Steve Fowler, May 15-16

God has an intense desire for every person on earth to be reunited and reconciled to Him. Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just extend his hand and with his index finger pointed our way “zap” our world and make the world as He intended it to be?

It seems like an easy fix, and for many it seems like an appealing solution to all that is wrong in our world. But those wishing a fix of this nature misunderstand what God is trying to do.

Missiologist, John Criswell, reminds us that God has revealed himself as a relational being. At the heart of his redemption process is the reestablishment of a relationship with fallen humanity. When Jesus was on earth, he spent a full three years relating with twelve men in a very personal way (and a host of other men and women in a less focused way). If God zapped humanity into a redeemed relationship, the essence of a loving, personal friendship would be eliminated. This would be counter to God's relational nature. Since the estrangement was due to a broken relationship, the reconciliation process must also be relational; though at times it may appear harder and less efficient.

Thousands have enlisted in this great mission adventure down through the ages. The scriptures (Revelation 7:9) describe a throne room scene in which those gathered are from every tribe, nation and people. It’s a reunion of epic proportion that has been made possible by a Father who sent His Son. The entire world is invited. Admission is granted for those who have RSVP’d in Christ. We’ve been handed the privilege of relationally engaging the world and sharing the invitation to come.

Steve is Lead Pastor of Salem Alliance Church and was born in Hong Kong, China. He grew up in Asia and moved to the US to attend college. After 14 years in business, Steve followed a call to pastor. He has served churches in Washington and Hong Kong and has been in Salem since 2005. He is married to Trina, has four children and one son-in-law.