Believe Jesus? Or Know Jesus?

September 3, 2018/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.

John 14:7 (NLT)

My summer was crazy exciting, but I strayed from blogging. The fall routine has arrived and I’m bursting with inspirational thoughts! I don’t know where to begin so I’ll start with Jesus.

I love Jesus and I came to this love by discussing scripture in a small group. I believed in Him my whole life, but my belief didn’t make an impact on my life until I came to know and love Him.

What’s the difference between believing and knowing? Everything.

Belief is a head thing. A decision. We decide Jesus is the Son of God and sign on to follow (most of) His teachings as a good person should.

We don’t follow the ones that are hard or don’t make sense. Many are completely counter-intuitive. They seem unreasonable. We feel vulnerable. We don’t understand why His way is a good idea. But we’re good people because we love others like Jesus did.

Knowing Jesus is understanding His heart. Absorbing every detail of the stories about Him to discover why He modeled humility and abhorred hypocrisy, touched the outcast and insulted the powerful, eagerly taught the hungry crowds but stormed out of the Temple. Jesus is a real person. Not a set of rules.

When we get to know the complete person of Jesus, His teaching makes more sense. Opening our hearts to see the world through Jesus’ eyes leads to transformed attitudes and perspectives. We follow Jesus because we want to, not because we should.

I learned the difference between believing and knowing by reading and discussing the Bible in a small group. Every ah-ha thrilled me as I pieced together the big picture and discovered rich, personal meaning in familiar stories. I had tried reading scripture on my own. I had signed up for online studies but never finished. The assignment and discussion made all the difference.

The shift from believing in Jesus to knowing Him is when transformation occurs! (tweet this)

How can you seek the heart of Jesus?

#SeedsofScripture #Jesus #Biblestudy #JustDoIt #SmallGroupStudy #theheartofJesus

Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.

Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.