Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Can You Recognize God?
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Can You Recognize God?
Dr. Jordon GilmoreKey Text: Gospel of Luke 24:13–35
Pastor Jordon begins with the story of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion. They were discouraged and confused. As they walked, Jesus joined them—but they didn’t recognize Him. Only after He explained the Scriptures did they realize who He was. Their sorrow turned to excitement, and they ran to tell the other disciples.
This story reflects a common experience for believers. We can walk through life discouraged or distracted and fail to recognize that God is already with us.
Most Christians would say they know God is always with them, yet many don’t always feel that way. Pastor Jordon referenced Book of Psalms 23:4, which reminds us that God is with us even in the valley. If we truly lived with that awareness, it would change our confidence, actions, and mindset. Imagine entering a difficult situation knowing Jesus was standing right behind you saying, “I’ve got you.” Through the Holy Spirit, that is the reality for believers.
Recognizing God is something that develops as we grow in faith. Pastor Jordon described three stages:
- Recognizing who God is – understanding His character, power, and voice.
- Recognizing who He is to you personally – growing in a personal relationship with Christ.
- Recognizing His work in your life – seeing how He empowers and guides you.
As our faith matures, our capacity grows—meaning God entrusts us with more responsibility and deeper experiences with Him.
The disciples illustrate this growth. Early in Jesus’ ministry they often asked, “Who is this?” In Gospel of Matthew 8, after Jesus calmed the storm, they wondered who He could be that even the wind obeyed Him. But later in Gospel of Matthew 14, after many experiences with Jesus, their response changed to worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Their ability to recognize Him grew through time spent walking with Him.
Peter’s story highlights this progression. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to come to Him. His bold step wasn’t random—it was the result of many experiences with Jesus that had built his faith.
Pastor Jordon pointed out three ways Peter’s capacity grew:
1. He listened to Jesus’ teaching and asked questions.
Peter actively sought understanding instead of staying confused.
2. He experienced miracles and spiritual revelation.
Moments where truth becomes clear deepen our ability to recognize God.
3. He obeyed Jesus’ instructions.
When Jesus told the disciples to preach, heal, and minister, Peter acted. Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter to “feed my sheep.” Peter eventually preached at Pentecost and thousands came to faith.
A key shift in spiritual maturity is how we pray. Early in faith we often pray, “God, fix this situation.” As we grow, our prayers change to, “Lord, empower me to respond the right way.” We begin to recognize that God often works through us, not just for us.
The challenge for believers is to spend time with God, seek understanding of His Word, remember moments of revelation, and act on His instructions. As we do, our capacity grows and we become better at recognizing God’s presence and work in our lives.
View all episodes
By Faith Alive ChurchDr. Jordon GilmoreKey Text: Gospel of Luke 24:13–35
Pastor Jordon begins with the story of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion. They were discouraged and confused. As they walked, Jesus joined them—but they didn’t recognize Him. Only after He explained the Scriptures did they realize who He was. Their sorrow turned to excitement, and they ran to tell the other disciples.
This story reflects a common experience for believers. We can walk through life discouraged or distracted and fail to recognize that God is already with us.
Most Christians would say they know God is always with them, yet many don’t always feel that way. Pastor Jordon referenced Book of Psalms 23:4, which reminds us that God is with us even in the valley. If we truly lived with that awareness, it would change our confidence, actions, and mindset. Imagine entering a difficult situation knowing Jesus was standing right behind you saying, “I’ve got you.” Through the Holy Spirit, that is the reality for believers.
Recognizing God is something that develops as we grow in faith. Pastor Jordon described three stages:
- Recognizing who God is – understanding His character, power, and voice.
- Recognizing who He is to you personally – growing in a personal relationship with Christ.
- Recognizing His work in your life – seeing how He empowers and guides you.
As our faith matures, our capacity grows—meaning God entrusts us with more responsibility and deeper experiences with Him.
The disciples illustrate this growth. Early in Jesus’ ministry they often asked, “Who is this?” In Gospel of Matthew 8, after Jesus calmed the storm, they wondered who He could be that even the wind obeyed Him. But later in Gospel of Matthew 14, after many experiences with Jesus, their response changed to worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Their ability to recognize Him grew through time spent walking with Him.
Peter’s story highlights this progression. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to come to Him. His bold step wasn’t random—it was the result of many experiences with Jesus that had built his faith.
Pastor Jordon pointed out three ways Peter’s capacity grew:
1. He listened to Jesus’ teaching and asked questions.
Peter actively sought understanding instead of staying confused.
2. He experienced miracles and spiritual revelation.
Moments where truth becomes clear deepen our ability to recognize God.
3. He obeyed Jesus’ instructions.
When Jesus told the disciples to preach, heal, and minister, Peter acted. Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter to “feed my sheep.” Peter eventually preached at Pentecost and thousands came to faith.
A key shift in spiritual maturity is how we pray. Early in faith we often pray, “God, fix this situation.” As we grow, our prayers change to, “Lord, empower me to respond the right way.” We begin to recognize that God often works through us, not just for us.
The challenge for believers is to spend time with God, seek understanding of His Word, remember moments of revelation, and act on His instructions. As we do, our capacity grows and we become better at recognizing God’s presence and work in our lives.