Can You Truly Know God? Exploring a Deeper Relationship Beyond Knowledge
The other day, I found myself in a heated debate with a friend over the best pizza place in America. My friend dropped a line that stuck with me: “You can’t have an opinion unless you’ve actually been there.” It struck me how often this principle applies to life—and, more profoundly, to faith. Knowing about a great pizza spot isn’t the same as experiencing it firsthand. In much the same way, knowing about God is vastly different from truly knowing Him.

Knowing About God vs. Knowing Of God

It’s easy to gather facts about God—reading theology books, memorizing Scripture, or even attending church weekly. But as A.W. Tozer once said, “To truly know God, we must long for Him with no other motive than reaching God Himself.” A true relationship with God is not built on secondhand knowledge but on personal encounter and intimacy with Him.
Simon Peter captures this beautifully in 2 Peter 1:1-4, where he writes about receiving “everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him.” This isn’t mere intellectual knowledge; it’s transformative. Knowing God means participating in His divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world, and experiencing the promises of grace, peace, and righteousness.

The God Who Can Be Known

One of the most remarkable truths of the Christian faith is that God can indeed be known. He isn’t a distant Creator, indifferent to the world He made. Instead, He reveals Himself to us in creation, Scripture, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us in Romans 1:20 that God’s eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen” in creation, leaving humanity “without excuse.” Genesis 1:27 goes further, telling us we were made in God’s image—a reflection of His glory and character. But the most vivid revelation of God comes through Jesus, who said in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Jesus is not just the key to understanding God; He is the key to knowing Him personally. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bridges the gap between Creator and creation, offering us the opportunity to enter into a personal relationship with the living God.

From Inference to Reality

Many people infer God’s existence from the evidence around them but stop short of seeking a relationship. However, as Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” Knowing God personally begins with His initiative, but it requires our response—a step of faith to move from knowledge about God to an encounter with Him.
As J.I. Packer wisely observed, “What matters supremely is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it—the fact that He knows me.”
True knowledge of God is experiential, intimate, and life-changing. It’s an invitation to go beyond facts and discover the joy of being fully known and loved by the Creator of the universe.
So, just like tasting the pizza before forming an opinion, don’t settle for secondhand faith. Take the step to truly know God—not just about Him, but of Him.
​

​Habits Over Resolutions: A Call to Transformation

As we step into a new year, many people resolve to make changes—get healthier, build better relationships, or grow spiritually. But resolutions often fizzle out. Why? Because they lack the structure of habits, which are the true catalysts for transformation.
In reflecting on the state of our church and the past year, it’s clear that the consistent, faith-filled actions of our community have paved the way for growth and impact. From personal health crises to bold initiatives like Forward in Faith, we’ve seen God move through persistent steps of obedience and trust. Habits, not one-time efforts, have brought us to where we are today and will carry us into the future.

A Year of Gratitude and Growth

2024 was filled with challenges and triumphs. Personally, I experienced God’s healing power during an unexpected health crisis in Australia, a moment that reminded me of the strength of our church family’s prayers and generosity. This spirit of unity continued through our Forward in Faith initiative, with 31 families making commitments to give sacrificially.
We also witnessed incredible milestones: baptisms that celebrated life transformation, a picnic uniting our campuses and languages, and our Hispanic campus setting the standard for discipleship. Each of these moments was fueled by people stepping into habits of faithfulness—praying, giving, serving, and sharing.

Looking Ahead: More Than Sunday

As we move into 2025, the phrase “More Than Sunday” has become our rallying cry. Following Jesus isn’t about a one-hour experience; it’s about a daily commitment to live transformed lives. In John 1:35-42, we see Jesus inviting His disciples into a journey of connection, transformation, and mission. The same invitation extends to us today: to walk with Him beyond Sunday mornings and into every corner of our lives.

Building Habits for Spiritual Growth

Transformation starts small. Just as you wouldn’t attempt to run ten miles without training, you don’t need to overhaul your spiritual life overnight. Begin with small, consistent steps:

• Spend five minutes in God’s Word daily.
• Pray intentionally, even if just for a moment.
• Worship consistently, not just on Sundays but throughout your week.

These habits may seem insignificant at first, but their cumulative effect will change your heart, deepen your faith, and transform your life.
As Os Guinness wisely noted, “If the church becomes detached from Jesus Christ and His Word, it cannot grow, however active and successful it may seem.”

Staying connected to Christ through consistent habits ensures true spiritual growth and alignment with His will.

A Legacy of Transformation

Our mission at Legacy Church is to connect people to Christ, one another, and God’s mission. This year, we invite you to join us in living “More Than Sunday.” Let’s be a church known for habits that reflect Christ’s love—habits that transform not just our lives but also our communities.

​Start today. Take one small step. Together, as we build habits of faith, we’ll see God’s transformative power at work, creating a legacy that lasts far beyond Sunday.