(Knowing God?)

I don’t mean just knowing about God.  Let’s face it, anybody can sit down with a book and do a study about God and learn about God.

I’m talking about knowing God in a close personal way…the kind of knowing that comes from relationship.

So how’s it done?

Well, some of it’s our part and some is God’s.

For instance, in the Bible it says, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

Step One — Seeking

Our part is to genuinely, honestly, sincerely, truthfully seek (call upon) God.

Now — picture yourself walking through a forest.  You’re looking for someone (God) and calling out their name.  You have no idea where they  are so you are calling out loudly.  (You really want to find them.)  Suddenly, the one you are seeking  steps out from behind a tree, right beside you! — The Lord is near to all who call to Him.

God’s part is to be there…  to respond.  Contrary to what some people think God is not playing a game of cosmic hide and seek.   He WANTS us to find Him.  You find God — God finds you – step one complete.

Step Two — Getting to Know God

According to the Bible mankind was designed to know God.  So how is it that we lost touch?

Again, the Bible tells us that our sins separate us from God.  (Sins are offences committed according to what God says are right or wrong.)

No one ever likes to admit they’ve done something bad — but let’s be honest – we’ve all been there.

What’s that you say?  You’re not as bad as some people?

I’m sure that’s true, but for now, never mind everybody else, look into your own heart.  Is there anything there, past or present that God might not like?  The sin you find there will keep you from fully knowing God.

To get to know God you’ll have to confess (admit) to God that you’ve done wrong (and you know it).  Then, ask God to forgive your sin.  God WILL forgive your sin.  His Son Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world — even yours.  Many people do not know that this is a free gift — available to all who receive it.  AND many people do know this and have already had their sins forgiven.

Let’s Review

- call out to God

- admit you are a sinner

- ask God to forgive your sins

Step Next

To get to know God you’ve got to start to “move” in His direction.  Let’s face it, doing our own thing is what got us separated from God in the first place.

The next step in the right direction with God is to “receive” His Son Jesus as your personal Saviour.

Picture Jesus standing outside your house (heart).  He’s knocking.  He wants to come in and be part of your life.  Go ahead — invite Him in!  You really can know God if you invite Him into your life.

God WILL forgive your sin.  His Son Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world — even yours.  Many people do not know that this is a free gift — available to all who receive it.

WARNING!

Going God’s way means changing some of your ways.

Think about it.  You’ll never get to know God if you’re going in a different direction from Him.    “Turning” from your sins is called repentance and following God is what a life of faith is all about.

Is there any reason why you should wait to enter into a relationship with a God who loves you?

Here’s a prayer to get you started.

Dear God, I want to know You.

I admit, I am a sinner, please forgive me.

Jesus, I need You in my life.  Please come into my heart and live there always.