GETTING TO KNOW GOD

"That I may know him..." - Philippians 3:10

The subject of musical styles has created a lot of divisions among American Christians.  This message will not address the controversy about music styles.  However, I do want to mention that, personally, I love old-fashioned Southern Gospel music --- especially shape note convention music.  I also love the old hymns.  I must confess that some of the hymns may need a little improvement on the musical composition, but the lyrics are often theologically sound.  Here's one of the old hymns I grew up singing:

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

There is a tendency for us to be self-centered.  Even as Christians, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking that the Christian life is all about ourselves.  The reality is that the Christian life is all about knowing God and walking with Him.  My last two blog messages have focused upon walking with the Lord.  One aspect of this journey is the experience of knowing God intimately. 

I believe that most Christians know God on a superficial level and never grow to know Him intimately.  We want God to work out our problems, but we never mature to the point of knowing more about Him.  There are some believers who simply want "an experience," but never show a desire to know truth.  Many want deliverance so they can live carefree, independent lives. 

We are commanded to love God.  To know Him is to love Him.  The more we know about Him, the better we love Him.  The better we know Him, the more we trust Him.  Thus, it is imperative for us to know Him better.

Although much could be written on this subject, I want to focus on the most important way we know Him better.  God has revealed Himself to us through His Word.  We learn more about God as we read His Book, the Bible.

While the Bible gives us insight about life and ourselves, it is also a book that reveals much about its Author.  God is the Author of the Bible.  Although the Bible may give us encouragement, help and inspiration, its primary purpose is to help us know the truth about God.

If you watch TV talk shows (and I don't), you'll find that individuals are not shy about sharing their beliefs and opinions --- even about God.  It is not uncommon to hear people say things like, "The God I believe in would never send anyone to hell..." or "The God I believe in is a God of love and never condemns anyone."  Such nonsense may impress an unbelieving audience but it really does nothing but reveal the ignorance of those who say such things.

How do we know who God is?  How do we separate truth from fiction?  How do we know who is right and who is wrong about spiritual matters?  The answer is simple.  We must go to the Bible. 

Sadly, sometimes preachers stray from the truth of God's Word, misleading many.  False doctrine and even heresy exists among those who claim allegiance to Christ. 

We need to read the Bible with an open mind and a sincere heart.  If we approach the Scriptures with a preconceived agenda, we risk falling into the trap of compromise.  It is often difficult to push aside the things we've heard and believed for years and simply read the Bible with integrity. 

The more we know about God, the less we'll trust in our own feeble efforts.  The more we know about Him, the less we'll be enticed by worldly influences. 

God, whose presence fills the pages of the Bible, will fill your heart as you sincerely learn of Him through His Word.

Open your Bible and open your heart.