The most important discussion of life...

Is it possible for anyone to know God? 

Yes, and this is how....

Many people look at the world around them and realize that God is real, but they believe that He is either weak or He doesn't care.  The God who can start something as powerful and complex as our universe is certainly not weak.  The Bible tells us that God loves you very much. Not just mankind as a whole, but you personally.

So, if God loves me why don't I know Him?

God created us to live in perfect harmony with Him and according to the Bible it was " very good" right up to the time when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.  When they disobeyed God they broke that trust relationship and sin entered our world.  Because God is pure and holy, sin can not exist in His presence any more than darkness can exist in the presence of light.  Our ability to have a relationship with God was destroyed because of sin.  In fact, the Bible tells us that absolutely everyone has sinned.  It doesn't matter whether you've sinned a lot or hardly at all.  As a sinner you can not exist in the presence of God.   

The Bible also tells us that the punishment for sin is death.  This death is not just separation from your physical body; it is also separation from God forever. 

But you said it IS possible to have a relationship with God.....

As we have learned, God loves you and because He loves you, He has delayed your physical death so that you can hear of His plan to restore your relationship with Him.  There is nothing that God needs from you, there is no good deed you can perform, no amount of money that can rescue you from the penalty of sin.  Because God loves you, His own son, Jesus, became human and died in your place.  This earned Jesus the right to grant you the chance to start over with God.

So how do I start this new relationship ?....

As with any relationship, it must be started with honesty.  You need to admit to God that you are a sinner and be willing to turn away from that sin.  You need to admit your need for the gift Jesus offers.  Accepting this gift means agreeing that Jesus has the undisputed right of authority.

OK, how do I do that ?....

You talk to God.  Most people call this prayer, but understand that God is more interested in the intent of your heart, than your location, your position, or even your words.

So what would I say ?....

You say what is on your heart.  If you need an example the following words may be helpful, but know that there is nothing magical about these words.  These words are here simply as confirmation of what we have been talking about:

Jesus, I admit that I have disobeyed God and I want to turn away from this sin.  I believe that Jesus died for me on the cross.  I want to accept your gift and make you Lord of my life.

Some people report that they feel a burden lift when they make this decision.  Others report that they feel no difference at all.  The feeling isn't important.  The important thing to know is that God has promised that if you "confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead" you have eternal life.  Your relationship with God has been restored.  Your physical body will still die, but you will live on with God.

Remember this relationship is based on faith.  Because you believe, God says that nothing and nobody can separate you from God.  Your feelings may change, but God never changes and His promises are always true.

So now what?...

God wants to show you how you were meant to live.  Because our world is still plagued with sin, there will still be problems.  You will be tempted to continue in sin.  You will still encounter difficulties.  The difference is that now you can face these problems with God.  He wants you to talk to Him.  Make prayer a regular part of your life.  Tell God how wonderful He is.  This is called worship and we have been made with a need to worship.  Many people fill that need with things (sports, objects, people) that don't satisfy.  Only worship of God satisfies that need.  Tell God when you fail.  This is called confession.  God has promised us that when we fail, He is faithful to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him.  Thank God for all He provides.  Ask God for what you need.  God will always meet your needs.

God also wants you to listen to Him.  Read the Bible.  If you have never read the Bible, start with the first books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  These books tell about Jesus' life on Earth and will give you insights into the character and personality of Jesus.

Find an evangelical Christian church that bases its teachings solely on the Bible.  The Bible tells us that it is important to join the fellowship of other Christians.  Other Christians encourage us, support us, and hold us accountable.

Tell someone else what has happened to you.  God has put a light in your life.  Don't hide your light.  When you find a fellowship of believers, tell them so they can pray with and for you as you begin this new adventure.