Knowing God
I think that the topic of a personal relationship with God is fairly misunderstood because it is very different than earthly ones. In my view this relationship begins when one is introduced to Him by being born of the Spirit of God - it is all about having God living in us. Yet the idea that God "talks to us" in this relationship (as we talk to our friends) is one that can be confusing because it means so many things to so many people.
In the scriptures we see this relational communication in many ways. It is sometimes described as a still small voice or simply a sense in our innermost being of what the Holy Spirit is communicating to us. I have sensed God's voice both in prayer and not in prayer. I have heard Him speak to my innermost being with questions that have changed the course of my life. That said, I think that it is unique with each of us because we are all so different.
All that considered I think that the word 'personal' is a dangerous one when used in this context. A relationship with God is never personal in the sense that loving God always involves loving people. One really cannot love God in isolation. Reading through the bible one can readily see how this divine relationship can affect others.
Not sure that I am making sense here - guess it is difficult to tell someone else 'how' to have a relationship with God as words like love, faith and trust (things essential to relationship) mean something different to each of us. Yet those words do help us to understand what it means to know God. Perhaps I will write a bit more about this?
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I hope to see you write more about this. My life group is currently going through the Henry Blackaby study Experiencing God. Many times I hear the Lord speaking to me when I'm in the shower. It is almost always a revelation of something I have just read in HIS Word or something I can use to encourage someone else. It finally occurred to me that one of the reasons for that is because at those times, I am alone, no phone, no tv, etc. no distractions.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the personal not meaning isolation from others. My pastor says some people keep their faith so private, not even God knows about it.
Thanks Nonnie! I remember reading that book. And I so resonate with hearing God in the shower.
DeleteI have felt a presence, too Bob before and after I was "saved" and in small ways and big ways. It is very hard to describe to others. I like what you said about love. I would like to see more tolerance and acceptance in the churches.
ReplyDeleteSo true Alice. Love seems to be so absent when religious people talk about societal / cultural issues.
DeleteI think you are right that there is something here that is very personal and often difficult to communicate. But it is also very real and should not be just dismissed as some do. And I agree there needs to be a connection to community here. I think American spirituality like American culture can often become too individualistic.
ReplyDeleteGreat observation Mike. The lure of individualism is great because people often experience pain in religious community. It is why the Lord tells us to love each other.
DeleteI agree with that, but I think it is frequently our individualism that make it hard for us to live in community. The two seem to feed on each other.
DeleteI wonder what real community looks like in this country Mike? Probably not like a hippie commune or a senior living center. Any ideas about what it might look like?
DeleteI do not claim to have all the answers here, but I think one of the basic things is putting others before ourselves. Individualism tends to put each individuals concerns first, which often produces friction.
DeleteGood points Mike. I wonder if the concept of having a personal relationship with God is a part of that individualism?
DeleteI suspect that depends on on how you define "personal". But if it means a private thing, not specific to me and not anyone else, it could be.
DeleteMethinks a personal relationship with God that does not lead one into community might not be the real thing?
DeleteHi KC,
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing. :)
I believe what is lacking today in the relationship with Jesus is obedience. Jesus call us to Himself and then tells us to pick up our cross and walk in His footstep. How many Christians are preaching the Gospel? I know in my church if I ask that question only a small handful of people will say they are evangelizing.
I don't believe the love of God is hard to explain it is so very easy to show love to one another just by picking up the phone and saying to someone you know is either lonely or someone you don't really talk to, hi how are you today?
Father wants obedience and I feel today everyone is going after feelings and an emotional experience. It is very hard to be obedient to Father when He tells you to forgive the person who say just threw a rock at your windshield.
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ requires, faith and obedience to walking in His Word and living out Scripture.
Blessings,
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Hey, thanks for dropping by child of God. I suggest that the gospel is easy to preach when people see you as a person filled with the love of God. Sadly many Christians do not know or have friends who are not believers. These folks often, out of guilt, pass out tracks and "witness' to strangers who they never intend to befriend. Perhaps we should be like Jesus and hang out at nonreligious place?
DeleteRegarding obedience, I think that it is all about knowing God and being led by the Holy Spirit.