It is possible to know God personally...
In fact, the very reason God created us is so that we might know Him personally.
But...to many people, God seems very far away, distant, and impersonal.
Obviously there is a problem...
Point 1: God's love and our need
The Bible teaches that God loves you.
"For God so loved the world...that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
And...God wants you to know him personally
"Now this is eternal life, that men may know Him the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." John 17:3
but...People are separated from God and His love
"God is on one side and all the people on the other side..." 1 Timothy 2:5a
Point 2: The reality of our sinfulness
The Bible says our sins have separated us from God...
"Your sins have made a separation between you and your God..." Isaiah 59:2
"All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
God created us to know and love Him. But people chose to go their own way and that relationship with God was broken. (Romans 1:19-21)
This attitude and its results are what the Bible calls sin.
Point 3: Sin causes us to...
Miss God's very best for our life:
"Jesus said...'I came that you might have life and have it to the full.'" John 10:10
Face death and judgement:
"For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
"...those who do not know God...will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord." II Thessalonians 1:8-9
Point 4: Jesus Christ died and conquered death for you
We deserve death and judgement, but Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, so that we could have a personal relationship with God.
"God is on one side and all the people on the other side and Jesus Christ is between them to bring them together by giving His life for all mankind." I Timothy 2:5
Jesus is the way to God.
"Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God except through me.'" John 14:6
Point 5: Each of us by faith must receive Jesus Christ if we want to know God
"To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God." John 1:12
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8
The "ABCs" of faith involve:
*Acknowledging your need - admitting you have sinned and desiring to turn from that sin (1 John 1:8-9)
*Believing Jesus Christ died in your place and rose again to be your Savior - providing forgiveness for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4:17).
*Choosing to invite Christ to direct your life.
Your desire to have a personal relationship with God, can be expressed through a simple prayer like this...
Dear Lord, I want to know You personally. I am willing, with your help, to turn from my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus who died in my place and rose again to be my Savior. come into my life and lead me. Amen.
What happens when you receive Christ into your life?
If you have begun a relationship with God, knowing Him personally, the Bible promises:
from the Knowing God Personally booklet, copyright Sonlife Classic
In fact, the very reason God created us is so that we might know Him personally.
But...to many people, God seems very far away, distant, and impersonal.
Obviously there is a problem...
Point 1: God's love and our need
The Bible teaches that God loves you.
"For God so loved the world...that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
And...God wants you to know him personally
"Now this is eternal life, that men may know Him the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." John 17:3
but...People are separated from God and His love
"God is on one side and all the people on the other side..." 1 Timothy 2:5a
Point 2: The reality of our sinfulness
The Bible says our sins have separated us from God...
"Your sins have made a separation between you and your God..." Isaiah 59:2
"All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
God created us to know and love Him. But people chose to go their own way and that relationship with God was broken. (Romans 1:19-21)
This attitude and its results are what the Bible calls sin.
Point 3: Sin causes us to...
Miss God's very best for our life:
"Jesus said...'I came that you might have life and have it to the full.'" John 10:10
Face death and judgement:
"For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
"...those who do not know God...will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord." II Thessalonians 1:8-9
Point 4: Jesus Christ died and conquered death for you
We deserve death and judgement, but Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, so that we could have a personal relationship with God.
"God is on one side and all the people on the other side and Jesus Christ is between them to bring them together by giving His life for all mankind." I Timothy 2:5
Jesus is the way to God.
"Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God except through me.'" John 14:6
Point 5: Each of us by faith must receive Jesus Christ if we want to know God
"To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God." John 1:12
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8
The "ABCs" of faith involve:
*Acknowledging your need - admitting you have sinned and desiring to turn from that sin (1 John 1:8-9)
*Believing Jesus Christ died in your place and rose again to be your Savior - providing forgiveness for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4:17).
*Choosing to invite Christ to direct your life.
Your desire to have a personal relationship with God, can be expressed through a simple prayer like this...
Dear Lord, I want to know You personally. I am willing, with your help, to turn from my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus who died in my place and rose again to be my Savior. come into my life and lead me. Amen.
What happens when you receive Christ into your life?
If you have begun a relationship with God, knowing Him personally, the Bible promises:
- Christ comes into your life. Revelation 3:20
- You become a child of God. John 1:12
- Your sins are forgiven. Colossians 1:14
- You have eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13
- You begin the adventure of knowing God personally. Philippians 3:8
from the Knowing God Personally booklet, copyright Sonlife Classic