Scripture: Ezekiel 36: 24-32
Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
It’s interesting that people have different ideas regarding how they can get closer to God. Some think, that religion can, while some thought that by being good they can be as close as they could be with God. However, at the end of the day it's not our food works that can get us closer to Him, but His initiating acts.
The first act of God is that he will give his people a heart of flesh. Vv.24-26b.
24 “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
The second act of God is that he will give his people a new Spirit. V. 27
“27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
The third act of God is that he will give his people Himself. Vv. 28-29; 31
“28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you… 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.”
Who is Jesus to you?
A mere historical figure, a myth, just a symbol of faith…
OR…
Son of God, Mighty God, High Priest, Servant, Lamb of God, the Lord, the Savior, Friend, Big Brother, Counselor…
“The fact is, no one else has changed history and affected our culture more than Jesus. More books have been written about Him, more music composed for Him, more art reflecting Him, more architecture and building designed for Him, and more organizations and foundations created in His name for any person… All these for a Man who never wrote a book, never attended a university, never ran for office, never led a company, and lived 2,000 years ago.” DisciplesPath, The Call workbook, p. 10.
How to get closer with God.
Life is so short so open your heart to Jesus.
Don’t hardened your heart. Admit that there are things that you have been doing that you think weren’t wrong but in fact, you have done things that offended God. Ask for His forgiveness and allow Him to change your life.
Read your Bible with the intention of knowing Jesus in a very intimate way.