Mt Pleasant :: Randy Forrester: God’s Personal Knowledge & Presence

St. Andrew's Church

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

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Sermon Notes

Psalm 139 highlights God's personal knowledge and pursuing presence of each and every person. But whether we welcome this or resist it depends on what we believe about God and ourselves.

1. God's personal knowledge (omniscience) is relational, living, and comprehensive
2. God's pursuing presence (omnipresence) finds us everywhere (heaven to Sheol, east to west, light to darkness). It even shows up where we least expect it - death and darkness.
3. The gospel tells us that "we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope" (Keller). Because of the gospel, God's personal knowledge and presence are a wonderful source of comfort. Because we can be fully known and fully loved at the same time.

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the difference between a living, relational, dynamic knowledge and a static knowledge? Why is this important as it concerns human beings?
2. Why do you think we often pray the Collect for Purity at the beginning of a worship service? What does it say about worship? Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. Where do you expect to meet God? Church? A quiet time? Is it a surprise to you that God is just as present in death and darkness as anywhere else?
4. Has God's personal knowledge and constant presence ever been a source of discomfort for you? Explain the circumstances and what changed?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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