Go! And Choose to Know the Living God
Introduction:
The Bible does not waste time trying to prove God’s existence. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture assumes and declares that God is real. Whether we believe in Him or not does not change His reality—only our opportunity to know Him. God does not force Himself upon us; He desires that we seek Him, love Him, and walk with Him by choice. Today, we will explore the nature of God’s presence, His desire for relationship, and our call to respond.
1. God Is Real and Unchanging
Malachi 3:6 (NLT) - "I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed."
God’s existence is not dependent on human belief. He is eternal, self-existent, and unchanging. The Hebrew name YHWH conveys the idea of “I Am,” meaning God is who He is, independent of time or circumstances.
Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Do we live as though God is real, sovereign, and active in our lives?
"God is not a mere philosophical idea; He is a living person who desires a relationship with us." – A.W. Tozer
2. God Desires Relationship, Not Religion
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) - "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
God does not seek empty rituals; He desires hearts that long for Him. The Hebrew word darash (seek) implies a diligent and intentional pursuit.
James 4:8 (NLT) - "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."
Are we seeking God with all our hearts, or just giving Him occasional attention?
"Christianity is not about religion; it is about relationship." – Tim Keller
3. God Is Near and Involved
Psalm 34:18 (NLT) - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
God is not distant; He is near to those who call on Him. The Hebrew word karov means near, intimate, and approachable.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) - "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Do we trust in God’s nearness, or do we act as if He is far away?
The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) reveals the heart of a God who runs to embrace those who turn to Him.
"God is closer than our breath, present in our joys and in our suffering." – John Piper
4. God Heals and Restores
Exodus 15:26 (NLT) - "I am the Lord who heals you."
Where God is present, there is healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Hebrew name Jehovah-Rapha means “The Lord who heals.”
Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) - "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed."
Are we bringing our wounds to the One who can heal and restore?
"God’s grace not only saves us; it heals our brokenness." – Charles Stanley
5. God’s Goodness Is Beyond Our Imagination
Psalm 34:8 (NLT) - "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"
God invites us to experience His goodness personally. The Hebrew word tov (good) implies completeness, abundance, and blessing.
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) - "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Are we fully trusting in the goodness of God?
A child who trusts their loving father does not fear the future.
"The more we know of God, the more we will trust His goodness." – John Stott
6. Choose the Narrow Path
Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) - "You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."
Jesus makes it clear: we must make a choice. The Greek word stenos (narrow) means restricted, requiring effort and intentionality.
John 14:6 (NLT) - "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"
Are we choosing the easy path of the world or the narrow way of Christ?
A mountaineer chooses the difficult climb because the summit is worth it.
"The cost of discipleship is great, but the cost of non-discipleship is even greater." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Conclusion: A Call to Know and Follow God
God is real, near, and actively seeking relationship with us. He invites us to choose Him, to seek Him wholeheartedly, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life.
Call to Action: Will you choose to seek and follow Him today?
Invitation to Faith: If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, now is the time to surrender your heart and step into the life He offers.
May we go forth and seek to know the Living God! Amen.
