How a Classic Book and the Scriptures Shaped My Walk with the Lord
When I first started my walk with the Lord three decades ago, I remember searching for something that would help me really understand who God is—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not just in theory, but in a way that would touch my life every single day. One of the best resources I ever read was Knowing God by J. I. Packer. Even after all these years, I still reach for it when I want to understand more deeply the heart, the character, and the nature of God.
This book didn’t just give me answers; it humbled me and opened my mind. When I pondered who Christ is, I found a comfort that soothed every hurt. Reflecting on God the Father gave me peace in times of sorrow, and learning about the work of the Holy Spirit brought healing to my soul. If you’re going through tough times or find yourself overwhelmed by worry, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the greatness of God and His Word—let yourself get “lost in his immensity,” as Packer puts it. There’s nothing that comforts the soul, calms anxieties, or brings rest like focusing on who God is.
The Power of Contemplating God
As Packer wrote, “There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity.” I couldn’t agree more. Spending time thinking about God’s nature, his goodness, his justice, his grace and his mercy isn’t just an exercise in learning—it’s a source of real strength and comfort. In the ups and downs of life, this truth has anchored me again and again.
Living Out What We Believe
Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just know about God. The challenge—and the joy—comes in living out what I’ve learned from both the Scriptures and books like Knowing God. I’ll be the first to say I’m not perfect, but letting God’s love, grace, and forgiveness shape how I live has brought me joy and healing.
The Unity of Humanity and The Call to Love
One thing that grieves me today is seeing how easily Christians can fall for false teachings that make it seem okay to hate or despise others. That’s not the gospel Jesus taught. There is no excuse for harboring hate against anyone God has created. Instead, we’re called to live out love and forgiveness, just as we’ve received from God.
The Bible says in Acts 17:26-31 that God made all people from one man. He determined the times and places where every nation would exist, so that we would seek him. This passage is a powerful reminder that every human being shares the same origin and that God’s plan has always been for us to reach out for him.
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:26-31)
- God made all nations from one man.
- He decided when and where each nation would be.
- He wants everyone to seek and find him, because he is near to us.
This was part of Paul’s speech in Athens, where he was trying to help the people understand that God is not a distant, man-made idea. Rather, God is present, caring, and involved in our lives. He’s made us all his children, and he calls everyone, everywhere, to turn towards him.
The Real Gospel: Freedom and Fullness in Christ
As a minister, my deepest desire is to shine light on the true gospel—the good news that sets people free from ignorance and hate, and invites them to live in the fullness of what God has promised. The message of Jesus is about unity, grace, and redemption for all people, not division or superiority.
I rejoice in knowing that this world, with all its brokenness, is not the way it’s supposed to be—and one day, God will set everything right. Until then, I’m grateful for the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding I’ve received through Scripture and the lifelong process of learning to know God more.
If you’re seeking comfort, healing, or hope, I encourage you: turn your thoughts to God’s greatness and love. Let the study of who he is fill you with strength, just as it did for me, and let it transform how you live and love those around you.
In Christ alone,
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 