Do I Actually Know Jesus? | Jesus in Real Life | Wk 01

You can know the stories about Jesus, recognize His teachings, and spend your entire life around church—and still face an important question: Do I actually know Jesus, or do I just know about Him?

There's a difference between being familiar with someone and having a relationship with them. And when it comes to Jesus, that difference changes everything.

In this opening message of our Jesus in Real Life series, we explore John 1:35–42, where two disciples hear John the Baptist identify Jesus as the Lamb of God. What begins as an introduction becomes a personal encounter when Jesus turns toward them and asks a powerful question: "What are you seeking?"

His invitation is simple: Come, see, and stay.

Through this encounter, we discover that following Jesus isn't about mastering religious activities, having all the answers, or simply accepting someone else's understanding of faith. It's about personally responding to the Savior who has made Himself known.

In this message, we'll explore:

• Why knowing about Jesus isn't the same as knowing Him personally.
• What John the Baptist teaches us about pointing people toward Jesus.
• Why Jesus asks, "What are you seeking?"
• How our assumptions about Jesus can keep us from seeing Him as He really is.
• Why following Jesus is an ongoing relationship, not a spiritual accomplishment.
• How encountering Jesus changes the way we understand ourselves and live our everyday lives.

The central truth: Someone can introduce me to Jesus, but they cannot know Him for me.

Whether you've been in church your entire life, you're returning after time away, or you're just beginning to explore faith, this message is an invitation to move beyond familiarity and discover the real Jesus.

Jesus didn't come simply to make our lives more comfortable or teach us how to become better people. He came as the Lamb of God who takes away sin, reconciling us to God through His death and resurrection.

And He still invites us to come near.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

This week, read John 1:35–42 slowly. Pay attention to what the passage actually reveals about Jesus. Then ask yourself:

Is there anything about the Jesus revealed in Scripture that challenges, corrects, or deepens the picture of Him I've carried?

Don't rush past the answer. Bring what you discover to God in prayer and allow His Word to shape the way you see and follow Jesus.

JOIN THE JESUS IN REAL LIFE JOURNEY

Over ten weeks, we're exploring practical questions about what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. From reading Scripture and prayer to relationships, struggles, and spiritual growth, we're learning to bring our real lives to the real Jesus.

Explore the series and journal resources:
https://fbccastroville.com/jirl/

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Our Vision: Leading generations to reframe life in the image of Christ.

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