awesome place was not the tons of gold, silver, and brass that was throughout the place; but rather the fullness of the glory of God within. God was present with the people of Israel in His temple.

I want the church here in Galloway to be filled with the glory of God. Our church will not be known for its elaborate architecture, or its beautiful landscaping; but it can be known as a place where God’s glory lives. It can be a place where people can come and know that they have heard from God. How can that happen? How can we continue to have the presence of God with us here at Jersey Shore Baptist Church?

1 We must keep the Commandments of God in the place of preeminence. In other words, nothing must take the place of the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

2 We must keep the Commision of God in the place of priority. We must be primarily about the business of reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We must work to keep the Children of God in the place of peace. David said, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (psalm 133:1). God is pleased when His peple are of one mind in one accord, striving together for Him.

Are these three ingredients present in our church? God will be with us, only if we surrender our agenda; and yield completely to His perfect will. As a preacher, I am always very concerned that the house is full of people; but I should be far more concerned that the house is filled with the glory and presence of God.

The Glory of the Lord Had Filled the House

May 17, 2011

In "Thoughts from 2 Chronicles"

The Glory of the Lord Filled the House

May 17, 2026

In "Thoughts from 2 Corinthians"

The Fire Came Down From Heaven

May 18, 2012

In "Thoughts from 2 Chronicles"

Phil Erickson

Pastor Phil Erickson has been the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church since January of 2002. Having grown up in Ocean County, Pastor Phil has always had a burden for the south Jersey area. After graduating from Bible College in Longview, Texas, he and his family moved to Galloway Township with the vision of digging in and serving the Lord and the people of Atlantic County. Pastor Phil and Cindy Erickson have been married since 1985. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Their oldest son, Phil Jr. and his wife Katelyn are serving the Lord in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Their oldest daughter, Melissa, is married to Wesley Clayton who is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in New Mexico. Samantha, their third child, is married to Justin Mears and they are both serving the Lord at the church in Galloway. Hannah, the youngest, is married to Lucas McCollum, and they are also serving here in Galloway. In preparation for ministry, the Lord led him through a variety of educational experiences that have equipped him to serve the Lord and His people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Theology from Texas Independent Baptist Seminary (formerly Texas Baptist College), a Master of Religious Education in Bible from West Coast Baptist College, and a Master of Biblical Studies from The Crown College. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Veritas Baptist College. He is thankful for these opportunities to study God’s Word more deeply, and counts it a privilege to use whatever knowledge the Lord has given him for the building up of His church. In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given Phil the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Vision Baptist College in Berlin, NJ and Veritas Baptist College.

Next Hear Thou From Heaven »

Previous « Willing Servants

View Comments

Sarah Becker says:

May 21, 2010 at 11:44 am

God's been working in my life about this very thing. I realize that it's not your job, pastor to do those three things. It's my job to have a good attitude and forgiving heart in difficult situations. If all of us work on our own hearts then these three ingredients will be present in every aspect of our life, and will just flow throughout the entire church.