What’s New? Knowing God (Part 12) 11.10.2024 The meeting of Grace Christian Church. We meet in person and stream services every Sunday at 10:30 AM EST in Manalapan, New Jersey.
What’s New? Knowing God – A Concise Summary
Introduction
This 12th message in the What’s New? series emphasizes the transformative power of knowing God intimately through the New Covenant of Grace.
Key Points Recap from Previous Messages
•Believers, upon accepting the Gospel, become part of Christ’s Body (Ephesians 5:23) with Christ as the Head.
•True church membership is about active participation in a local Body of Christ, fostering dependence, care, unity, and spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:15-16).
•Parachurch groups may support the Church but cannot replace the local Body of Christ.
Today’s Focus: Knowing God
•Through the New Covenant, believers move beyond knowing about God (Oida) to knowing Him intimately in experience (Ginosko).
•This intimate relationship transforms our understanding and strengthens our spiritual life.
Progression of Knowing God
1. Ability to Know God
•Hebrews 8:11 reveals that knowing God intimately is a promise of the New Covenant.
•The transition from external knowledge (Oida) to internal, experiential knowledge (Ginosko) is a profound blessing.
2. Experience Knowing God
•1 John 5:20 highlights how Christ gives understanding to move from knowing about Him to experiencing Him deeply.
•Personal trials often serve as opportunities to grow closer to God, as shared through a testimony of learning reliance on Christ.
3. Fuller Knowledge Through Knowing God
•2 Peter 1:2-4 connects grace, peace, and divine power with experiential knowledge (Epignosis) of God.
•This true knowledge enables believers to partake in God’s divine nature, living out their faith with His power.
Conclusion
What’s New?
•Knowing God intimately is a gift of the New Covenant.
•Progression: Ability → Experience → Fuller Knowledge.
Reflection:
•Have you transitioned from Oida to Ginosko in your relationship with Christ?
•Consider sharing your journey to encourage others.
This message inspires deeper reflection on the blessing of intimately knowing God and the transformative power it brings to the Christian life.
