For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
The Bible is the written word of God; Jesus is the living word of God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV
Peter tells us:
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
It is very important we know who Christ is so we can plant the seeds of His truth at every opportunity.
Jesus said:
Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35 NIV
To know Christ, is to love Christ. He is the light of the world, which needs to shine through us to all we meet. We must know Him, it is truly His desire.
Jesus took this a step further when He prayed for eternal life for all, so we could be with Him forever. He describes eternal life this way:
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 NIV
Peter reminds us:
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV
Lastly, if there was ever any confusion as to how important it is we know Christ, He reminds us through the eyes of the “doubting” Apostle Thomas-
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:24-27 NIV
To which Thomas replied, with a revelation that can never be contradicted:
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28 NIV
So there can never be any confusion, He is our Lord and He is our God. If it were refutable, Jesus most certainly would have refuted him. He did not!
God reminds us of this important promise:
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17 NIV
We must know Him to love Him.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.