Friendship With God - Message #142

What does it mean to know God? It's not popular to put it this way, but knowing God depends upon God's prior knowledge of you. The apostle Paul tells Christians, "You have come to know God, or rather to be known by God" (Galatians 4:9). Paul wants to make sure we realize that to be known by God is of utmost importance.

In another place, Paul says, "If anyone loves God, he is known by Him" (1 Corinthians 8:3). This is amazing. It seems that really loving God also depends upon God's prior knowledge of us. Being known by God also carries with it eternal significance. Jesus exclaims, "Not every one who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:22). Why? Won't casual confession of "Christ as Lord" (Romans 10:9) be of benefit at the judgment? Apparently not. Christ's response could be, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). You need to be known by God.

You need to be known by God as a friend. Abraham "was called the friend of God" (James 2:23). God revealed Himself to His friend Abraham. What a wonderful way to get to know God. Will God disclose Himself to you? He has taken the first step by revealing Himself in Jesus Christ. You need to investigate this Jesus as revealed by God in the Bible.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow Voice message and free tapes: 1-800-777-0389 [USA] Or order your free tapes online. Visit Dr. Prutow's site.