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how can I know God? In recent surveys of people in Britain about 60-70% claim a belief in God, but when asked further questions, far fewer were confident in saying who that God might be. Many people would not describe themselves as religious, but would like to believe in God and know who he is. Jesus of Nazareth, once said in John’s gospel chapter 10 verse 14 to 15, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” As followers of Jesus Christ we believe that God can be known, and has revealed Himself uniquely in the person of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul, an early follower of Jesus, said this about him in one of his letters that we find in the New Testament, “He is the image of the invisible God.” Colossians 1:15 The first Christians, many of whom were devout Jews, recognised Jesus to be “God in the flesh”, and they worshipped him as God. Yet they affirmed their Jewish belief that God is one, yet at the same time three persons, God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately there is something which separates us from God The bible teaches that something called sin, which is rebellion against God, has cut us off from God, and prevents us from knowing him. Sin makes us God’s enemies. Many people today are unaware of what sin is. What counts as sin, and what doesn’t count? The ‘Ten Commandments’ were given by God to Moses, who led the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt. See Exodus 20. To break the commandments was considered sin. Jesus went even further than the commandments in his teaching in Matthew’s gospel chapter 5, when he says that we can sin in our thoughts not just our actions. An example of this is Matt 5:27-30, where Jesus says, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’, but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The apostle Paul was often quite specific in listing the kinds of things that cut people off from God, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissentions, divisions , envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not enter the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 These things reflect our rebellion against the God who made us, and they act as a barrier between us and God. So what can break down this barrier that separates us from God? As a young man of 33 years old, Jesus was executed on a Roman cross. The bible teaches that through his death, we are put right with God, and makes it possible for us to know him. This happens when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, turn away from our sin, and start living God’s way. The apostle Paul says this in his letter to the Romans 5:8-10, “..God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled , shall we be saved by his life.” What are the benefits of knowing God? When we turn away from a life of sin and living for ourselves, and turn to God, believing in Christ and living God’s way, be begin a new life. Jesus himself described it this way, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. When we begin this new life, we are no longer under the wrath of God, and he gives to us the gift of eternal life. See Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This gift of eternal life is given to us, because Jesus has risen from the dead. He also gives us his Holy Spirit, which is God dwelling within us. God’s Spirit, helps us to follow the way of Christ, and gives gifts to each believer for the good of the church. See Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 When we receive Christ, God calls us his son, or his daughter. John 1:12, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in the His name, he gave the right to become children of God.” And so when we become God’s children, we have brothers and sisters who also follow Christ. This group of followers of Christ called the church, which is made up of all who believe in Christ and follow him. Baptism in water is a an outward sign that you now belong to Christ, that he has washed you from your sins, and you wish to follow him. The Lord’s Supper(or communion) is a meal of bread and wine that Christians share together, which is a sign of our God’s continuing grace in our lives, giving thanks for Jesus death and resurrection. When we follow Christ, God gives us a new purpose and mission in life. Jesus’ last words to his disciples’ was this, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” Every Christian is called to be a disciple, but they are also called to make disciples. Christ calls us to make his name known among all peoples. We are also challenged to bring glory to God in our lives and through our work, “Whatever you do, do for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 So would you like to know God? As a teenager, I was searching for God. I had heard the bible stories since I was a child, I was very religious and went to church every week, and yet I did not know God. One day I heard an English preacher called Dick Saunders share the gospel of Christ, in a clear and simple way that I could understand. I realised for the first time in my life that my heart was utterly sinful, regardless of how religious I was. I confessed my sin to God and asked God to forgive me and cleanse me from my sin. I acknowledged that Jesus Christ was the only one who could save me. I felt clean inside and had a great sense of the peace of God, and an assurance of His forgiveness. I started a new life with God from that day on, and it’s been a great adventure. Life brings its ups and downs, and that has been no different in my experience, but God has always been there. There have been times when I have been disobedient and failed him, but God remains merciful and faithful. I have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in my life who has sustained me and has affirmed his word. Following Jesus Christ, has been the best decision I have ever made. If you are not yet a follower of Jesus Christ, I urge you to seriously consider it. You may ask, how do I start to follow Christ? 1) First, acknowledge before God that you have sinned and rebelled against him and make a decision to turn away from a lifestyle of sin and turn back to God. 2) Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and God alone, and that through his death on the cross your sins are forgiven and that through his resurrection from the dead, you have received the gift of eternal life. Ask God to forgive you, and be open to receive his mercy and grace. Know that from today you start a new life with Jesus, that you are born again. 3) Ask God to fill you with his Spirit every day. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer and will help you to live as a disciple of Jesus. Get plugged in to a good bible believing church and attend on a Sunday. Being part of a home group can be a great way to grow in your faith, so if your local church has these groups, try and go along to one of them. If you haven’t been baptised, then you need to be baptised. Ask your local minister or pastor about this. Get some good bible reading notes to help you to develop good habits, in daily bible reading and prayer. Find a mature Christian who can help guide you on your journey with Christ. If you want to find out more about how you can know God and follow Jesus Christ, you can contact me at the email below, or why not click on the presentation below which may also help you. Two ways to live - http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/index.asp Rev Francis Murphy
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