God Is: Week 1, October 1, 2017

Istrouma Baptist Church Podcast

An elementary school teacher gave her children the assignment to draw anything of their choosing. The children happily began to draw. She went from seat to seat, looking at each child’s work. She offered them encouraging comments.

One boy was drawing a fireman. A girl was drawing a pony. She came to Johnny’s seat and stopped. She watched him work for a moment but could not quite make out what he was drawing.

“What are you drawing, Johnny?” “A picture of God,” he responded. “But,” she gently offered, “no one knows what God looks like.” Without looking up, he continued drawing unfazed, “They will in a minute.”

That boy was confident that he could portray God for those who didn’t yet know what He is like. What about you? Do you know what God is like—who He truly is?

We can know Him because He has drawn us a portrait of Himself in the world and in the word. Today we begin a three-part series entitled simply, “God Is.” The opening message is “Getting to Know the Unknown God.” It will be based on Acts 17:22-34.

It is vital that we know God. How vital? Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Let’s get to know Him and by so doing experience life at its fullest!

God Is

“Getting to Know the Unknown God”

Acts 17:22-34

1. The Audience

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For . . . I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’” (17:22-23).

1. People are religious
2. People are restless

2. The Almighty

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” (17:24).

1. He is sovereign
2. He is sufficient
3. He is savior

3. The Answers

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” . . . But some men joined him and believed (17:32-34).

1. Some respond with contempt
2. Some respond with curiosity
3. Some respond with commitment