The Radical Call to Draw Near to God - Ps Matt Wyatt
DRAW NEAR TO GOD | A Sermon from James 4:7–10 (NKJV) | Manningham Christian Centre "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8 What does it actually mean to draw near to God? It sounds simple — even romantic. But James, the half-brother of Jesus and one of the early church's most practical voices, makes it clear that drawing near is not passive. It's not a feeling. It's a posture, a pursuit, and a daily decision. In this message we unpack James 4:7–10 across three powerful movements: ▶ POINT 1 — Drawing Near Requires Recognizing Who God Is Before nearness comes submission. Before closeness comes a reckoning with the holiness of God — and the breathtaking reality that this same holy God made a way to bring you close through the cross. ▶ POINT 2 — Drawing Near Requires Honest Hands and an Undivided Heart James confronts the "double-minded" believer — the one trying to hold God in one hand and the world in the other. The distance you feel from God isn't because He has moved. It's because you're trying to stand in two places at once. ▶ POINT 3 — Drawing Near Is an Active, Ongoing Pursuit James says "draw near" — not "arrive." This is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. Like any relationship that matters, closeness with God grows through consistent, intentional pursuit. And the promise is clear: He will draw near to you. 📖 KEY SCRIPTURES • James 4:7–10 • Hebrews 11:6 • Jeremiah 29:13 • John 15:4 • Matthew 11:28–30 • Proverbs 8:17 • Psalm 63:1 • Psalm 145:18 💬 PERSONAL CHALLENGES FROM THIS MESSAGE 1. Before your prayer time this week, spend two minutes simply acknowledging who God is — before requests, before anything else. 2. Identify the one area of your life where you've been most double-minded and bring it to God as a genuine act of trust. 3. Choose one small, daily practice of drawing near — and stay consistent. If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe to support this ministry. Leave a comment below — we'd love to hear how God is speaking to you. Are you a visual learner? Please visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCnME-3H4/aF5KqCqJF-X9LYvN7JZFew/view?utm_content=DAHCnME-3H4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h90c2ccb2f7 for sermon slides. 🏠 MANNINGHAM CHRISTIAN CENTRE We are a community of believers passionate about authentic faith, genuine worship, and practical Christian living. 📍 Visit us: www.manninghamcc.org 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a new message from Manningham Christian Centre. #DrawNearToGod #BookOfJames #James4 #Sermon #BibleTeaching #ChristianFaith #SundaySermon #NKJV #Faith #Prayer #HolySpirit #Discipleship #ChurchOnline #ManninghamChristianCentre