We are in the middle of a series of messages called, "The Basic Questions of Life." And one of the most basic questions people ask at some point in their lives is: "How did we get here?" This is an important question because it’s answer will determine how we live and view the world around us.
There are only 2 answers to choose from. We are either the result of random chance or the product of Divine Intelligence. If we are the result of random chance, then nothing matters and we play the game of life according to our own rules. But if we are the product of Divine Intelligence, then we need to find out who our Creator is, what He is like, and what He wants from us.
The world says we are the product of random chance, but that doesn’t make any sense to me. Everything in our universe, from the smallest cell to the largest star, is characterized by complexity, order, and purpose. And that complexity, order, and purpose, points to an intelligent creator. So I am not satisfied with the world’s answer. I need something else.
So I turn to the Bible, which is a written revelation from all-knowing God who doesn’t lie, and it tells us that we are the product of Divine Intelligence (Gen. 1:1 & 27, Psalm 148:5, Isaiah 40:26-28, Mark 10:6, Rev. 4:11). And since we are the product of Divine Intelligence, we need to know who our Creator is, what He is like, and what He wants. So . . .
I. Who Is Our Creator?
Acts 17:24-26 says, "(24) The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. (25) And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. (26) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live" (NIV).
These verses are talking about the God of the Bible, the supreme being in the universe, the creator and maker of everything, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God who reveals Himself through the Bible and through our Lord Jesus Christ is our creator.
II. What Is He Like?
He is the most POWERFUL person in the universe. This is seen in the fact that "He made the world and everything in it" (Acts 17:24, NIV). How did He accomplish this feat? Genesis 1 tells us. It tells us that "He spoke . . . and it was so." God doesn’t have to lift a finger to accomplish His will. All He needs to do is speak, and it is so. He is the most powerful person in the universe and . . .
He is the most HOLY person in the universe. God is morally clean and unstained with sin. Hab. 1:13 says, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (NIV). I was watching the news a few days ago, and they showed some footage of a poor child covered with maggots, flies, and human waste. It was so disgusting that I had to close my eyes and turn away from the TV. That’s the way it is with God and sin. Sin is so offensive to Him that He can’t bear to even look at it. He is the most holy person in the universe and ...
He is the most LOVING person in the universe. John 3:16 says, . . . Think about it like this. I love every one of you, but I love my son more. And suppose that you and my little boy was dangling from a cliff and I could only save one of you, I’d choose to save my son. I love you, but not enough to sacrifice my son on your behalf. But God does! He loves you so much that He sacrificed His precious Son for you!
Our Creator is someone we need to know and spend time with. He is someone who can give your life meaning and direction, who can pick you up when you fall down, who can carry you through the trials of life, who can give you hope in adversity and joy no matter your circumstance, who can carry you safely from this life to the life to come. He is someone you need to know!
Preacher, how can I know him and what does He want from me? Those are good questions. Just exactly . . .
III. What Does He Want from Us?
Acts 17:27 has the answer. Keep in mind that Paul was speaking to a group of people who believed in the existence of many gods, and they believed these gods viewed humanity as toys - something for their amusement. But Paul insists that God doesn’t view us as toys. God loves us and wants to have a personal relationship with us.
Verse 27 says, "God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us" (NIV) Keep in mind, God doesn’t want to have a personal relationship with us because we have something He needs (vs. 24-25). He wants to have a personal relationship with us simply because He loves us.
IV. How Can I Know Him on a Personal Basis?
You need to apply "the ABC’s of Salvation" into your life, if you haven’t already.
A = Admit that you are a sinner and you need to be saved (Rom. 3:10 & 23).
B = Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead in order to pay for your sins and purchase for you a home in heaven (Rom. 5:8-11).
C = Confess your faith in Christ as Savior and Lord (Rom. 10:9-10).
The very second you apply the ABC’s of salvation into your life God will save you and start a personal relationship with you. But don’t stop there. You need to strengthen and develop your relationship with Him. How? By applying what I call, "the DEFG’s of Sanctification" into your life.
D = Dialogue with the Lord (pray)
E = Exercise your faith.
F = Fellowship with other Christians.
G = Get into the Word and put it into practice..
What about you? Do you have a meaningful personal relationship with your creator? If not, then apply the ABC’s of salvation into your life. And if you do, then apply the DEFG’s of sanctification into your life.
Let’s pray ....
