2011 January 9 sermon
Chapter 15
-- “Drawing Near”:
THE GREATEST INVITATION OF ALL TIME
Jeremiah 30:21 “I will bring him near and he will come close to Me – for who is he who will devote himself to be close to Me?” declares the Lord. James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. NO CONDEMNATION – ONLY INVITATION! ■The Scripture says, “…he will come close to Me.“ To be “close with God” means that you are His friend.
■Friendship: One attached to another by esteem and affection ■Esteem: Honor, respect; elevating another person because you care about them
According to Jeremiah 30:21, If you devote yourself to be close to God, then He will draw you to Him! God longs for intimacy with you. When you devote yourself to God: Don’t confuse legalism with discipline & habit. The latter two are good; while legalism will get in the way of your being close to God. As you draw near to God, allow Him to convict you – but realize that He will not condemn you. Seek God by focusing on who He is: He is the Healer! He is the Provider – so be careful to seek the Provider more than the provision.
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God…” -- Do this by reading the Bible, expecting God to speak to you -…and He will draw near to you.
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