“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me you who practice lawlessness.'” Matthew 7:21-23 NASB

In a recent post we described the imperative of knowing God. And of God knowing you. See here. We were remiss in not describing how a knowing and known relationship is developed (Note 1). Herewith a summary of how to know God:

1. Through the coveting and gluttonous consumption of the Word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit. God desires that we know Him and has given us the love letter of His Word for that purpose. His Word never ever returns void.
2. Through spending time alone with Jesus in prayer. Someday you will close your eyes to this life and open them to the face of Jesus. It will be a more certain and joyful trip if you already have a knowing fellowship with Him.
3. Through trials, affliction and suffering. Amy Carmichael (1867 – 1951), who persevered as a missionary in India through great physical suffering said, “I have never known a greater instrument that God uses for men to come to know Him than the mill of suffering.”
4. In fellowship through and among His people. There are no lone ranger Christians. Knowledge of God deepens in community, as we share, risk, and disciple together.

Of these things is all the rest born.

Note 1: All references to knowing God at What Now 2 Do refer to both knowing God and God knowing you.