KNOWING CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

JOHN 8:31-36

Pastor Rick Jackson

Ain't it funny? The things people say you can know that you can't know (peoples motives=hate crimes bills, hook in the back). The things people say you can't know that you can know --- things like there is a God, that you are saved, that the Bible is true. Jesus said knowing the truth about Him will set you free... free from fear, free from sin, free from Satan--- free indeed! It's all tied in with knowing God.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

I. KNOWING GOD PERSONALLY CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

1. We can Know of God Via Creation [Rm. 1:18-22]

2. We can Know about God Via the Bible [2 Peter 3:5, 15-18]

Many say they know God but go against His Word. The song "We Are The World" contains these lyrics:

We are all part of gods great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving
There's a choice were making
Were saving our own lives
Its true well make a better day
Just you and me
Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread

When did God turn stones to bread? Satan tempted Jesus to do that in Mt. 4 & Lk. 4 but Jesus refused! You can know about God from the Bible... not from some pop song.

3. We can Know God Via the Lord Jesus Christ [Jn. 17:1-3]

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

II. KNOWING GOD'S PROVISION CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE [Mt. 17:14-16]

1. Bible Faith [v. 17-20]

2 Bible Prayer [v. 21, 21:22]

3. Bible Fasting [v. 21b, 6:16-18]

III. KNOWING GOD'S PERCEPTION CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE [Mt. 6:1-5]

If you do what you do to be seen of men, for the praise of men, know this:

1. You will get nothing from God for that "service"

2. You have your "reward" already

3. You are going to be disappointed in this life by men, and in the next life by yourself