Chapter 2

. . . And To Be Known

GETTING TO KNOW HIM

The Bible

With Christ in your heart, it takes time to get to know Him personally as with any friend and master. The primary way of knowing Him is through reading the Bible daily. To read the Bible without Christ is difficult. "But even unto this day, when Moses [the Bible] is read, the veil is upon their [the Jews who rejected Christ] heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away" (2 Cor. 3: 15 & 16). "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). The study of God's Word reveals how God has dealt with people in the past, which is similar today.

Prayer

Daily prayer is not once, but throughout the day. When you pray, not only do you let God know your needs, but you come into His presence first hand. His presence is the daily transforming power of God. Worshiping and loving Him daily makes you more sensitive to His Spirit, which enables you to be more responsive to Him.

Obedience

Knowing about Him and communing with Him by prayer, brings the most important step: obedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). It is only by obedience that depth in one's walk comes to pass. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14). It is in regular obedience in what you think is God, that you learn the true voice of God, since the enemy tries to trip us off the path of God. Experience teaches us the Lord's voice.

Community

Salvation is not a solo. We have been joined to the body of believers both here on Earth and in Heaven. We need to have regular companionship with other believers.. "He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Prov. 13:20). The source of fellow believers is found in the local congregations, para-church organizations, on the job and in your neighborhood. "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Heb. 10:24 & 25). Hearing from others how God is working in their lives, is an encouragement in understanding God in our own lives. Furthermore, Christ speaks to His body. If you are hearing God, then others will be hearing something similar. This brings confirmation in knowing that you are following God, and not your own imagination or the devil posing as God.

Evangelism

Walking with Christ is a natural part of your daily life. Have a readiness to tell others about the change that has occurred in your life. Telling others brings them to Christ, yet, ironically, brings you closer to Christ. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). It is in working for God that you experience the power and ways of God. This last means is the most fruitful experience of God. God will reveal Himself to you in ways that you will not know if you simply read, pray and fellowship with believers. To not witness is to be disobedient. So your relationship will suffer as a consequence.