Acknowledge – To acquire knowledge of • The simple acceptance of existence - Recognize • Gain knowledge - Respect • Influenced by - Respond Not to acknowledge: A fool without ability to do good. Psalms 53:1 (NIV) 1 … The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Can only spread lies Jeremiah 9:3 (NIV) 3 “They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me,” declares the LORD. Lifestyle prohibits recognition of God – exchanges own life for compensation Hosea 5:4 (NIV) 4 "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD. Spirit test 1 John 4:2-3 (NIV) 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. To Acknowledge: often in need Simply consider -give attention to – requires faith Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. To give attention to God is to seek and discover Him, to embark upon knowledge of Him: Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. When found, not just Provider/Rewarder – But Almighty God Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Hebrews 12:28-29 (KJV) 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Holy, Powerful, Mighty – But Merciful, Good Psalms 145:9 (KJV) 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Romans 2:4 (NIV) 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? With overwhelming honor – overwhelming trust – appropriate response Psalms 9:10 (NIV) 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. To trust Him at all – will trust Him in all Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Acknowledging Him –> Acknowledging Him in you - lifestyle 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) 9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Galatians 2:20 says, I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Recognizing, Respecting, Responding to Him - glorify Him 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” To Acknowledge: Psalms 16:8-11 (NIV) 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.