Want to know God?

Pintlala Baptist Church

For anyone desiring to know God, there is good news. Actually the news is quite surprising: God wants to be known! The Creator has taken steps to reveal Himself to those whom He has created. Motivated by an extreme, unconditional love for us, God has initiated opportunities to reveal Himself to everyone. Every divine initiative has found focus in the sending of God’s Son, Jesus. In the coming of Jesus, God imposed upon Himself the constraints of a human being while still being God. Want to know God? God has already made Himself known in the person of Jesus Christ.

To know God through Jesus involves trust. Not perfect trust; but simple trust is desired. God has spoken so persuasively in His Son that He keeps loving us even when trust is lacking. Trusting God for the gift of His friendship will make possible an incredible experience of grace. The following will be included:
– Forgiveness. To be put right with God is to experience the removal of a burden no one is capable of bearing. Effective living is impossible until one’s guilt is resolved. When Jesus died on the cross as our substitute, forgiveness was made available to us.

– Transformation. The process of spiritual change begins the moment we experience the grace of God. The capacity of growth in the area of becoming like Jesus Christ is part of the gift of God’s friendship.

– Guidance. God’s Spirit and God’s Word will become invaluable in charting one’s course through life. God’s forever friendship means that He will never abandon us and will direct the steps of those who are devoted to His plan.

– Heaven. Because death was conquered by the resurrection of Jesus, it is no longer strong enough to separate us from God, who loves us. Heaven can be experienced in small, finite ways now. Such foretastes prepare us for a much more glorious experience. Eternal life begins as soon as Jesus is trusted, but it becomes full-blown beyond death or this age.

The chance to know God, to enjoy His transforming friendship, is a gift to be received, not a goal to be achieved. This friendship cannot be earned. It is an extravagant gift.