Sermon Notes #

Luke 16:19–31 #

God did show up, as Christ
An illustration from Carl Sagan The Dragon in my Garage
False assumptions about wanting to “see” God
if God appeared, faith would no longer be needed
If God did show up, we would require proof
In any relationship, faith is needed
If God appeared, we would recognize Him
Moses, Samuel, Elijah, these are examples of those who did not recognize the presence of God
Throughout history, God HAS manifested Himself, yet we have failed to recognize Him (Romans 1:18)

conscience
inner search for meaning
the universality of justice and law
creation itself and existence
Why doesn’t God show up
based on Scripture, some suggestions:
Freedom (His refusal to overwhelm us with proofs, even to the point of crucifixion.) (Phillip Yancy called this the miracle of restraint, God’s refusal to overwhelm us to the point where we had no choice but to believe.)
Desire (to be deeper in relationship, not surface. How many times did Jesus show things about Himself and yet, those closest to Him did not accept it. Jesus says He doesn’t want just anyone to believe, but those who will love Him)
Mystery ( His incomprehensible nature, even if we saw Him we wouldn’t know )
Indifference (The rich man and Lazarus, “they will not believe even if one returned from the dead.”) (Lucifer saw God, yet he still rebelled. The problem is rebelliousness, not lack of seeing.)