Acts 17:27 [By Ron Halbrook]

Introduction: 1. Acts 17:27 God rules the universe: those who seek Him find Him 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 2

Introduction: 2. Very good news: We can know God exists We can know the nature of God & of man We can seek & find God! 3

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear A. Ps. 19 How God Reveals Himself: Material Creation & Special Revelation Vv. 1-6 Existence & operation of universe 4

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 5

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear A. Ps. 19 How God Reveals Himself: Material Creation & Special Revelation Vv Nature & effect of Scripture 6

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 7

Vv Nature & effect of Scripture 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 8

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear A. Ps. 19 How God Reveals Himself: Material Creation & Special Revelation Both bear His autograph Both reflect His power, wisdom, & love 9

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear B. Universe Points to God as Creator Gen. 1:1 Adequate cause of creation: God or universe? 10 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear B. Universe Points to God as Creator Heb. 3:4 Adequate cause of creation: God or universe? 11 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear B. Universe Points to God as Creator 2 Pet. 3:5-7 Adequate cause to sustain: God or universe? 12

2 Pet. 3:5-7 Adequate cause to sustain: God or universe? 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 13

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear B. Universe Points to God as Creator Acts 17:24-28 God created & sustains us, not vice versa 14

Acts 17:24-28 God created & sustains us, not vice versa 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 15

Acts 17:24-28 God created & sustains us, not vice versa 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 16

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear C. Scripture Points to God as Author 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Adequate cause of Scripture: God or man? 17

2 Tim. 3:16-17 Adequate cause of Scripture: God or man? All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I. Evidence of God: Abundant & Clear C. Scripture Points to God as Author Evidence of divine inspiration  Unity of message  Prophecies, shadows, types fulfilled  Person & message of Christ: unique  Preservation of Scripture  Perfections: no error, contradiction, defect 19

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Acts 17:24, 29 God is distinct & independent from all He created 20

Acts 17:24, 29 God is distinct & independent from all He created God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Acts 17:24, 29 God is distinct & independent from all He created  “God:” not another name for created things in whole or in part 22

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Deut. 6:4 One God, Godhead, Deity: one divine nature, not many kinds of Gods 23 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Matt. 28:19 One God, Godhead, Deity: three persons share the divine nature 24

Matt. 28:19 One God, Godhead, Deity: three persons share the divine nature Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Matt. 28:19 One God, Godhead, Deity: three persons share the divine nature  “The name:” one divine nature, power, & authority  Three persons share it 26

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Ps. 90:1-2 Eternal 27 1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Ps. 102:24-28 Immutable, unchanging 28

 Ps. 102:24-28 Immutable, unchanging I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Prov. 15:3 Omnipresent: all things in His presence 30 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Ps. 147:5 Omniscient: infinite wisdom 31 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Ps. 147:5 Omnipotent: all power 32 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  Isa. 6:3 Holy 33 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal In personal nature or character, God is:  I Jn. 4:8; Prov. 6:16 Perfect in love & hate 34 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal God has all qualities of personhood. God is not:  Part of the creation  A philosophical concept  An impersonal power, force, or fate 35

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Jn. 4:24 God is a spirit without our body of flesh & blood God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

II. The Nature of God & of Man A. God’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Jn. 4:24 God is a spirit without our body of flesh & blood  Jn. 1:14 A body was prepared for Jesus And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

II. The Nature of God & of Man B. Man’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Man is spirit & body  Gen. 1:26-28 Spirit made in God’s image 38

 Gen. 1:26-28 Spirit made in God’s image And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

II. The Nature of God & of Man B. Man’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Man is spirit & body  Gen. 2:7 Body made of dust 40 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

II. The Nature of God & of Man B. Man’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Man is spirit & body  Ja. 2:26 Union of body & spirit For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

II. The Nature of God & of Man B. Man’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Man’s personal nature & character:  Immortal spirit  Personhood: know, choose, love, hate  Distinct from, above all other life forms  Rules over all other life forms  Conscious in or out of the body 42

II. The Nature of God & of Man B. Man’s Nature: Distinct & Personal Separate, distinct: God, man, animals  “Man” not another name for God in whole or in part  Hierarchy: God over all, man over animals  Natural world serves man: it is not God, man not subject to it, not passive  God’s will & power not hidden in man 43

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! A. God Seeks Men to Serve Him Jn. 4:23-24 Seeks true worshippers But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! B. God Makes Himself Accessible Acts 17:26-27 Rules so men can find him 45

Acts 17:26-27 Rules so men can find him And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! B. God Makes Himself Accessible Rom. 1:20 Without excuse if not find Him For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! B. God Makes Himself Accessible Rom. 1:20 Without excuse if not find Him  Atheist, agnostic without excuse  Men making false gods 48

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! C. God Accessible via the Gospel of Christ Jn. 14:6 Find God via Christ 49 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! C. God Accessible via the Gospel of Christ Jn. 6:43-45 God draws men via Christ 50

Jn. 6:43-45 God draws men via Christ Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! C. God Accessible via the Gospel of Christ Jn. 12:32 Christ’s death draws us to God And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

III. Men Who Seek God Can Find Him! D. Key to Find God: Seek Him Above All Else Acts 17:27 Seek & find That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Invitation: 1. Acts 17:27 God rules the universe: those who seek Him find Him 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 54

Invitation: 2. Very good news: We can know God exists We can know the nature of God & of man We can seek & find God! 55

Invitation: 3. God forgives our sins through blood of Christ: Gal. 3:26-27 Penitent sinner baptized into Christ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Invitation: 3. God forgives our sins through blood of Christ: Acts 8:22 Erring saint prays Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.