Knowing God, part 1

A few weeks back, in a blog article we saw a Happiness Equation. It asserts that the road to a happy life, or having joy begins with getting to know God. This leads to the question, “How does one get to know God?”

First, a man has to believe there is God, and that he’s not Him. And without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who comes to God (gets to know Him) must believe that He is (exists) and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

The creation tells us there must be a powerful God. “because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

Still, many people, not wanting to be accountable to a higher power, reject the idea of God. The bible verse Psalm 14 tells of the special Holiday for atheists on April 1^st. ‘The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” There is no one who does good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.’ Psalm 14:1 (April Fools Day)

But which of man’s religions points to the true God, and what is He like? The bible asserts that Jesus, is God, and the best and only true way to get to know Him. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

The good news is that God wants a relationship with man. He wants to reveal himself to us. Jesus came to be known, and wants us to get to know Him. “Here I am! I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Getting to know God then begins with a heartfelt desire to seek a relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Next time: Pursuing God

Locked and Loaded

(Having your sword at your side ready to defend and do battle for the kingdom…)

God's word describes the Bible as being alive and powerful, and as the sword of the Spirit. When Nehemiah and the boys were rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem, they had their swords in one hand and were working with the other. If you are attacked, or if you need to do battle, having your Bible back on the shelf at home won't do you much good. We need the sword in the scabbard at our side. We need our gun loaded and in our holster. We need key passages of God's Word in our minds and hearts, ready to go. As Christian ambassadors and soldiers, we need to be "locked and loaded."

1. I John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God (Jesus) so that you may know that you have eternal life. “ I John 5:11-13

2. II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! “ II Corinthians 5:17

3. I Peter 5:8-9 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8-9

4. I Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” I Corinthians 10:13

5. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

6. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxius about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

7. I Peter 3:15-16 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” I Peter 3:15-16

8. II Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16

9. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

10. Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

11. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

12. I Chronicles 29:11-12 “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. I Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” I Chronicles 29:11-12

13. I Corinthians 7:24 “Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.” I Corinthians 7:24

14. II Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” II Timothy 2:2