Let me ask you a question when was the last time you felt the living presence of Jesus? Can you recall the moment? Has it been recently, some time ago, or never?
The New Testament book of Acts’s opening pages record a powerful verse about Jesus that says he (Jesus) showed himself alive (after his death and burial) by many infallible proofs.
Jesus shows himself alive by undeniable, irrefutable proofs.
For these people, there was no question about the resurrection of Jesus—the things they saw were convincing proof that he was alive.
Such proofs are beyond the emotional sensation you might feel when asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart. Arguing with someone’s testimony is useless because it belongs to them. You can dismiss it, but you will never convince them that it is not real.
This type of experience solidified the belief that Jesus was alive.
In my own life, I have experienced two such encounters. The first time I was afraid to open my eyes for fear that I would actually see him. His presence was so strong in my bedroom that I felt there wasn’t enough room for both of us. It was life-altering.
The second time brought such peace into the room. I turned my head slightly to catch a silhouette of the rising morning sun cascading through his hair.
But these are my experiences; I own them, just as the Christ-followers owned theirs in the book of Acts.
I have a friend who saw a hand come through the wall in his apartment, pointing a finger at him. He then heard a voice saying to follow him. My friend (not a Christ-follower at the time) immediately knew it was Jesus. That is his story, and he owns it.
I repeat the question when was the last time you felt the living presence of Jesus?
My experiences carry an anchoring weight that steadies me during times of uncertainty. Knowing the word of God is essential, having a committed prayer life is important, and following Jesus is important, but such encounters offer psychological assurance because they happened to me.
This is not to suggest that such experiences are a daily or regular occurrence in your life. A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is a daily part of your life, but an occasion will present itself when Jesus will you—something he will own—that he is alive.
Why it matters
Humanity is at a serious crossroads, and the adversary (the devil) is hurling every lie and perversion he can at humanity.
People who know their God will recognize this as enemy attacks and prevail against them.
Humanity is living in a time when Jesus’ promised return could occur.
I understand that it has been over 2,000 years since the promise was made, but two things cannot be denied (they could be, but it would not change anything).
God does not lie; everything he has said has (or will) happened.
At NO TIME in human history have the events leading up to his return aligned with the Bible like this time.
It is time to know Jesus.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is an unexpected journey of discovery.