This
book is dedicated
to my wife, Kathleen Corrine,
to
honor the commitment
of
her life to me.
This book has been written because of a deep
burden for those who have never experienced the indescribable pleasure of
knowing God. The term "knowing God", as used here, refers to a very
close relationship with Him, based on intense selfless love, in which we
converse regularly throughout each day about even the most minute details of
mutual interest and concern. In the chapters that follow I will share with you
overwhelming evidence that God desires to reveal Himself to us so that we may
know Him to that extent.
Personally, life's experiences have brought
about a longing to know God that continues to grow. I can identify with David
when he wrote in the Psalms, "O God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts
for you, ....".
It is unfortunate, but true, that many
Christians do not really know God. Does my statement shock you? I can almost hear the
reply, "How can a person be a Christian and not know God?" The answer
is simple. In the sense of spiritual union, all Christians know him. But in the close
intimate relationship experienced by two individuals who deeply love each other, sad to
say, many Christians have never experienced that. Their relationship with God is similar
to a wife that is still married but has been separated from her husband for years. They
only time she makes contact with him is when she needs something.
You see, salvation is based on our faith in God and what He has done to save
us. We might learn about Him, see evidence of the validity of what we learn,
and, as a result, commit our life to Him. Thus, we become spiritually reborn, we
become Christians. However, though we know about God and have faith in Him for
salvation, as I said, it is still possible that we do not know Him as He intended that we
should. Thus, many are missing life's greatest experience, that of a close personal
relationship with the creator of the universe, Jesus, the living Christ! What a loss! What
a travesty!
My purpose is twofold:
1. I want everyone to grasp the depth of
relationship that God desires to have with them.
2. I want them to experience the
unimaginable pleasure of knowing Him as their very best friend.
It is absolutely amazing that the holy God of
the universe desires that we know and love him to this degree. The thought of it
is overwhelming and brings to mind these lines from an old gospel song;
"Friendship with Jesus, fellowship
divine, Oh, what blessed, sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine."
Read on and let's enjoy Him together.|
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