What Does It Take For God To Reach You?

Jn. 3:16-21

 

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

 

INTRO: There are so many people in the Bible that God reached out and touched their life. He did many things to reach them that He might gain them. There are many that could be used today, Lot, Samaritan woman at the well, the Demonic, the Eunuch in the desert, Zacchaeus, and more.

 

  1. Moses - God used the angel and the burning bush - Ex. 3:1-6
    1. End his evasive actions and excuses
    2. Start his journey of serious service

     

  2. David - God spoke through the prophet Nathan - 2 Sam 12:1-14
    1. Acknowledge his errors
    2. Stop the sin

     

  3. Hezekiah - God used opposing armies 2 Chr. 32:10-23
    1. Learn the power of prayer
    2. Limit his self-confidence

     

  4. Hezekiah - God used sickness - Is. 38; 2 Chr. 32:24-26
    1. Deliver him from pride
    2. Glorify God

     

    2 Chr. 32:24 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

    25 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

    26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

     

  5. Manasseh - God used bondage and hardships 2 Chr. 33 10-17
    1. Gain repentance in Manesseh's life
    2. Reach His people

     

  6. Peter - God used the vision and sheet Acts 10:9-24
    1. To Rescue him from religion
    2. To Reroute his life's purpose

     

  7. Christ - God used His Son
    1. To reach us
    2. To save us
    3. To free us
    4. To use us

 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 01-02-2000