Introduction

As humans, we crave relationships. Why is that? The Bible teaches that we were created
for relationship with God and with one another. On one hand, it’s easy to know ABOUT God. But it’s a
whole other thing to KNOW God.

Video 1: Pulse of the World: Knowing God

Can we know God personally? We asked people around the world and captured their perspectives on film. Watch what others have to say about knowing God.

Questions to Consider and Discuss

• Did you identify with anyone’s expressed views in the film? If so, who and what resonated with you?
• Is it surprising that 75 percent of adults desire a close relationship with God? Why or why not?

Video 2: The Curiosity Collective: Can I Know God Personally?

The Curiosity Collective is a collection of subject matter experts discussing the question “Can I know God personally?” It displays the various questions, struggles, and perspectives of these individuals regarding this session’s topic. See what they have to say and discuss it.

Questions to Consider and Discuss

• In what ways can you identify with any of the stories in The Curiosity Collective? What did you find intriguing or compelling?
• Why might someone resist knowing God personally?
• Propaganda stated that “sin . . . has broken that covenant with [God].” What do you think he meant by that?
• In the video, Pete said, “[Jesus] made it possible for our sins to be removed because his blood was spotless; he was a perfect sacrifice for us.” How could Jesus be perfect? What are the implications of that?
• How might one develop a personal relationship with God? Do you have this? If so, how has this
  relationship impacted your life and those around you?
• In Matthew 7:7, the Bible says that if we seek, we will find; if we knock, the door will be opened. What might this mean?

Scripture Focus

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

• In what ways are you craving a relationship with your creator?
• What steps will you take to develop that relationship?

WRAP UP

The relational nature of humans points to the creator’s desire to be in relationship with us. Yet most people recognize a flaw, some sense of brokenness in our relationship with God. “The problem is not that we’re bad; it’s that we’re dead!” one speaker noted. So what gives? Scripture describes a God who passionately pursues the people he created and makes it possible to fix our broken relationship. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In other words, God takes us, in all our brokenness, and offers to make us whole forever.

Explore More on Knowing God

The following resources are designed for deeper exploration of the topic of knowing God.

Videos
How Can We Know God?
Does God Speak To Us?

Articles
How Can I Know God?
What Is The Gospel?

Daily Stream of Inspiration
40 Inspirational Readings for New Christians

Recommended Books
Knowing God, J. I. Packer
Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis

Additional Content on Knowing God
Knowing God