The Joy of Knowing God

Years ago, I remember reading a book by Francis Chan called Forgotten God. Early on into chapter 1, Francis addressed the self-proclaimed “Christian” culture of today and (sadly) how un-Christ-like this culture often appears.

At one point, Francis states, “I think the worst part is when you get outside the church’s walls and interact with believers and nonbelievers in the same sphere. Can you really tell a difference? If you didn’t recognize their faces from church, would you know from their actions and lifestyle that they were followers of Jesus? Honestly, sometimes I am embarrassed by some of my “Christian” neighbors because my unbelieving neighbors seem more joyful, welcoming, and at peace.”

Dear Church, how could this be? How is it that an unbeliever could ever appear to have more joy than a disciple of Christ?

Could it be that some professing believers have not encountered the risen Christ as they have been led to believe at some point in their lives?

Could it be that we have become so consumed with the things of this world and our monetary possessions piled so high that we’ve lost sight of a Kingdom view?

Could it be that we’ve forgotten the glorious realities of salvation?

Could it be that we’ve found ourselves unfamiliar with the Living God, His calling upon our lives, and what we have received from His kind and loving hand?

Lord willing, this Sunday we will begin a series called Joy Everlasting! Specifically looking into the Joy of Knowing God this Sunday.

As Sunday approaches, I want to encourage you to spend some time reading and meditating on the following passages:

1 Peter 1:1-9 Psalm 16