KNOWING MAKES 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 (people’s motives=hate crimes bills, hook in the back). The things people say you can't know that you can know --- things like the existence of God, assurance of salvation, the truth of the Bible. 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 MAKES 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 claim to 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 we’re making

We’re saving our own lives

It’s true we’ll 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

Wait! What? 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]

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

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

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 MAKES THE DIFFERENCE [1 Tm. 1:12]

1. Knowing Makes Suffering Bearable

2 Knowing Makes Salvation Personable

3. Knowing Makes Security Believable

III. KNOWING GOD'S PERCEPTION MAKES 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