How to Know God

Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing the answer to the question “why?” They exist year after year with no idea of why they live or what God’s purpose is for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is, “What is the meaning of my life?”
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways to find fulfillment.

• Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
• Some look for happiness through experiences.
• Some look for happiness in pleasure.
• Some look for happiness by seeking prestige or power.
• Some look for happiness through accomplishments and success.

But real happiness comes in discovering and understanding the purpose for your life.

Why am I here?

God has made us in order to love us. The Bible says,

“Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ…because of His love, God has already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children. This was God’s pleasure and purpose.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)

We were created to enjoy a personal relationship with God and experience eternal life. Jesus said,

“I am come in order that you might have life – life in all of its fullness.” (John 10:10)

When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives, it produces tremendous benefits, such as…

…a clear conscience…purpose…confidence…power and strength…freedom…life and peace…help with weakness…security…and fulfillment.

This is the kind of lifestyle that God intends for us to live. Why then aren’t most people happy? What is the problem?

Individuals have a natural desire to be their own boss and to ignore God’s principles for living. They have an attitude that conveys, “Look our for number one!,” “Do your own thing,” “If it feels good, do it,” and “It’s my life and I’ll do what I please.”

The Bible calls this attitude sin.

The Bible says,

“All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to our own way.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Sin breaks our relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and to try to live our own lives outside of His will.

The Bible says,

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

When people have problems, they often try many different ways of coping before turning to God. Even when we know our deepest need is God, we often try wrong ways of getting to know Him.

“My mother or father was a Christian.”
“It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.”
“I’ll give up all of my bad habits.”
“I’ll work really hard to do good things and earn God’s acceptance.”
“I’ll be religious and attend church.”
So what’s the solution?

Jesus said,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6)

God Himself came to earth as a human being to bring us back to Himself. If any other way would have worked, Jesus would not have had to come. The way to God is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth and died on the cross to take care of our sin problem.

The Bible says,

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

God has already done his part. So what does He want me to do?

First, admit that God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sin.

The Bible says,

“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” (1 John 1:9)

Next, believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose again on Easter and is alive today.

The Bible says,

“If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Third, accept God’s free gift of eternal life. Don’t try to earn it. Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do. It comes on the basis of what Jesus has already done.

The Bible says,

“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Finally, invite Jesus to come into your life to be the director, or Lord of your life.

The Bible says,

“To all who receive Him, he gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn…not a physical rebirth, but from the will of God.” (John 1:12-13)

You can take these steps through a prayer of commitment to Christ. There is nothing magical in the words. They are here to help you express the sincere desire of your heart.

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize that I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow as a Christian.
Amen

Welcome to the Family of God! You’ve just made the most important decision that one can make in life. We’d like to share with you how you can begin to grow in your new faith.

If you have questions, or would simply like to share your commitment with us, please email us at info@ashworthroadbc.com. May God bless you today!