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"To Know God and To Make Him Known"
The mission of the Living Hope Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ is to come know the Lord more fully through prayer and fasting, worship and reading of the word. We are then called to spread the Gospel to all who do not know Him.
Jesus has taught us to love the Lord our God. Matthew 22:36-39
36 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
37 This is the first and great commandment.
38 And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
39 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
To Know God More Deeply...
- A personal relationship with God is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit that involves consistently drawing closer to Him through intentional practices.
- Read and study the Bible. This is the primary way to understand God's character and will for your life, as it is His revealed word.
Pray and communicate with God. Prayer is a two-way conversation. It involves bringing your needs to God and also listening for His voice, sometimes in silence. - Worship and praise. This deepens your connection with God by praising Him for who He is. It can involve singing, quiet reflection, or expressing gratitude.
- Engage in Christian community. Joining a church, Bible study, or small group provides fellowship and accountability with other believers, which can encourage your spiritual growth.
- Meditate on His character. Reflect on God's nature, including His faithfulness, mercy, and love. Thinking deeply about His attributes builds your faith and reshapes your worldview.
- Obey His word. A deeper knowledge of God's character is paired with the responsibility to apply that knowledge in your life.
- This includes forsaking evil thoughts and doing what is right.
To Make Him Known...
- Making God known is the natural overflow of a vibrant relationship with Him. Your actions and words become a testament to His nature and love.
- Live as an authentic witness. Your life is a powerful message. Conduct yourself honorably and demonstrate God's love through kindness, integrity, and grace. When others see the positive difference in your life, they may be drawn to ask about the reason for your hope.
- Serve others sacrificially. Emulate Christ's example of service by selflessly meeting the needs of those around you. This can include anything from volunteering in your community to helping a neighbor with a task.
- Share your personal testimony. Your story of how you met Jesus and how He has changed your life is uniquely powerful and hard to argue with. Practice telling it in a way that is honest and compelling.
- Engage in respectful dialogue. When discussing your faith, build bridges rather than walls. Listen well to others' experiences and beliefs, and engage in open and respectful conversations about biblical truths.
- Act as a peacemaker. Seek peace and pursue it in your interactions. Your ability to show grace and kindness, even to those who are difficult, can be a powerful witness.
- Pray for others. Intercede on behalf of those who do not know God. This is an essential first step and should be part of every effort you make.
- Give generously. Practice generosity with your time, resources, and skills. Giving is a way to glorify God and demonstrate His love to those in need.
