(Further reflections on “Two Questions”—Sunday 12-Nov-2023)
Knowing Jesus is not merely informational, but intimately relational and ultimately transformational.
If knowing Jesus happens at the information level, then believing in Jesus merely happens at being a ‘fan’ of Him. This means, He’s interesting and I follow Him on ‘social media’, but would never be able to talk to Him even online.
If knowing Jesus happens at the relational level, then believing in Jesus happens by being a ‘friend’ of Him. This means, He knows you and you know Him. You have knowledge of His word. You hear His voice through reading of His word and you talk to Him through prayer. You fellowship with others who are also friends of Jesus. And you will tell those who don’t know Him.
Now one caveat remains. If knowing Jesus already happens at both informational and relational level, but not seeing any transformation, then one must examine one's repentance and obedience. Because, true repentance changes the path of one’s life. This means, a change in direction (180 degrees), turning away from the ungodly path, and turning toward Christ. True obedience puts one’s life into transformational journey with Jesus Christ and His great commission.
Now what? First, ask yourself, “Do I really know Jesus?” Then go ask your (not-yet-believing) friends, “Do you know Jesus?” If they say, ‘yes’, then you will further explore at which level they are at. And if they say, ‘no’ then likely they will ask, “Who is Jesus” or even more blatantly, “Why do I need to know Him?” Either way, you will have a good opportunity to tell them not just some information about Jesus, but also your relationship with Him, and how your life has been transformed. It is my hope and prayer that our ‘knowing Jesus’ does not stay at the informational level, but move to the relational one, and gear toward transformational path. Amen.
—
Pastor Lap
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