GRACE Ministries International

Theme; Proximity and access
Scriptures: *James 4:8*

*Introduction*
The Bible emphasizes that God is not a distant deity but one who is near, accessible, and intimately involved in the lives of His people. The concepts of proximity (closeness) and access (the way to approach Him) are central to the gospel message, particularly through the work of Jesus Christ.

Before I delve into this message, let us look at more scriptures and biblical verses that illustrate these themes:

*Proximity:* God’s Nearness to Us
Several verses highlight God's closeness to humanity. James 4:8 states that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you.
*Psalm 145:18* assures that the Lord is near to those who call on Him in truth. Acts 17:27 mentions that God is not far from each of us. Psalm 34:18 speaks of the Lord being near to the brokenhearted. Jeremiah 23:23 asks if God is a God only at hand and not far away, while Deuteronomy 4:7 questions if any great nation has a god as near as the Lord is to Israel when they call upon Him.
*Access*: *The Way to God*
The Bible teaches that access to God is primarily through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:18 explains that through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father in one Spirit. Hebrews 4:16 encourages drawing near to the throne of grace with confidence. In John 14:6, Jesus declares Himself to be the way, truth, and life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Hebrews 10:19–20 speaks of having confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, through the new and living way He opened. Ephesians 3:12 states that through faith in Christ, we have boldness and confident access.
*Abiding: Living in Close Proximity*
Living in close connection with God is also a recurring theme. John 15:4 instructs believers to abide in Jesus, just as a branch must abide in the vine to bear fruit. Psalm 16:11 notes that in God's presence there is fullness of joy. Revelation 3:20 depicts Jesus standing at the door and knocking, promising to come in and fellowship with anyone who opens the door.
*Key Themes*
Key biblical themes related to proximity and access include:

*The Torn Veil*: The Old Testament's restricted access to God was replaced by direct access through Jesus' death, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51).
*Heart Proximity:* While God is everywhere, true spiritual closeness requires a sincere heart, not just outward religious acts (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8).

*Position vs. Proximity:* Through faith, believers have direct access (position), but they must actively "draw near" (proximity) through prayer and obedience to experience intimacy with God.

In conclusion, let me ask you this question?
Who do you allow to have access to you and your life?. In most cases, proximity is used to access our integrity and tarnish our reputation.

People come close to us to know who we are and then use our vulnerability to tarnish our reputation and character. Who do you allow in your life?

I urge you today to use these two aspects to come closer to God. Sitting with people is proximity but not everyone should have access to you. Reserve it for God. Who do you share your experiences and personal secrets with? Do not sell your reputation by letting everyone have access to you. Talk less and pray more.

Be blessed.
(Rev. Dr. Fornah)

During my mission to Freetown Sierra Leone, our ministry opened a skills development centre for our young girls who have dropped out of school. This is a fulfilment of one of the objectives of our women's global outreach which was an initiative by Rev. Pastor Marie - Claire Evenor who is currently in Seychelles doing God's work.

*A word to uplift someone losing faith and hope*

Theme: *FAITH FILLED FOR THE MIRACULOUS*

*HEBREWS 11: 1-4*
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead"

What was the difference between Cain and Abel? The Bible notes that Abel proved by his action that something set him apart from his brother. Though Cain and Abel were full, flesh-and-blood brothers and raised to adulthood by the same set of parents, Abel was completely different.

Abel's belief in God set him apart from Cain. Even today, those who operate on the same faithful set of beliefs distinguish themselves from those who do not, like Cain. This principle is a simple but monumental reality concerning how one should conduct his life! No other characteristic even begins to come close in value to what faith in God can produce in terms of well-being for an individual or a nation.

Hebrews 11:6 points out faith's importance, “But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The author of the book of Hebrews, who may have been the apostle Paul, adds in Hebrews 10:22, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Faith is thus mandatory for a relationship with God.

Faith in God is not the complete answer, of course, but when you lack faith, it certainly reveals a fundamental need as people try to find solutions to the problems that arise almost daily. God is the Source of all good solutions, and faith in Him is the beginning step in seeking them out. It is by our personal faith as God's called-out ones that we will not only endure the troubling times that lie ahead but also grow as we respond to Jesus Christ's leadership. Even amid the nation's calamitous troubles, we can triumph through the faithful use of His Holy Spirit.

So, faith filled for the miraculous makes us believe that nothing is impossible for God to do if we have faith.

When we have faith and trust in God, the unexpected always happens. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says "we walk by faith not by sight".

*Here are the points I am driving at*
1.When you are filled with faith, you are set for the miraculous.
2.But in order to please God, we must have faith.
3. When we gather and unite our faith, we release an atmosphere for miracles to occur
4. We must trust the Almighty God with our supernatural vision.
5. By retelling or testifying miracles, fuels our faith to believe for more.
My dear beloved, faith and hope always walk hand in hand, because Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

In conclusion, let me encourage you and I to understand that the central feature of faith is confidence or trust. Because the object of faith is God and His promises.
May God bless you for the time you took to read these thoughts.
Rev. Dr. Fornah (Apostle)