Let us go back to the question we asked in chapter 1: Is there something that can assure you to recognize God when you meet Him in the streets?
Is it guaranteed we can recognize God by keeping the Sabbath?
Well, the priest, Pharisees and doctors of the law were faithfully keeping the Sabbath, but they were unable to recognize God’s visitation when Jesus appeared on our planet. In fact, they claimed that God was the devil himself! Matt 9:34 “But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons." “
Sabbath keeping does not guarantee to recognize God at work in our world.
Well, can we recognize God by attending church?
Luke 13:26-27 “"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' NIV
These people mentioned in this verse were attending church. They were eating and drinking with our Lord, but Jesus will not recognize them, as they never really recognized Him. Going to church is no guarantee to recognize our Lord at work.
Now, I am not advocating that going to church is wrong. The Bible encourages us to meet with one another: Heb 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” NIV
But what else is there? Is there any way we can be assured to recognize our beloved Master?
Yes, there is.
Jesus promised us to send us a guide, His Holy Spirit. He calls the Holy Spirit, the Counselor. In other words, God is having a relationship with us today through His Holy Spirit, who counsels us in our walk with God!
John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” NIV
God’s Spirit testifies about Jesus and gives us power to testify. He is the one who will open our eyes and reveal to us of God’s presence in our midst. Notice that here again, our witnessing is only made possible by having a relationship with God through His Holy Spirit!
John 15:26-27 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” NIV
God’s Spirit guides us in all truth! We do not need to depend on scholars or a church to understand God’s Word. Jesus promised His Spirit to be our guide! Having a close relationship with God through His Holy Spirit is the key to find “all truth”!
John 16:13-15 “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” NIV
God’s Spirit never contradicts God’s Word. Anyone who proclaims to be led by God’s Spirit and discredits the Bible, is not led by God! Notice that love (having positive relationships with others) is also a characteristic of a Spirit filled Christian.
1 John 4:6-8 “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” NIV
Are you tired of depending on others to discover God’s truth? Are you hungering to getting to know our Lord more intimately? Do you want to make sure you can discern where God is at work in your neighbourhood right now? You can. My friend, put your legalism on the side. Do not put your church leaders first, but put God first in your life. Invite Him into your heart. Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, guide me to your truth” and welcome God’s Counselor in your life. If you do, be prepared for a close encounter with God. He always responds to those who are hungering for His presence. Jesus will be revealed to you as your personal Saviour. He wants you to be His personal friend.
1 John 4:2-3 “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” NIV
Click here to go to: e. The mountain of decision