Or you may be thinking, I should answer, because I was baptized, because I obeyed the gospel...

There is one answer that I believe applies to all. I am a Christian finally, not because of any of the factors above, although all may have contributed. The truth is that we are Christians because God has taken the initiative in this world and we are recipients of his love and mercy and grace. God in his Son Jesus Christ has pursued us relentlessly. We have tried to go our own way, but he has continually called us.

The biblical picture is that of a shepherd. No picture is any more closely connected to grace than that of a shepherd. Shepherds give to the undeserving. They go after the helpless. Jesus is the good shepherd, John 10. Lost sheep must be found, Luke 15. The Lord is my shepherd, Ps. 23. The word "follow" toward the end of the Psalm is forceful--"goodness and mercy have hunted me, haunted me, dogged my steps all the days of my life." This is pursuit, patient, purposeful, affectionate, but relentless.

God has taken the initiative so that I might be a Christian. Every step of the way has been by his grace. He made me--creative grace. He sustains me--he protects me--he continually gives me life--he comforts, consoles, guides, directs--all by grace. All by his initiative.

I want to look at the lives of five people in tonight's lesson. One of these people we learn about in the Bible. Two others are a part of church history--one from the early Christian community in the fourth century, the other more contemporary. Finally, two of these people are yet alive today. These five are Paul, Augustine, C. S. Lewis, you and me.

Paul
Conversion celebrated. Some would seek a sudden conversion, a Damascus road experience. Saul's conversion was not sudden. Yes, the light was sudden, he fell to the ground suddenly, Jesus spoke, but this was not the first time: Acts 26:14. Goads is spurs or whips. Prov. 26:3. Jesus says his relationship with Paul has been like a farmer training a milk-cow to the stanchion, a horse-trainer breaking in a colt, Jesus was pursuing, prodding, pricking Saul. Saul resisted the pressure, and it was hard.

I suggest to you that Jesus is likewise pursuing you, even when you resist. Consider some possible parallels.

Augustine
We are not historians. Born in North Africa (today's Algeria), in mid-4th c. In teens, already leading dissolute, promiscuous life, enslaved by passions. Augustine attributed this experience to grace. Two men--400 years apart.

C. S. Lewis
Some know of Lewis, many have heard name, he expresses this sense of divine pursuit. Even before his adult conversion, Lewis knew God was after him. In autobiographical Surprised by Joy (Stott--27-28)

Brother Bob
You do not know me well, so you have to take my word when I claim that God's grace has been active in my life--guiding, directing, overwhelming, correcting, teaching, instructing...

To close, as we think about God's initiative of grace in our lives, you will pardon me if I tell a little of my story. I look back now over almost 6 decades, and I still wonder why I have been so marvelously blessed. I know more each day it was not my upbringing nor my own personal abilities nor my own personal sensitivity nor decision. It was not my independent choice. It was Christ knocking at my door, drawing attention to his presence.