Knowing About God vs Knowing God

It is possible to know scriptures, quote verses, attend church regularly, and still miss God Himself.

Pastor Albert reminded us that knowing God is not the same as knowing about God. Knowing about God is intellectual. Knowing God is relational.

Even demons believe that God exists, yet they tremble because they know His authority.

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

James 2:19

The Christian journey is not just about acknowledging God’s existence, but about walking with Him daily, hearing His voice, and submitting to His will.

Mary: When God Interrupts Your Plans

Mary is one of the most fascinating people in scripture. She had plans. She had a future mapped out. She had expectations.

Then God stepped in.

God did not ask Mary if it was convenient. He planted a divine seed into her life that would change the course of humanity.

“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.’”

Luke 1:35

Sometimes God interrupts our carefully planned lives not to ruin them, but to birth something eternal through us.

Mary’s story teaches us that obedience often requires surrender. And surrender is rarely comfortable.

Christmas Is Costly

One of the most challenging questions from the sermon was this:

What are you giving to God this Christmas? And what are you leaving behind to follow Jesus?

David once said something powerful that Pastor Albert echoed:

“I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

2 Samuel 24:24

Anything we give to God that costs us nothing is not really a sacrifice. Following Jesus always demands something. Sometimes it is comfort. Sometimes pride. Sometimes old habits, relationships, or ambitions that no longer align with Him.

The Power Is in Knowing the Name

Saying the name of Jesus is powerful, but knowing the name is transformational.

The sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus without relationship, and it failed them.

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”

Acts 19:15

Authority flows from relationship. Power comes from intimacy. When you truly know Jesus, His name carries weight in your life.

Spiritual Warfare Is Not Welfare

When facing spiritual battles, Pastor Albert made something clear. We do not retreat into fear or comfort. We stand firm.

Jesus Himself showed us this when He confronted the devil:

“Get thee behind me, Satan!”

Matthew 16:23

Spiritual warfare requires identity. You must know who you are, whose you are, and what you carry. This confidence only comes from knowing God personally.

You Are Alive for God’s Work

You were not created just to do the works of the world. You are alive to do the work of God.

Pastor Albert shared a powerful truth. As you align your life with God’s purpose, your life itself carries divine preservation.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

Ephesians 2:10

A life lived for God is a life covered by God.

The Word Became Flesh

The foundation of everything we believe rests on this truth.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

“He was with God in the beginning.”

John 1:2

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

John 1:14

God became a man so that man could walk with God. He stepped into our world so we could step into His life.

Discussion and Reflection Points

Take time this week to reflect on these questions personally or with a group:

• Do I truly know God, or do I mostly know about Him?
• What has God asked me to surrender that I am still holding onto?
• If my faith cost me something, what would that look like?
• When facing spiritual battles, do I retreat or stand in authority?
• How has God interrupted my plans, and what might He be birthing through it?

Scriptures for Further Study

• Luke 1:26–38

• James 2:19

• John 1:1–14

• Matthew 16:23

• Acts 19:13–16

• Ephesians 2:10

• Philippians 3:8