Text: John 2:23-25

Many believed in Jesus' name when they saw the miracles that he did. But Jesus did not commit himself to them because he knew what was in the heart of man.

A doorkeeper in a fine restaurant is a person who stands at the door and greets the patrons. He opens the door for them, honors them and welcomes them in.

This is the way we need to be in the house of God. One who stands at the door, opens it, welcomes the presence of God in and honors Him.

We honor God's presence when we honor each other.

Rev. 3:20--Jesus said,"Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

We hold the key to having the presence of God!

Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

What is the purpose of the church?

We are to open the gates (doors), so the presence of God will come in. Then the blessings will come. Just as Obed-edom was blessed when the ark (God's presence) was in his house, we will be blessed and so will everyone who is in the house!

Lot was a gate-keeper in Sodom. Even though he kept the gate and allowed the angels to come in, he did not keep the devil out. We need to bind and loose. We should not let the gates of hell prevail against the church. We do this by being a faithful gate-keeper.

Lot's soul was vexed by the unrighteous living all around him. This kept him from being effective in his surroundings. We need to keep our soul from being vexed by guarding our gates effectively and being circumspect. We need to "guard our heart with all diligence."

Psalm 24:7-10 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. [9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the KING OF GLORY shall come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

We need to hunger for the manifested presence of God. And we need to stay in one accord believing God for his glory.