I like people who get right to the point. I remember a recent phone conversation in which, after exchanging pleasantries, the person I had called asked, "and what was it you called for?" It was assumed that there was a reason for my call (there was) and it was time to get to the point.

I especially appreciate the Bible books which have a clear "purpose statement". The letter of 1 John is one example:

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. " (1 John 5:13)

John's purpose in this short letter is to remind those who have life-changing faith in Jesus as the Son of God have the assurance of eternal life. That belief is based upon "the name of the Son of God". As our Creator has a personal name, so does the Messiah, the Son of God.

This assurance of eternal life is based upon a clear understanding of the terms that God has set forth:

"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life." (1 John 5:11-12)

Amidst centuries of confusion, it is important to understand the critically-significant phrase, "Son of God". God has provided an exclusive avenue to eternal life through His Son, and if we do not have "the Son of God" we do not have that life.

The assurance of eternal life is the basis for confidence in prayer:

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." (1 John 5:14-15)

Those who have come to terms with the meaning of the title, "Son of God", and have anchored their faith in this understanding are those who have full assurance of effective prayer. The assurance of eternal life based upon firm belief in the Son of God is the pathway to effective prayer.

Belief is designed to transform. Believing in God's provision of eternal life through the Son of God ought to transform us into people who regularly and boldly come before the throne of God in prayer to seek out that which will enlarge and advance the Kingdom of God.

What ideas and thoughts are in your mind today concerning the Lord's Kingdom and work? Perhaps the Lord has placed them there for you to seek from Him. He is eager to answer our prayers of faith for the cause of His Kingdom.

"Father, thank you for the assurance you have given those who believe in the Son of God. And thank you for the promise of effective Kingdom prayer. Move each believer today to seek from You the Kingdom dreams you have placed in our hearts. As we seek and as You answer may our faith and confidence grow so that we can become even more effective and fervent in prayer. In the name of Jesus, the Son of God, we pray. Amen."

Steve