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How does one get to know 
God in a Personal way?

Note: If you prefer multimedia Flash presentations, click on one or both of the following links:  thekristo.com or What If Its True?  Otherwise continue on with this page.

Tremendous benefits are available those who know God in a personal way.  For instance, they are given the power to live a holy and pure life.  The following Bible verse illustrates this fact:  

Makiki Heights Trail

But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.  John 1:12   KJV


It is good to understand what is happening when you enter into a personal relationship with God.  

First you must be humble enough to realize that your a sinner.  That somehow, sometime and in some way we all have missed doing everything absolutely perfect.  The Bible says:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.   Romans 3:23

Desert Flower


Because of our imperfections we all earn and deserve death.  But God offers the gift of eternal life in his son Jesus, so that we don't have to suffer from the consequences of what we earned.  

Stork Wading

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23


The gift God gives is rooted in love and results in eternal life.  But to benefit from this gift you must believe that it exist for you and you need accept it.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.   John 3:16

North Shore Sunset, Oahu


When we confess our sins, God in faithfulness to Jesus (who died for our sins) forgives us our sins and cleanses us from their power.  

Kaneohe Bay toward Kuoloa

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:19


The reason why God offers the gift is because He loves us and wants us to be in personal relationship with Him.

And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent.   John 17:3

Dendrobium Orchid, Purple


To receive the gift we need to accept Jesus as our Lord (in our hearts) and tell others about Him being our Lord.  We also need to believe that God has the power and used it to raise Jesus from the dead.  We need to believe that God can do the impossible.  Then God will do something, that was impossible for us to do, God will save us.  

Mount Olomana, Kailua

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  Romans 10:9


So salvation is received as a gift from God.  The verse below illustrates that God even gives us the faith to receive salvation.  So the gift and the faith to receive the gift are the result of His grace.  Grace simply put means "getting gifts we do not deserve."

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift fo God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9

Coral at Waikiki Aquarium


When a person receives Christ, big changes occur in the heart.  For instance they will no longer enjoy a sinful lifestyle.  Instead holy and pure things will bring them joy.  They will also have the power to say no to sin, when previously they were enslaved to sin.

Red Anthirium, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.   II Corinthians 5:17

 

So Jesus waits at the door of your heart.  He is a gentleman and will not barge his way in.  He knocks.  If you want to enjoy His company just let him into your being.

Behold, I stand and the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.   Revelation 3:20

Nurses Beach, Kauai, Hawaii


To see God's kingdom you need to be born again.  This is something that needs to be experienced in order to be fully understood.

Bird, Honolulu Zoo

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.   John 3:3

 

Your Response

Your response to God's gifts and invitation is next.  The following prayer is for you if you want to turn your life over to God and start doing things His way.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus.  I repent of my sins and turn to You.  I give You my life.  Come live in me.  Change me, cleanse me, make me the person You want me to be.  I receive You, Jesus, as my personal Lord and Savior!  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Hoomaluhia, Puu Lanihule in Background, Kaneohe

 

What's Next?

     Growing in Christ.  There are five stages of Christian Growth:  Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Stewardship, Spiritual Gifts and Sending Forth.

Rainbow Falls, Big Island

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11


You are welcome to email me with your comments and to ask questions regarding getting to know God in a personal way.  

 

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