"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7: 7, 8 TNIV)

What does it mean to ask, to seek, to knock? Jesus says to his followers, "Everyone who asks receives." Asks what? Perhaps more importantly, receives what?

Some people use this verse to convince people they ought to accept Christ. And those who haven't done that yet are labeled "seekers." If they seek, pray, and ask, they'll be saved. True enough, but I think this passage also speaks to believers about deepening our connection with Jesus.

We don't just ask or knock once, get "in" with Jesus, and then coast to heaven. Right? If we do, then what are we still doing on Earth? Still, if it's true that once we believe in Jesus, his Spirit resides in us, and we're "saved," then what is Jesus telling us here?

I think he's reminding us that faith is a journey and salvation is ...