Knowing Jesus

Do you know Him? If not that is okay because you can come to know Him.

1. Hearing the Gospel (The Word of God):

• Scripture:  The Bible, particularly the New Testament, is considered the primary source for understanding who Jesus is, his teachings, his death, and his resurrection.  Reading and studying the Bible is often emphasized as a starting point.
• Preaching and Teaching:  Hearing the Gospel preached in churches, through evangelism, or in other settings is another common way people encounter Jesus.  This involves the explanation of the Bible and its message.
• Personal Testimony:  Hearing other people share their experiences of knowing Jesus can be influential and relatable.  These stories can make the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus more tangible.

2. The Work of the Holy Spirit:

• Conviction of Sin:  Many Christians believe that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in opening a person's eyes to their own sinfulness and their need for a savior. This conviction isn't about feeling guilty, but about recognizing the brokenness in one's life and the separation from God.
• Drawing to Christ:  It's often believed that the Holy Spirit draws people to Christ, enabling them to understand and accept the Gospel message.  This is seen as an act of grace, not something achieved by human effort alone.
• Illumination: The Holy Spirit is also believed to illuminate the Scriptures, helping people to understand their meaning and significance in relation to Jesus.

3. Responding in Faith:

• Repentance:  Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God.  It's a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior.
• Belief:  Faith in Jesus is central.  This involves believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of humanity, and that he rose again from the dead.
• Confession:  Publicly acknowledging Jesus as Lord is often seen as an important step of faith.
• Receiving Jesus:  This involves a conscious decision to invite Jesus into one's life and to accept his forgiveness and offer of eternal life.

4. Ongoing Relationship and Growth:

• Prayer:  Communication with God through prayer is seen as essential for developing a relationship with Jesus.
• Fellowship:  Connecting with other Christians through church and small groups provides support and encouragement in the Christian faith.
• Discipleship:  Growing in understanding and obedience to Jesus' teachings is a lifelong process.  This involves learning from the Bible, being accountable to other Christians, and serving others.

It's important to remember that this is a general overview, and individual experiences of coming to know Jesus can vary greatly.  Some people may have a dramatic conversion experience, while others may experience a gradual awakening of faith.  Ultimately, the Christian perspective is that knowing Jesus is a personal and transformative journey guided by the Holy Spirit.