Episode 11 - Christianity 101: Getting to Know God

Strengthened Hands Podcast

"What can I do to get to know God?" For a Christian, there is no question more stimulating or exciting to answer than this when it is coming from a genuinely curious non-believer! Today on the Strengthened Hands Podcast, I will be answering this question. There are numerous ways to get to know God, some that I do not even address in this episode. I will be highlighting the most important and helpful methods.
Reading your Bible - There is no better way to learn about the holiness, love, and justice of God the Father, the salvation that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (God the Son), and the power and conviction of God the Holy Spirit. This book contains truth and nothing but the truth. It is inerrant, unchanging, and life-giving. The statutes and rules written ages ago remain relatable even thousands of years later, and the comfort it brings to the forgiven person is unmatched in all the world.
Prayer - Prayer is our daily tether to God, our way of communicating with Him. He speaks clearly to us through the Bible, but he can also speak to us in the quietness of prayer. Through prayer, we request His aid to face many difficult trials, and we thank him for the many blessings He has poured out on us. Prayer is the means by which God's hand moves to answer specific desires we have. It draws our hearts nearer and dearer to His own. It is a pure act of faith that has no equal.
Going to Church - The gathering of the people of God is a required practice for the Christian (Hebrews 10:25), not as a means by which religion can keep weak people under a heavy burden, consuming one day out of each week, but as a beautiful gathering of the friends and family who will eventually live together in perfect harmony in heaven. It is a place of worship, prayer, the reading of God's Word, fellowship, and loving relationship. It is the place where we see what happens when people actually follow what the Bible says. Here's a hint: it's an irreplaceable experience.
Talking to Christians - Are you intimidated by the church and large groups of people? Don't worry, there are other ways to get to know God, and of the best ones is to simply talk to a real, live Christian! You should be able to recognize us by our love (John 13:35) and the fact that we are always trying to get you to think about God's salvation through Jesus (Mark 16:15).
Christian Books, Podcasts, and YouTube Videos - Let's face it. This is the twenty-first century. With that being the case, we Christians realize that we have a trove of new tools for spiritual growth that the world has only recently accessed! The information spreads quicker and finds it's way into the homes and headphones of non-believers in a way that would make any evangelist's heart pound violently from excitement. There has never been more to hear or to know about the mighty works and teachings of God than there is right now.
With this, however, comes the unfortunate possibility of more false teachers and charlatans, but with a little bit of help and guidance from the teachings of scripture and Biblically grounded Christians, these resources can extremely beneficial to those interested in the faith.
My Christian podcast recommendations:
Living Waters Podcast (and YouTube channel) - Evangelism and topical studies of Biblical concepts
Steve Farrar - Men's Bible study teachings
Remnant Radio Podcast - Exploring different branches and doctrines of Christianity, focus on the power of the Holy Spirit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14)
Cross Examined: I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Dr. Frank Turek - Apologetics (defense of the Bible)
Bible Thinker by Mike Winger (and YouTube channel) - In-depth study of biblical topics and doctrines
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