Experiencing the Truth You Know
“If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:31-32)
In these words of Jesus, recorded for us by the apostle John, we find one of the key ingredients to experiencing the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Jesus says if we “abide” (literally remain in, or practice) His word, we prove ourselves to truly be His disciples. By disciple Jesus means learner, follower or an apprentice who actually follows Him by hearing His voice and doing what He says (John 10). Jesus goes on to say that experience of abiding also leads us into a “knowing,” by experience, the truth and the truth will make us free. By way of context, we know Jesus is speaking specifically here about our experience of truth leading us into an experience of freedom from sin. But freedom from sin is just the beginning because when freedom comes, we also have the ability to become who God created us to be. Then living out of our true identity, we are enabled to experience the fulfillment of God’s will and purposes for our lives. Knowing God’s truth through experience, by abiding in it, holds the potential to transform our lives in ways nothing else can.
Imagine for a minute you were able to live each day with a clear sense of God’s love for you, not in a theoretical the Bible says so kind of way. But with your heart informed by the certain knowledge that God is for you, intimately familiar with every detail of your life. Further, knowing He has pledged Himself to provide, care for and guide you in your decision making. What would it be like to live that kind of life? Or to be freed from the tyrannical belief that you must somehow do enough for God, by giving, serving, sacrificing, and repenting, that He is finally pleased with you. And with your hard won acceptance He will now hear your prayers and answer you when your kids are sick, you lose your job, or a meaningful relationship crumbles for no apparent reason. Or maybe you just know there has to be more to life than what you are currently experiencing but have no idea where to look for answers? Jesus says, “abide in My word, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
All of these answers, and more, are revealed in God’s Word, the Bible. In a study of the Bible we discover what God is really like by examining the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We grow in the ability to discern the devil’s lies by growing in an understanding of God’s truth. We experience healing and heart transformation as we meditate on God’s truth under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately for many today, their experience of attending or growing up in the church, they are not always taught how to study the Bible for themselves. And as a result, the Bible remains a difficult and somewhat mysterious book that only the professionals can understand. And their ability to experience the life transformation that comes as a result of abiding in God’s truth is severely limited.
If you find yourself in a place where you would like to be able to read and study the Bible on your own, or maybe go beyond your current understanding, I would invite you to listen to a testimony by Carolyn Johnson. Carolyn grew up going to church and I believe her story is representative of many that I have met through almost 40 years of ministry. In response to that need we are offering two spiritual life coaching experiences on studying the Bible for life transformation. We have a few openings left in a small group experience that meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month and the other is an online offering that meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month. In both offerings, the emphasis is on the participant mastering the process by developing a personalized approach that reflects where they are in their spiritual journey. I encourge you will listen to Carolyn’s story and then visit our website for more information and details on how to register for these opportunities.
God's Living Stones Life Coaching
Author
Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones. He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.
Click Here For Content Archives