🔥 PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS 🔥 RAW ENCOUNTERS, NOT STORIES! When God Ceases to Be a Story and Becomes a Living Reality LEAD SCRIPTURES "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." — Job 42:5 "Taste and see that the LORD is good..." — Psalm 34:8 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you..." — 1 John 1:3 "The people which sat in darkness saw great light..." — Matthew 4:16 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." — James 4:8 INTRODUCTION One of the greatest tragedies in Christianity is to know about God without ever truly knowing Him. Jesus declared, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God..." (John 17:3). There is a vast difference between hearing testimonies and becoming a testimony. Job confessed, "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." (Job 42:5). His theology became an encounter; his information became revelation; his religion became relationship. Christianity was never designed to be sustained by inherited stories alone. The apostles proclaimed what they had personally seen, handled, and experienced concerning Christ. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you." (1 John 1:1–3). God is not merely a historical figure to be discussed but a present reality to be encountered. The Gospel is not merely an announcement; it is a divine invitation into experiential fellowship with the living God. "Taste and see that the LORD is good." (Psalm 34:8). Every generation that changed history first encountered God before confronting the world. Every genuine revival began when ordinary men and women experienced an extraordinary visitation of God. Raw encounters produce transformed lives, burning hearts, unwavering convictions, and irresistible testimonies. THE REALITIES OF RAW ENCOUNTERS, NOT STORIES! 1. Jacob at Peniel: An Encounter That Changed Identity Jacob fled with fear, but he returned with destiny after wrestling with God. "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel." (Genesis 32:28). One night of divine encounter accomplished what years of human effort could not. Every genuine encounter changes identity before it changes circumstances. 2. Moses and the Seventy Elders: Encounter Beyond Imagination Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascended the mountain and "they saw the God of Israel... also they saw God, and did eat and drink." (Exodus 24:9–11). God proved that He desires fellowship, not mere religious activity. The highest privilege of humanity is not merely serving God but knowing Him intimately. 3. Elijah at Horeb: Discovering God Beyond the Spectacular Running from Jezebel, Elijah expected God in the wind, earthquake, and fire, yet God revealed Himself through a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11–13). Encounters teach us that God's greatest manifestations are sometimes clothed in divine quietness rather than outward noise. Spiritual maturity recognizes God's whisper as quickly as His thunder. 4. Isaiah in the Temple: One Vision Produced a Lifetime Mission Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up while the seraphim cried, "Holy, holy, holy." (Isaiah 6:1–8). The revelation of God's holiness exposed Isaiah's own uncleanness before commissioning him for ministry. Genuine encounters never inflate pride; they produce humility, repentance, cleansing, and divine assignment. 5. Ezekiel by the River Chebar: Heaven Visits Exile Although Israel was in Babylonian captivity, heaven was not imprisoned. "The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God." (Ezekiel 1:1). Your geographical location can never limit God's visitation. God can reveal Himself in prisons, deserts, hospitals, lonely rooms, or crowded cities. Where His people are, His presence can appear. 6. Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration: Glory Beyond Explanation Peter, James, and John watched as Christ's appearance changed before them. "His face did shine as the sun." (Matthew 17:2). They heard the Father's voice saying, "This is my beloved Son... hear ye him." (Matthew 17:5). Encounters settle doubts that arguments never can. Those who have seen His glory rarely return the same. 7. Paul on the Damascus Road: Persecutor Turned Apostle Saul travelled to destroy the Church but encountered Christ Himself. "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 9:4). One encounter transformed a violent persecutor into one of Christianity's greatest missionaries. The Gospel does not merely improve people—it recreates them. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17). 8. John on the Isle of Patmos: Isolation Became Revelation Banished because of the Word of God, John declared, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." (Revelation 1:10). The island intended to silence him became the birthplace of the Book of Revelation. Your isolation may become God's invitation to deeper intimacy. Heaven often speaks most clearly when earthly distractions disappear. 🔥 WISDOM NOTES 🔥 Every generation can tell stories about God, but only encounter-makers can reveal Him. "Taste and see that the LORD is good." (Psalm 34:8). 🔥 Information may educate the mind, but encounters transform the entire person. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2). 🔥 Theology without intimacy easily becomes empty religion. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:5). 🔥 One genuine encounter with Christ can accomplish what decades of human philosophy cannot. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." (Zechariah 4:6). 🔥 Every revival in Scripture began with men and women who first encountered God before attempting to change society. "Then flew one of the seraphims unto me..." (Isaiah 6:6). 🔥 Your greatest testimony is not what you have heard from others but what God has personally revealed to you. "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20). 🔥 God is still looking for seekers, not merely spectators. "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13). FINAL THOUGHTS Christianity was never intended to be a museum of ancient stories but a living experience with the resurrected Christ. Job moved from hearing to seeing. Jacob moved from deception to destiny. Moses moved from curiosity to communion. Elijah moved from depression to renewed purpose. Isaiah moved from uncleanness to commission. Paul moved from persecution to proclamation. John moved from exile to eternal revelation. The greatest need of this generation is not another argument about God but another encounter with God. Churches need more than excellent programs; they need His presence. Ministers need more than eloquence; they need fresh fire. Believers need more than religious activities; they need living fellowship with Christ. Until God becomes your personal reality, someone else's testimony will remain your only evidence. But when heaven opens over your life, your language will become that of Job: "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." 🙏 PRAYER LINES 🙏 Father, move me from merely hearing about You to personally knowing You through living encounters. (Job 42:5). 🙏 Lord, open the eyes of my understanding that I may behold Your glory afresh. (Ephesians 1:17–18). 🙏 Let every spiritual dryness in my life give way to fresh visitation from Your presence. (Psalm 63:1–2). 🙏 Make me hungry for Your presence more than for religious activities. (Psalm 42:1–2). 🙏 Grant me encounters that will transform my character, my calling, and my destiny. (2 Corinthians 3:18). 🙏 Let my life become a living testimony that points many souls to Christ. (Matthew 5:16). 🙏 May I never settle for stories when You are offering intimacy. Draw me nearer to Yourself each passing day. (James 4:8). 🙏 Let my generation encounter the reality of the living Christ through the evidence of Your power in our lives. (Habakkuk 3:2). In Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.🙏 #PhilosophicalReflections #RawEncounterNotStories #EncounterGod #KnowingGod #ChristianLeadership #KingdomReality #SpiritFilled #RevivalFire #PresenceOfGod #JesusChrist #FaithJourney #BiblicalWisdom #KingdomCulture #SeekHisFace #ChristianGrowth #RevivalGeneration #WalkWithGod #LifeTransformingFaith #ExperienceGod #GloryToGod

Dear Father, Today I reflected on the tension within tradition: the parts of culture passed on from generation to generation, and its subtlety: how we are born into it and become accustomed to it long before we are wise enough to question its troubling practices. In several passages throughout Scripture, Jesus reveals how some strongly upheld practices are, in fact, without substance. For instance, when He healed a man with a withered hand and the Pharisees asked Him if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day, He replied, saying, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” The greater issue, however, lies in customary practices that contradict truth, and practices that appear spiritually strong, yet are hollow. I have seen how deeply this affects us globally: Christians, Muslims, and even unbelievers. We may remain committed to our daily prayer practices, but we often forget to take our hearts along. It becomes commitment, not relationship--and sadly, we can barely tell the difference. There are countless other beliefs that claim our loyalty, yet stand in contrast to true spiritual growth. Father, how can the world be healed? As for me, I will test all spirits: not only others, but my own assumptions, and pursue knowing You beyond what I have been taught about You. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #beliefsystem #tradition #knowingGod sabah

Dear Father, Today I reflected on the tension within tradition: the parts of culture passed on from generation to generation, and its subtlety: how we are born into it and become accustomed to it long before we are wise enough to question its troubling practices. In several passages throughout Scripture, Jesus reveals how some strongly upheld practices are, in fact, without substance. For instance, when He healed a man with a withered hand and the Pharisees asked Him if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day, He replied, saying, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” The greater issue, however, lies in customary practices that contradict truth, and practices that appear spiritually strong, yet are hollow. I have seen how deeply this affects us globally: Christians, Muslims, and even unbelievers. We may remain committed to our daily prayer practices, but we often forget to take our hearts along. It becomes commitment, not relationship--and sadly, we can barely tell the difference. There are countless other beliefs that claim our loyalty, yet stand in contrast to true spiritual growth. Father, how can the world be healed? As for me, I will test all spirits: not only others, but my own assumptions, and pursue knowing You beyond what I have been taught about You. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #beliefsystem #tradition #knowingGod #sabath

The Nature of God Understanding the nature of God is foundational to true Christianity. Many believers know about God, but few truly know God. Our perception of God determines how we worship Him, trust Him, obey Him, and represent Him to the world. Wrong understanding of God produces weak faith, shallow worship, and inconsistent Christian living. God is not defined by human opinions, culture, or circumstances. He reveals His nature through His Word, His works, and His ways. “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” — Exodus 34:6 1. GOD IS SPIRIT John 4:24 – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is not physical or limited by matter. He is invisible, eternal, and omnipresent. Because God is Spirit: He cannot be confined to a place He is not approached through rituals alone He must be worshipped from the heart True worship is not emotional display but spiritual connection rooted in truth. 2. GOD IS ETERNAL AND UNCHANGING Psalm 90:2 – “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Malachi 3:6 – “For I am the LORD, I change not…” God has no beginning and no end. He is not affected by time, seasons, or generations. What He was yesterday, He is today, and He will be forever. God’s promises do not expire God’s standards do not change God’s faithfulness is reliable When people fail, God remains faithful. 3. GOD IS HOLY Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts…” Habakkuk 1:13 – “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil…” Holiness means God is morally perfect, pure, and separate from sin. God does not tolerate sin, excuse sin, or compromise with sin. You cannot walk carelessly with a holy God. A correct understanding of God’s holiness produces: Repentance Reverence Godly fear Grace does not cancel holiness. 4. GOD IS LOVE 1 John 4:8 – “God is love.” Love is not just what God does; it is who He is. His love is: Sacrificial (John 3:16) Unconditional Redemptive However, God’s love does not mean permissiveness. He loves sinners but hates sin. God corrects those He loves God’s love seeks transformation, not comfort alone 5. GOD IS JUST AND RIGHTEOUS Deuteronomy 32:4 – “A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” God is fair, impartial, and righteous in all His judgments. No sin goes unnoticed, and no righteousness goes unrewarded. Delay is not denial God’s justice may be slow, but it is sure Every man will give account before God 6. GOD IS MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS Lamentations 3:22–23 – “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed…” Mercy means God does not give us what we deserve. Grace means God gives us what we do not deserve. Salvation is by grace, not by works Mercy gives room for repentance Grace empowers holy living 7. GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL (OMNIPOTENT) Jeremiah 32:17 – “There is nothing too hard for thee.” God has unlimited power. He creates, sustains, delivers, judges, and restores by His word. No situation is beyond God Faith rests on God’s ability, not human strength CONCLUSION The nature of God reveals: Who He is How He acts What He expects You cannot live rightly without knowing God rightly. Many believers struggle because they serve a God they do not understand. Daniel 11:32 – “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” CALL TO REFLECTION Do you relate with God casually or reverently? Do you trust His unchanging nature in changing times? Are you walking in alignment with His holiness and love? Knowing God is not optional—it is essential. CLOSING PRAYER Father, reveal Yourself to us as You truly are. Deliver us from wrong perceptions of You. Let our knowledge of Your nature transform our worship, obedience, and daily walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Pastor Abiodun Kadri #TheNatureOfGod #KnowingGod #GodIsHoly #GodIsLove #SoundDoctrine #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching #RevelationOfGod #WalkWithGod

Join us for a special Bible Study Session presented by Messiah's Center of Study (M.C.S.) This week's topic: "God in Manger - An Exposition of Luke 2:4-7" Discover the profound message behind the humble birth of our Savior. Your prayers are needed! 📅 Tuesday, 4th Nov | 5-8 PM 📍 K.E.L. Church, Essa Nagri Let's grow together in the Word! #BibleStudy #MessiahsCenterOfStudy #KnowingGod #FaithlnAction #Luke247 #GodınManger #ChristianCommunity #QuettaChurch

Does God Know You? 🔹 In our world today, many people claim to know God — they pray, go to church, and even serve in ministries. But the more important question is: Does God know you? It is not enough for you to say, “I know God”; what matters most is if your name is written in His Book of Life and if you are known by Him as His child. 📖 Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” 1️⃣ Knowing God vs Being Known by God. Many profess Christ with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. 📖 Isaiah 29:13 — “This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me.” To be known by God means to have a personal relationship with Him, to walk in obedience and holiness. 2️⃣ God Knows His Own 📖 2 Timothy 2:19 — “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” God recognizes His children by their obedience, humility, and holiness. If you still live in sin and rebellion, you may know about God — but you are not yet known by Him. 3️⃣ Your Relationship Determines His Recognition. It’s not your title, position, or religious activity that makes God know you. 📖 John 10:14 — “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” Jesus knows His sheep by their voice, their heart, and their obedience. If you are not following His Word, then you are not part of His flock. 4️⃣ How Does God Know You? * When you are born again (📖 John 3:3). * When you live in obedience to His Word (📖 John 14:21). * When you walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (📖 Romans 8:14). * When your name is written in the Book of Life (📖 Revelation 20:15). 5️⃣ The Danger of Being Unknown by God. Imagine standing before Jesus, expecting a “Well done,” only to hear, “I never knew you.” That will be the most painful statement anyone can hear on Judgment Day. Don’t live your life impressing men while ignoring the One who will judge all men. 🔹 Beloved, the question today is not “Do you go to church?” or “Do you serve in ministry?” but rather “Does God know you?” To be known by God, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus, live a life of repentance, and walk daily in His righteousness. 📖 Galatians 4:9 — “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God...” Make sure your relationship with Him is genuine and not just religious. 🔹 PRAY THIS PRAYER * Lord, have mercy on me wherever I have walked in hypocrisy. * Father, let my name be written and remain in the Book of Life. * Holy Spirit, help me to live in truth and obedience. * Lord Jesus, know me and make me know You more deeply. * Father, on the last day, let me not hear “I never knew you,” in Jesus’ name. #DoesGodKnowYou #KnowingGod #TrueChristianity #JesusKnowsHisOwn #Repentance #Holiness #FaithInChrist #SermonOfTruth #BornAgainLife #WalkingWithGod