Caution: this contains a preview of this weekend’s message, and may be considered a spoiler…
As I’m preparing for this week’s message, it struck me that each week at church we get to see a cosmic colission of the external work of God meeting the internal work of God.
What the heck does that mean? Well, for a full explanation you’ll need to be at Palm Valley this weekend (early 
). Here’s the short answer until then…
God is evident all around us. Psalm 19:1 (nlt) says “The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.”
This is the external work of God, making himself known to us through creation and the working of the universe around us. The external evidence of God’s existence causes us to seek Him, and draws us closer to Him. Theologians call this “general revelation”.
Every Sunday I see people who are being drawn to God through the external work (including people who share Christ with them). I love seeing people come to church who aren’t quite sure why they’ve come, but they just know they need God in their lives and desire to know Him. The Bible says in Romans 1:19 (nlt) says “For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts.”
This is the internal work of God, prompting men and women to return to Him. This internal work is referred to as “specific revelation”. I love creating an environment in our services each week where the external work of God meets the internal work of God. This is a miraculous experience where lives are changed and eternal destinies are reversed. I love being a part of this process.
Now understand, we don’t change lives. Jesus changes lives. However, He’s invited us to partner with Him in the life-change process. At Palm Valley Church, we’re deeply committed to helping people far from God find thier way back to Him, by helping them explore the internal promptings of the Holy Spirit, building on the external evidence of God’s power.
I can’t wait to share more about this during our services this weekend. Make sure you’re there early!
