Education. Nonviolence. Love.

Monday, February 2, 2009

2 Ways You Can Be Sure You Know God

1 John 2:3-11

1) One way we can know we know Him = Christ like obedience

Our actions are indicators of whether we know Him. You can’t know Him by believing in Him but living like the devil. Going to Church on Sunday but living like the world M-F doesn't cut it.

The Bible is clear you can’t earn your way to Heaven by doing good deeds. Being a good person doesn’t earn you salvation just like tutoring people in prison isn’t a good defense to murder. However, even though good works are not for our salvation they are evidence that we know Him.

Ephesians 2:8-10 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2) A second way we can know we know Him =
Christ like love

Love God and love ALL others. Love is patient & kind. It doesn't envy, boast, or keep a record of wrongs. It isn't proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. And it always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.

Matthew 22:36-40 – "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Leviticus 18:19 - ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.




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