Blog Post
Experiencing Jesus - by Mark Baumhardt
February 2, 2025
Sermon recap:
There is a difference between knowing and experiencing Jesus (he is a person, not a doctrine). He is the lens of God's heart (through the battle lens, the journey in finding him, and the relational lens). We can't see the deep roots of Jesus's love but they are there. Knowledge comes from experieincing Jesus's love.
If you missed the lesson by Mark Baumhardt, one of the original members of the mission team to Johannesburg, then you can watch it on our YouTube channel. The recording is in two parts. This is the second one.
We all start out the same way, fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The question is: How do you want your life story to play out? God's goodness pursues us. And while things in life won't work out just because you pray, the cross is the greatest evidence of God's goodness. What will you allow him to do in your life?
Yada is a Hebrew word that means "to know". God reveals himself to us through his power, his loving kindness, his word, Holy Spirit and forgiveness. The cross is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
The Hebrew word "yada" means "to know" from the heart or by experience. While the word "relationship" is not in the Bible, it permeates the scriptures. God knows our hearts and our thoughts. We get to know him by being broken, humble, completely open and by making it our goal to know him.