Knowing God
Bible Reading: Psalm 19
Some forty years ago, when I was serving as a submariner aboard the USS Omaha and stationed in Pearl Harbor, I received a gift in the mail. It was a book entitled, “Knowing God,” written by J. I. Packer. My Uncle Bob Emrich sent it to me. Included was his note, “Jerry…Believing the most important thing about a man is his thinking about God, I hope this will be profitable for you. With love and prayers for a Merry Christmas, Bob.” Indeed, the book was profitable, but the note even more so—because it put into my mind an important thought which God used to change me.
Bob’s statement was true—but how are we to know God? At the time, I didn’t know much of anything about God. I had no idea how to grow in my understanding of the nature of God. Theologians speak of God’s revelation to man in two different categories: general revelation and special revelation. Today’s Bible reading in Psalm 19 speaks of both. By means of general revelation God reveals something of Himself and His nature to all men through His created order. Special revelation is God’s manifestation of Himself to individual persons, enabling them to enter into a redemptive relationship with Him.
In Psalm 19:1-6 we read how God communicates truth regarding Himself through His creation. David, the Psalmist, sees the stars, moon, and sun and declares the “heavens declare the glory of God” (19:1). Though these created things don’t literally speak, there is a sense in which their voice is heard throughout the earth (19:4). The Apostle Paul said much the same when he wrote of how “God’s invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature” are revealed to us through God’s creation (Romans 1:20). As good and necessary as general revelation is, it still lacks power by itself to lead a person into a saving knowledge of God in Jesus.
Psalm 19:7-11 speaks to the special revelation unveiled to us in the Word of God. David makes six bold statements regarding the Word in which He highlights the preeminent value of the Word when it comes to knowing God. The Word alone has the capacity to revive the soul, make wise the simple, rejoice the heart, and enlighten the eyes. In the progress of revelation, we begin to understand the Word has the capacity, through the gospel message, to lead us to salvation. Having been born of the Spirit with life from above, we are thereafter Spirit indwelt to understand truths which had previously eluded us (Cf. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16).
How privileged we are as believers in Christ! We have ready access to the Scriptures. We are indwelt by the Divine Teacher (Cf. 1 John 2:27). In the subject of knowing God, we’ve an inexhaustible course of study, which can change our thinking and how we live—to the glory of God!
Heavenly Father. How privileged and blessed we are to know You through the saving work of Jesus! You’ve privileged us to possess Your Word, which has worked through the centuries to lead countless multitudes to know You, and then to grow in their knowledge of You through its truth! You’ve indwelt us with the best of Teachers, who instructs us that Your truth might be applied to the deepest parts of our being. Grant that we will grow in Christlike maturity and always long for truth, as we yearn to know You better. Amen.
“More about Jesus let me learn
More of His Holy will discern
Spirit of God, my teacher be
Showing the things of Christ to me.”
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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