GETTING TO KNOW JESUS

One of the most important thing for this ministry is to introduce you to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I’m not talking about reading a book and knowing facts about this person. Rather, I’m talking about a personal, intimate relationship with God.

It is only through Jesus (the Christ, the Son of God) that we are able to be reconciled with God and receive the blessings that God so wants to give us (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)! The Almighty God wants to re-establish a relationship with us but there is a problem because the unrighteous (i.e. everyone who failed to live up to God’s perfect standard) cannot stand in the presence of the Righteous God. It would be far too holy and intimidating for anyone to do so! In fact, just a glimpse of God’s glory caused the Israelites to shudder in fear and begged Moses to be their representative in front of God (Exodus 20:18-19).

So God in His infinite wisdom and love (John 3:16), sent Jesus, His only Son, to take away our sins (i.e. failure to live by God’s standard). Jesus exchanged His perfect righteousness for our unrighteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) and ultimately received the punishment that our unrighteousness deserved, death (Romans 6:23). Then God, in order to show that He had accepted what Jesus did for us, raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25).

So how do we come to know God personally and intimately? By turning our hearts back to Him (i.e. repentance), loving Him with everything we have, confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus promised He will send the Holy Spirit to come and live in those who love Him. The Holy Spirit becomes our Helper and Counselor (John 14:15-18). This is the Spirit of God Himself, coming to live in us and always being with us 24/7 giving us guidance and help. We can talk to Him anytime, anywhere and for any reason because He will always be there with us! That is how we can come to know God more.

If you desire this kind of intimacy with God, just start talking to Him (i.e. prayer) and He will hear you. One way to start is to say this prayer:

My heavenly Father, I recognized that I have not loved you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind and that I have not followed all of your commands. I ask for Your forgiveness based upon what Jesus did on the cross for my sins. I accept Him as my Savior and the Lord of my life. Please send Your Holy Spirit to come and live in me, to continue to teach me more about You, and to guide me in living a life of righteousness. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!