None Greater By Matthew BarrettSample

Day One: Surprised by God

Scripture: I Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 104:1, Jeremiah 10:6, Hebrews 1:3

My initial encounter with the majesty of God came during college, and this curiosity led me on a mission to know God in an entirely new way. I had read my Bible for years and was a devoted Christian, but now a window—a door, really—had opened wide for me to behold the glory of God like never before. Although my experience was a personal one, it wasn’t unique. God’s heart is to reveal Himself to His children in ways that cause us to be so awe-filled, we can only respond with worship. 

I am a theologian with a pastor’s heart, and my seminary training affirmed my desire to bring the more profound truths of God’s attributes—the Doctrine of God is the more theological term—to other pastors, students, and the average church goer. In a tweeting, Instagramming world, we too easily deprive our minds of the headier, more fruitful ways of God’s Word. I want more for you. By committing to our time together this week, the reading of Scripture, and our study of some of the ancients of faith, a door may swing wide open for your transformation!

I was first arrested by God’s majesty in the work of John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin articulated so clearly and profoundly the majesty of God. With eyes freshly peeled, no longer was I “studying” God—as the label “theology” sometimes communicates. No, I was meeting the living God. 

But it didn’t stop there. Next was the discovery of Saint Augustine’s Confessions. My life would never be the same. Here was a man who had deep struggles with sin, fighting his flesh until he finally surrendered his life to God and trusted in Christ. The power, conviction, and clarity with which he differentiates between Creator and creature awakened me on an entirely new level.

Added to this was the profound influence of Anselm, 11th-century Archbishop of Canterbury. He asked questions no one else was asking including the central question, Is God the most perfect being? God’s perfection haunted me. What could it mean and how might it impact my life for His glory?

In what way have you experienced your awakening to the more profound things of God? If you haven’t, ask God to show you His perfections in a new way.