God Is Near

The Bible tells one story. It's about how a Holy God deals with a sinful, fallen and broken people. At the center of that story is Jesus. Fellowship was broken in the Garden of Eden but God didn't really go anywhere. The story of "God with us" doesn't begin and end in the Gospels. GOD IS NEAR is his promise to his people, and it's found in every book of the Bible. There should not be a disconnect between the Old Testament and the New. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are actually at work throughout. Much of what God did in bringing Israel out of Egypt and establishing a kingdom is symbolic of the Christian church. Moses is a type of Christ in many different ways. The tabernacle, veil of separation, lamb of sacrifice and office of the High Priest are all meant to help New Testament believers understand who Christ is and what he does. God is Near: His Promise to His People does more than analyze the relationship of the books of the Bible. Beginning in the Garden of Eden we embark on a journey through God's Word, exploring the relationship between God and his chosen people. God is holy and only what is holy can come into his presence. But he has always been close! God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, appeared to the Hebrews in pillars of fire and cloud, and radiated his visible presence above the tabernacle. At Sinai his people saw him descend on the mountain and heard his voice, and at Jericho they obediently watched as he won their battles for them. God was in the manger at Bethlehem and on the cross at Calvary. He filled the upper room in Acts 2 and the hearts of 3,000 believers who repented and were baptized that same day. God's Holy Spirit dwells today in the heart of every believer. He is not waiting for us in some darkened church sanctuary; just as Jesus said he must be about his Father's business so must his children today. The Kingdom of God was at hand in Jesus' day and the people of his Kingdom today are sharing the Gospel, giving out food, digging wells