Today's Passage - John 17:1-3

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 17: 1-3   "...Now this is eternal life: that they may know you , the only true God , and Jesus Christ  , whom you have sent."   As it is recorded, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."  Two requirements for eternal life are listed here: First, we need to know the only true God; our God is the only true God with three identities: the Holy Father, the Holy Son and the Holy Spirit; three equal in position and yet different in function.   When God created heaven and earth, man was bestowed with a life of meaning.  The reason man was lost is because we have severed our relationship with our creator, like a creation separated from its designer unable to exhibit its unique function.  If we use a table as a chair, even though it is quite sturdy but it would not be comfortable. It is only when the designer discloses to us that this is a table, we are then enlightened. In addition, God is our designer, and as we are separated from Him, we no longer can find   meanings and answers to our lives.   Second, we need to understand that Jesus Christ is the savior sent by God.  While "knowing the truth God" is not difficult to comprehend,  we need to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the savior sent by God to this world in order to have eternal life.  Jesus said in John 14: 6, "I am the way, the truth and the light; no one comes to the Father except through me." In order to receive this eternal life, we need to deal with our sins, and for this very reason Jesus had to die on the cross.  On the cross, He had overcome the power of hiatus, and resurrected from the dead manifesting that He is the Son of God.  He has paved a new and lively path for those who believe in Him; only through Him can we come to God openly without fear.    "Knowing" in this Biblical verse not only refers to the exchange of information, but it depicts the establishment of a close relationship. In other words, not only do we need to understand intellectually He is the only truth God and His salvation,   we should also have a close union with this truth God spiritually, like friends and married couples.   It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit can we come to know this God and maintain a fervent desire to be close Him. Brothers and sisters, are you yawning for a close relationship with God as well as meaning in your lives? You need to welcome the work of the Holy Spirit so that your hearts will be opened not only to see and hear, but also recognize His heart's desire for you.                              Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you for you are willing to be close to us. Holy Spirit, we pray that we may come to understand your truthfulness and preciousness, and that we may seek and be drawn to you and be close to Jesus so that we may receive this abundant live.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!