When you hear the phrase “God is closer than you think,” what comes to mind? Personally, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of joy and confidence!
The Bible is filled with examples of an intimate God keenly interested in connecting with ordinary people. He promises to be with us. He says He will personally guide us. Yet somehow, intimacy with God eludes us. I believe my new series Can You See Him struck a nerve with God’s people. This series shows how you can enjoy a vibrant, moment-by-moment relationship with your heavenly Father. Not some abstract theological concept, but an intimate connection with a personal God.
Sunday’s message, Seeing is Believing (Acts 9:1-17) traced the Apostle Paul’s conversion experience. Paul was hell-bent on destroying Christians and Christianity. While on the Road to Damascus, he sees a light brighter than the sun and ultimately looses his sight for three days (Acts 9:1-4). When Jesus asks: “Why are you persecuting me?” Saul responds by asking, “Who are you, Lord?” For me it’s comforting to know, regardless of where you are in life:
GOD ALWAYS INITIATES SALVATION!
Here’s a popular saying: “If you take one step towards God, He’ll take two steps towards you.” NOPE, that’s not in the Scriptures. Truth is, we’re utterly lost (Romans 3:23; 5:8) and God sends The Spirit to “quicken” or awake us to SEE we’re lost and in need of a savior. I’m glad God chose to initiate Paul’s salvation and ours. Remember, no one would ever expect Paul to become a Christian and his conversion experience shows why it’s important to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
