GETTING TO KNOW THE UNKNOWN GOD

Introduction:
     1. Acts 17:16-31.
     2. The altar to "The Unknown God" was a part of Athen's
        religious climate.
        (a) City was wholly given to idolatry (vs 16).
        (b) City had a synagogue of the Jews (vs 17).
        (c) City eager to hear any NEW DOCTRINE (vs 21, 19).
     3. The altar gave Paul opportunity to tell of the TRUE GOD (vs
        17-18). Paul never shunned controversy.
     4. The God Paul preached is still an "UNKNOWN" God today.
     5. Paul's sermon declared three facts about God:

  I. THE POWER OF GOD IS SO GREAT!!!
     1. His power created "The world and...." (vs 24).
     2. His creation declares his power universally-- Rom. 1:20;
        Ps. 19:1-3,
     3. His power controls and sustains His creation (vs 25).
        (a) Elements subject to Him (Matt. 5:45; 8:27; 2 Pet. 3:6).
        (b) Universe kept in store by His power (2 Pet. 3:7).
     4. His power is self-sustaining (vs 25).
     5. WE NEED HIM, RATHER THAN HIS NEEDING US.

 II. THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS UNLIMITED:
     1. He is not limited by space (vs 24) (1 Kgs. 8:27; 2 Chron.
        2:6).
     2. His presence is not confined to any locality (Isa. 66:1-2;
        Acts 7:48-49).
     3. His presence cannot be escaped by us (Ps. 139:1-10;
        Jonah 1:3-4).
        NOTE: Can escape Him in sense of fellowship and approval
            (2 Jn. 9:11; Eph. 2:13; Jas. 4:8). No evil hidden from
            Him.
     4. He is not limited by time (Isa. 57:15; Ps. 90:2; 2 Pet. 3:8).

III. THE PLAN OF GOD IS FOR ALL MANKIND:
     1. He has a PRESENT plan for all men (vs 30).
        (a) Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38. All nations to have repentance and
            remission of sins preached.
        (b) Acts 10:34, 35. All men accepted on same basis.
        (c) Eph. 2:16; Acts 2:47. All men are accepted (reconciled to
            Him) in ONE BODY, the church.
     2. He has a FUTURE plan for all men.  JUDGMENT (vs 31).

Conclusion:
     1. How much do we really appreciate:
        (a) God's power -- Enough to place complete confidence in
            Him?
        (b) God's presence -- Enough to never feel alone? Enough to
            deter "secret sin"?
        (c) God's plan -- Enough to humbly obey it?

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