Really Knowing Christ

This weekend I had Brian load a bunch of Matt Chandler's old Metro sermons on my iPod so that I could listen on my way to and from work. I started listening on Monday and have loved it! I look forward to my drive because I love the passion that Matt has for Christ. 
A few weeks ago, in our church home group, we went around and shared our list of things that "stir" our affections and the things that "rob" our affections for Christ. Since that night I have really been trying to incorporate some of those things into my daily routine and listening to Matt was one of them. 
I think it was Tuesday when I heard Matt say something that really got me thinking. He said that if you have little to no affection for Christ it is because you probably only know what other people have told you about Him. I started to think about that and it really convicted me. I have been a believer in Christ Jesus since I was a little girl. When I hear people talk about Christ, quote scripture, and have a genuine affection for Him and living a life that is consumed with him; I am "stirred". I don't want to know just what others have said or preached about Him, I want to KNOW him! So yesterday I sat down got out my Bible and computer and started looking for reasons to memorize scripture. Here are some of the reasons I came up with: 1) to teach us about the character of Christ 2) it helps us fight temptation and sin 3) it provides comfort and counsel for others 4) helps us to accurately share with non believers 5) for the JOY of knowing Christ and walking in His truth. 
So I started a list of basic scriptures that most people are familiar with so that I can start really thinking and knowing them fully. I want to be able to quote them accurately and know where to find them. Here are a few:


Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 


Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me.


Ephesians 2:8-10 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-not from yourselves, it is a gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Philippians 4: 6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prater and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


My prayer is that Christ will continue to stir up these desires that I might know Him deeply and not just know what others have taught me.