Most people know something about Jesus, if you don’t I’d recommend starting with my article WHO IS JESUS or my book, the “AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST”, but we all can use some help in finding out how to Know Jesus. What’s the best way to start?
I think the best answer comes from Jesus Himself: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: – Matthew 7:7 Wow! What could be simpler? And Jesus follows up with a wonderful promise: For everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Matthew 7:8 “Come unto Me,” Jesus invites; He wants us to know Him. The Bible says that “Whosoever will may come” (Revelation 22:17). Let’s help one another learn how to know Jesus more and more. He has helped me know Him better in these seven ways:
1. Praying
Praying is simply asking, seeking, and knocking. This simple prayer has been used by millions:
Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
The words aren’t nearly as important as your heart’s desire to know Him. Many times each day I pray: Lord Jesus, be with me now!
2. Reading the Bible
The Bible is the Word of God, written by believers inspired by the Spirit of God. It is life-giving: Moses and Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” – Matthew 4:4.
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” Jesus in John 7:38
3. Listening to the Word
Listening to the Word of God is essential for faith: faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. St. Paul in Romans 10:17
FAITH is essential in getting to know Jesus: But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3
4. Finding and Becoming a Community of Believers
We cannot know Jesus fully apart from other believers. He instructs and promises: Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -Matthew 18:20, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one Hebrews 10:25
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone member one of another. – St. Paul in Romans 12:5
You’ve already made a start at this by reading this blog article, but you are welcome to join along on Facebook with our community of believers
5. Studying Christian History
Someone has called history “HIS story,” and this is so. We find it in the Bible, the earliest and best account of the beginning of our world. But also in the WORK OF CHRISTIAN HISTORIANS throughout the ages, honest believers in Jesus, the Gospel and testimony of His people.
It is important to read history written by believers, like G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and Paul Johnson, who accept and honor the Bible as the authoritative word of God and affirm its inerrancy. Shun the unbelievers who attack the Bible and Jesus.
6. Enjoying Christian Literature and Music
The very best literature and music of all time have been created by believers. The Divine Comedy, by Dante, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, and poetry of John Donne, Wm. Cowper, T.S. Eliot, and W.H. Auden are near the top of the list. The music of J.S. Bach is entirely Christ-centered, as are the hymns of Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and Fanny Crosby. Contemporary musicians like Chris Tomlin and Shane & Shane will also help you know Jesus better.
7. Seeing Him in Your Circumstances and Life
As we get to know Jesus better, we see His hand in our lives.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. – Psalm 37:23
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Next Steps: Beginning to Know Jesus Better
I would like to walk with you over the next few weeks, digging a little deeper into each of the seven steps that will help us both get to know Jesus better. Starting this Sunday, for seven days, I’ll post a word of encouragement, and challenge on my FACEBOOK PAGE that goes with each one of these disciplines.
But in the meantime, if you feel stuck at the beginning, remember these words from St. Paul: He be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; – Acts 17:27-28
And most assuring of all is this promise from Jesus Himself:
“Lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
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