Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields: Do You Know Jesus?
Do you Know Jesus, or do you Know Of Jesus? There is a difference. We know of Jesus. We celebrate his birth, we ponder on his life and death, we rejoice his resurrection and victory over death. But do we Know Him?
John 1: 1 states, "In the beginning the Word (Jesus) already existed. He was with God, and he was God. “
John 1: 10 it says, “But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted.”
Jesus was foretold to mankind since the beginning of time on earth. From Genesis forward over 350 prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah, Emmanuel, God with us.
We read about Jesus’ life on earth in the New Testament, his teachings, his miracles, his betrayal, his death and glorious Resurrection. All these things were written about him for our benefit and knowledge so that we may come to Know him, put our trust and faith in him, and at the end of our lives actually meet him.
John 3: 16 states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 17: “God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it. There is no judgement awaiting those who trust him, but those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. “
Jesus himself said in John 5: 24, "I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have passed from death into life. “
In Revelations 3:5 we read, “All who are victorious will be clothed in white, I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."
To know Jesus is to have faith in him, to believe he is the Son of God, he came to earth born of a virgin and was both God and man; he lived among us, taught us, healed us, did miracles, suffered in our place, was crucified on the cross for our sins for he was sinless. He was placed in the grave and by the power of the Holy Spirit, was raised to life again, so that we who believe may also be raised again to life.
We can all Know him. We can acknowledge that we have sinned (broke God's laws), ask God for forgiveness (tell God you're sorry), and ask Jesus to come into your life, entrust your life to him and ask him to save you.
1 John 1: 9 says, “God is faithful and just If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “
How about you? Do you 'Know' Jesus or just know about Jesus? Know Jesus today.
In 2 Corinthians 6: 12 we read, "As God's partners we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God's great kindness for God says, ‘At just the right time I heard you, on that day of Salvation I helped you. ’” Indeed God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of Salvation.
Do you Know Jesus?
Dear Father, please forgive sins. I trust in Jesus and ask him to forgive and
to live in my heart Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen
God Bless