John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.

God’s deepest desire in sending Jesus to die for our sins is to restore intimate relationship with His children, you and I.  

The fall of much of the Church in recent times has been due to formulas and religious practices that have no ability in themselves to truly heal and change a human heart.  What God is offering to us, throughout the Scriptures, is to know Him.  The Greek word for “know” used in these verses in John, is the same word that is used when describing intimacy between a man and woman in marriage.  God wants us to “KNOW” Him, have a deep personal relationship with Him. If you reread the verses above, and the Scripture in general, and shed your western-rational world view, you will see this again and again and again.  Salvation is not like going to the DMV and getting your registration or license. No, the image in Scripture is that of marriage, a deep intimate relationship with another person.  God has given great truth, wonderful community in the Church and His Spirit living inside us all with the hope of our response.  “Papa God, Father…I love you”.

I encourage  you today to see all your Bible reading, prayers and disciplines in a new light.  These truths and practices are tools that God has given us to lead us into His presence. Let me give you a couple of practical encouragements on building actual relationship with Jesus.  

1. Make one of your regular prayers a simple request, “Father God, help me to know You more.”

2. Make one of your regular practices be thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving, for specific things, is one of the best ways to connect personally with God.

3. Take time to rejoice always.  Identify all the good things around you God is doing, giving, affecting and then celebrate them with Him.

Oh Father, my Father, please help us all to fall deeply in love with You!