Unveiling Paul's Preaching To The Athenians Part 4

The verse we are about to explore serves as the central theme for our television program Finding Our Way, which is broadcast on the Grace Awakening Network (GAN) available on ROKU and www.gantv.com. But first...

Let us once more reflect on the insights gained from this passage.

• He is the God who made ALL and He is Lord

• He does NOT dwell in buildings made by men

• He is NOT helped by men

• He gives LIFE and BREATH to all things

• He made every RACE from ONE man (Adam)

• He APPOINTED man's time to live on earth

• He SET the boundaries (nations)

"His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him-though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27

Here we discover that God has a purpose in establishing the boundaries and dwelling places of people, which is to seek Him and reach out to Him! This truth challenges a long-held belief that I was raised with - the idea that we are meant to "feel" after Him. The actual meaning behind this is that we should be able to sense His presence. It essentially implies the act of feeling, touching, or searching for Him (similar to the efforts of a blind person). Do we not find ourselves blind and struggling in the dark?!

The barbecue beef being discussed here emphasizes the importance of not relying on your emotions. Your feelings can be deceptive, so it's crucial not to make decisions based solely on how you feel. And look at this! It's God's absolute desire for the nations to eagerly seek Him out! To feel their way to Him!

The verse reads "and find him". It is God's design and desire that each and every one of His children frind their way home to Him. This is a good time to remind us of a verse that speaks to the reality of just who it is that we are dealing with.

"I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you." Job 42:2 NLT

"I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from you" Job 42:2 NKJV

"I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2 NASB

I have provided three distinct versions as I believe each sheds new insight on the subject. One commonly accepted belief I encountered is the concept of God's sovereignty. There are various interpretations of this doctrine, leading me to wonder: why wouldn't an omnipotent being be capable of fulfilling His intentions?!

The upcoming post will delve deeper into the last phrase of this verse, along with verse 28. Nonetheless, it still holds true that the caring Father, our maker, is constantly close to us all! His presence is even nearer to us than our own breath. "He is not far."

*Scripture from New Living Translation