How can we know God?

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crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
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#21
I do not have issue with your post #4.
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I said, " I respect your view/point" ..on my post #10.
Well, when you added, 'although I disagree', I thought I'd add a bit of clarification.;)
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
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#23
I have noticed that there seems to be two ways of studying scripture, and it has to do with the basic goal of the study.

One way is to study from the view point of what scholars have determined is the correct interpretation of scripture. This is especially done by our seminaries that are funded by a denomination, and works to support it's interpretation.

The other is rare and hard to find, it is a study of only what scripture tells us with a goal of learning what is true of God.

We are told that it is the word that is our key to God, if we have that entire word then we can know God. To interpret the word as coming from God, we have to first keep in mind all that is the character of God and know no scripture disagrees with what is God. It is all one, all eternal, not one more important than another word. All is one.
“It is all one, all eternal, not one more important than another word. All is one “.

this isn’t Gods actual character brother

“And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord commanded Moses.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15:32-33, 35-

That’s what God looks like to unbelievers and unrepentant sinners ot terrifies them but it’s not really how God is character wise , Gods character is only seen when he manifest himself to the world in Christ So this is how God actually is to someone who has broken a commandment

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:3-5, 7-11‬ ‭

It’s the stark contrast one sinner is brought to the lord asked what to do worth him one word says all of you father and stone him with stones until he’s dead .

the other sinner is brought to the lord and he turns judgement on the ones who brought her to him , saves her from the law which commands her death for adultery , and forgives her sin and instructs her to repent

Which is true of God ? Does he command a sinners death at the hands of his people ? Or does he give them forgiveness first to show his love , and then instructs then to repent ?

Which word matters a lot the Old Testament can blind us to the new


“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament;

which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬


There’s nothing in the Old Testament to save anyone , or offer life after death or only leads to death and the New Testament word is about bringing us back to life from that death

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

that death came because of teamsgressing the Old Testament word , the New Testament word is far better
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
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#24
Knowing God is PERSONAL,if it isn't for you you have missed his purpose!
Yes. Amen... He loves you and wants to walk with you every day. Be still and know that He is God. Be silent and listen to that still small voice which is the Spirit within you.

Revelation
3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Luke
24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.
24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
24:35 And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

And shortly thereafter Jesus left them with the Comforter that He might abide with them forevermore..

John
14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
5,727
113
#25
We were created to worship!
People have clouded their minds and hearts with things other than the one true God,seeking to worship!

I still want to know God more deeply,more fully.
How can we know God?

Just a thought,were you introduced to God first or Jesus?
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:21, 23-24‬ ‭

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oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
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#26
'How can we know God?'
Be still and acknowledge the presence of the Comforter which is given to every believer at the time of new birth. It appears that there are many Christians who have never thought to do this. "Oh, what joy we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear..."
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
5,727
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#27
Thank you all so much for you responses.

Many,many ppl every day ask this question,how can I know God!

To those of us who know God it is simple and it is a personal relationship.

Years have been spent for some reading the scripture yet they are still searching to know him.

We know there is only ONE God but he has many aspects that ppl cannot fathom. If there is one God,who is Jesus,who is the Holy Spirit?

I know that the Spirit has to draw ppl when they hear the word but the world doesn't understand this. They cannot see that ALL are God and God is ALL!

How do we answer this question to a lost and dying world?
as odd as this may seem at first I think you would benefit and find many answers you seek if you spend time reading and considering the books of Isaiah pertaining to Christ , Daniel pertaining to Christ and job pertaining to Christ .

the prophets have much to say about the understanding part of Gods kingdom why many will not hear the gospel and why others will hear and believe and be saved .

I feel as if your best answers will always come when it’s you and the lord in a prayerful conversation he really wants us to come to him , like when your daddy wants his youngster to come to him with a question it pleases him and he always has a wise and prosperous answer if we’re seeking him as you most certainly are
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
5,727
113
#28
Be still and acknowledge the presence of the Comforter which is given to every believer at the time of new birth. It appears that there are many Christians who have never thought to do this. "Oh, what joy we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear..."
sometimes we’re so excited to hear the answer , our excitement makes it hard to hear “ come into me and I will give you rest my yoke is easy and burden is light “ “ they shall all be taught of God therefore whoever learned of the father cometh unto me “

for God so loved the world , he sent Jesus so we could believe and be saved and not have the burdens of saving our self but learning how to share what the lord has done for and does. Ore each day to bring us into his family
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#29
If there is one God,who is Jesus,who is the Holy Spirit?
They are one. Jesus wants us to know the Comforting Spirit and thereby know Him. In my experience, It seems that those who deny the power and presence of the Holy Spirit do not experience that blessed relationship that others who are more childlike take for granted. Oh, how God loves each and every one of you. You don't have to wait to get to heaven to experience His loving presence. Seek and you shall find. He wants to be found. It sounds to good to be true, but it is not. I don't know how anyone could get through a single day without it. I will admit that I am a weak one. I need Him every hour.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
5,727
113
#30
As we know more about Him,
the more and more we are drawn to Him.
Amen we can still spend time in Jesus presence as his disciples that’s how we can know him more and also when we start to know the son of God more we start to know our true self more the new self the children of God as. we know and also believe in , trust in his son that identity is imparted To us

he sent the same gospel to us and the same calling and promise with the same requirement belief....
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
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#31
I get to know my spouse better by first hearing ABOUT her. She tells me about herself and the relationship deepens.
In the same way God has revealed Himself through His (written) Word. (As we get to know about Him, we are drawn into worship and prayer, so the relationship deepens).
The Author of that written Word is the Holy Spirit who also indwells the born again believer illuminating that person's understanding of God.
This mystical communing with Jesus is misleading if not guided by His written Word and Spirit.
We are not mystics, at least I am not.
 
#32
1. How Can We Know God?
2. Is knowing God
intellectual,literal,consuming,inspiring,forsaking or overwhelming?

Answer to Qn 1. I came to know God when I was born again in the most dramatic way. I was in bondage to wrong doctrines (Seventh Day Sabbath, etc) for a long time; 18 years. But one day in October, in the midst of a huge crisis in my work, God stepped in and delivered me in the most awesome way. I know what it is to be born again and to come out of thick darkness into His marvellous light, 1 Pet 2.9. A person can know God when he or she is truly born again.
"Born of the Spirit from heaven above!
Experiencing God's amazing love!"

Ans to Qn 2. Knowing God is knowing Him in your 'spirit', your innermost being. When the Holy Spirit comes in and dwells in our spirit, we 'know'. We have the inner witness that we have become the children of God. Rom 8.15, 16. It is knowing Him spiritually. You cannot know God intellectually. It is an overwhelming experience.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
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#33
Jesus said to know me is to know the Father! !
We need a thorough understanding of the Father to fully understand Christ. For many years I ignored most of the old testament. It seemed to me Christ fulfilled all the old testament, so why bother learning what was past. Someone convinced me, then, that the Torah (first 5 books of scripture) gave an understanding of the Father, and when I knew the Father and all His ways it would deepen my understanding of the Son.

I am so grateful for my study of those first five books. I used a commentary to help me understand. The people God used to illustrate His ways lived over 6,000 years ago, so they lived a life very different from our life today. A commentary needs to have an author who has studied that ancient time, and also is so familiar with scripture they can relate the new and old testaments.
 

Mission21

Pathfinder
Mar 12, 2019
913
805
93
#34
1. How Can We Know God?
2. Is knowing God
intellectual,literal,consuming,inspiring,forsaking or overwhelming?

Answer to Qn 1. I came to know God when I was born again in the most dramatic way. I was in bondage to wrong doctrines (Seventh Day Sabbath, etc) for a long time; 18 years. But one day in October, in the midst of a huge crisis in my work, God stepped in and delivered me in the most awesome way. I know what it is to be born again and to come out of thick darkness into His marvellous light, 1 Pet 2.9. A person can know God when he or she is truly born again.
"Born of the Spirit from heaven above!
Experiencing God's amazing love!"

Ans to Qn 2. Knowing God is knowing Him in your 'spirit', your innermost being. When the Holy Spirit comes in and dwells in our spirit, we 'know'. We have the inner witness that we have become the children of God. Rom 8.15, 16. It is knowing Him spiritually. You cannot know God intellectually. It is an overwhelming experience.
Good post.
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"It is knowing Him spiritually. You cannot know God
intellectually. It is an overwhelming experience."
- I agree.