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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.
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 shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
And God wants you to know him personally.
“ Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have 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.”
I Timothy 2:5a
Why do you think people are separated from God?
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.
This separation caused by sin created some severe problems.
Sins 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 judgment
“… 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
BUT… there is a solution.
Jesus Christ died and conquered death for you
We deserve death and judgment, 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
Does this make sense to you? Still it's not enough just to know this…
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 not by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
The “A, B, C's” of Faith involve:
A cknowledgement your need-admitting you have sinned and desiring toot urn from that sin (I John 1:8-9)
B elieving Jesus Christ died in your place and rose again to be your Savior-providing forgiveness for your sins (I Corinthians 15:3-4:17).
C hoosing to invite Christ 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
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?
If it does, you can pray right now and begin a new relationship with God.
If you have prayed this prayer, please call the church office, or email one of the Pastors from Brenneman to share the good news. Check for their email address on the Pastoral Staff page.
If you are unsure, what is keeping you from receiving Christ right now? If you have any questions feel free to talk to one of the Pastors at 534-1491.
The outline, message, and prayer is taken from the "Knowing God Personally" pamphlet
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