Want to know God?

First Baptist Church, Anniston 

If people want to know God they must come to grips with the question, “What is sin?” This is a basic question that begs an answer. The reason I say this is found in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ died to save us from our sins. He brings forgiveness, love, acceptance and hope, qualities that we desperately need. He helps us know how we fit into God’s plan for His kingdom on earth and the Kingdom in eternity. In other words, God gives purpose to life itself.

So what is sin? Sin is anything that distracts us from God. We talk about sin in our world by identifying things people do that are against God’s teachings. One example identifies sin as breaking one of God’s 10 Commandments. Sin — being distracted from God — causes those choices. Thus those choices are the result of sin. Look in Genesis 3 to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent enticed Adam and Eve to be distracted from God. The result was the choice of taking the fruit of the forbidden tree.

Look at Philippians 4:4 and 8, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. … Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Think about Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When God is our focus, God is first in all things. We then live as God wants us to live. Allow me to put Romans 5:8 into my words: God loves you so much and wants you to be a part of His family; even though we were too busy to think about Him, God still sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us. When we are ready to focus on God, first and foremost, the path will be ready for us to know Him through Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son so we would not become distracted.

Want to know God? Make Him your focus.