Once someone realizes what God has already done for them by believing the Gospel, 1Cor 15:1-4, their relationship with the Lord is secure. The reason it is secure is because God said it is. Therefore, since the Lord has 'sealed' and hidden us in Himself as His Bride He has done everything that a complete relationship can be.
The only reason we don't have a relationship is because we do not believe what he said. But, even if we believe, our fellowship with Him will increase only as we communicate with Him. Prayer is very powerful as there isn't any distance between you and God. He lives in you! Therefore, every dissappointment; He is there. Every good fortune; He is there. So upon your realizing this your communication with Him becomes pretty easy.
However, part of the problem in the matter of relationship is that some of us really believe that our opinions actually matter. If you think about it how would it be possible to stand toe to toe with God and tell Him how things are? Good luck with that. But, can you see this is excatly what we do when we come to our own conclusions?
One of the most beautiful oracles in the Bible is towards the end of the Book of Job when God has a discussion with Job and his buddies about just this very matter. God tells them "Stand up like a man. I'm about to ask you a few questions and I want you to answer me." I tell you your own knees will knock!
So don't worry, you are far from the first person who ever thought that their thoughts had value about God matters. But, also understand that you have been getting bits and pieces of Scripture throughout your whole life. But, when you put these pieces together there were too many conflicts. Therefore because we can't get satisfactory answers from even those with theologocal title we fill the gaps with our own reasoning.
What helped me immensley was understanding how God throughout the ages had made it possible for man to have a relationship with Him. It wasn't always as easy as it is now after His crucifixion.
Throughout the Bible there are only two basic axioms.
1 - Without the shedding of blood there is no covering or forgiveness of sins.
2 - Without Faith it is impossible to please God.
Therefore with Faith and with blood sacrifice, after Adam's fall, throughout the Bible people were able to experienced God's Grace.
So lets look at the different ways God granted people a relationship with Him.
1 - Adamic Covenant: (Gen 3) After Adam's fall: sacrificial lamb plus Faith
2 - Abrahamic Covenant: (Gen 12) After the call of Abraham: sacrificial clean animal plus Faith; but for the Jew only. (no relationship was possible for Gentiles after Abraham's call although there were some exceptions. (See Eph 2:13)
3 - After Moses: Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 20...) sacrificial clean animal through a priesthood plus Faith, plus the Law; Levitical, Moral and Civil.
4 - After Jesus Crucifixion: New Covenant: believing that Jesus was the Messiah (Faith) plus Mosaic Law plus baptism plus repentance. This was the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt 9:35). The Relationship was still for the Jew only (Matt 10:5, Acts 11:19) as all Israel had to believe that Jesus was their Messiah in order that the Mosaic covenant in Ex 19:6 could be fulfilled; that Israel would become a Kingdom of Priests, a go-between or mediator, between God and the Gentiles. (See Zech 8:20-23)
5 - However, everything changed after the stoning of Stephen and the appearance of Paul with God's revealing of 'the mysteries'; His Gospel of Grace (Acts 20:24). This newly revealed mystery (Eph 3:2, Gal 1:11, Rom 16:25) which is Faith in the Finished Work of the Cross (1Cor 15:1-4) without works, sacrifice or Law for both Jew and Gentile alike is the current 'administration' (Eph 3:2)or the age of Grace that we live in today.
The stoning of Stephan was the crescendo of Israel's unbelief which didn't eliminate Isreal's pristly covenant but postponed it. Their priestly position is clearly restored during the end times (Rev 7). But, after Stephan's death it was at this point that God changed direction and took His Truth directly to all mankind without Israel as their mediator. But, as stated only temporarily until the last Gentile comes in (Rom 11:25).
Note that throughout the Bible God does not break promises. His agenda with Israel inspite of their unbelief was never terminated but merely postponed. The book of Revelation is mostly about the salvation of the world through the nation of Israel.
I hope you can see the different ways that God has dispensed His Grace over the ages. If someone mixed all this up or took several pieces and and told you that this was how you had to be Saved ... you can see how conflicts would emerge. You may even consider that the reason you feel disconnected is because you haven't yet separated yourself from the deception...that you have to do something to be saved.
Paul gives a perfect explanation of all these things in his letter to the Romans. He also explains in detail what happened 15 years after Pentecost in Acts 15 in his letter to the Galatians. In how the Jerusalem Church was still steeped in Law as a condition for salvation which was in conflict with what the ascended Lord had taught Paul.
St Paul was always defending his apostleship as it was so difficult for the religious to accept his Gospel of Grace. (Acts 20:24 Please note that it is not the same as the "Gospel of the Kingdom" as in Matt 4:23)
I hope you can see that mixing legal right or law to salvation creates conflict which most of us have been subjected to. Its no wonder we have so much confusion within Christianity today.
Just remember that Faith Plus Nothing is the Ticket for this Age of Grace. But, here is a perfect life application. Think for a minute that this Age of Grace is like when Noah took 120 years (by God's design) to build the Ark. Here we are in God's Age of the Lord's favor with an Ark (1Cor 15:1-4) for us to enter just because He has enabled us to believe.
Because of the wonderful position the Lord has provided us upon our believing please have confidence that your line of communication with Him is solid and unwavering. Just because we can't see anything or feel any different is of no consequence. Remember the Lord is Spirit not flesh. But, although we do not see anything different or feel anything different it does not mean things are the same.
Try not to confuse the miracles that Israel sought after with the way things should be for the believer today. Miracles and wonders were common place in those days for Israel. Remember when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary she didn't freak out. Angels and messengers from God were common to Israel. But, now there are different rules for this time of God's Grace.
No sacrifices are necessary. The Lord even cancelled the Law for believers by nailing it to the cross and replaced it with the Holy Spirit in us. (Col 2:13-15) He finished our salvation completely for all who believe. So now how do we respond to such unconditional love? How does a cancer patient respond to being in remission? How do flood victims respond from being rescued from their roof top? And how do we now respond to God who has saved us from His coming wrath and promises us that we will be with Him throughout all eternity?
Yes...we respond in love and gratitude. But, that is just the beginning. We still have to get through this time of testing. But, we can do it now with His Joy through PRAYER!
God is now our ally. For Paul says, "If God is for us who could possibly be against us?" Now we have the insight of Christ and see through the eyes of God as to the root of how things are. I find that if the reason isn't readily apparent for certain situations it becomes so after a brief request.
Remember we have the mind of Christ (1Cor 1:10)! Christ in us and He in the Father. You may ask, how do I know this? My answer is He said so! I'm not the kind of spiritual man that will tell you what to do or what you should do. I'm not like that because I realize that your position in the Lord is just as esteemed as mine and he will guide you differently than he guides me.
Inquiring of others regarding your circumstances is sometimes beneficial but the surest way to see what is best for you and your family is to inquire of the Lord's intervention. He is the One that created and holds the universe together. (Coll 1) He has the Power beyond imagination and has already eagerly intervened into your circumstances. He said, "the Lord works everything out for good for those who love Him." Sometimes the answer I get is "stand still and do nothing." Ex 14:13
Two things I always try to remember that seem to activate God's intervention are: 1. My salvation isn't dependent on anything I could possibly do. My salvation is dependent only on my belief of the Gospel 1Cor 15:1-4. 2.Philip 3:6: "Pray about everything and be anxious about nothing. For our battle is not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities." But pray with thanksgiving because He is already into the situation on your behalf and is working in everyone else involved in it.
But, should things get pretty oppressive as they can happen remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen authorities and principalities (eph 6:12) Please remember that this is not a play ground. It is a battleground. Pray that the Lord war against those that war against you and your family. Praying Psalm 35 out loud arouses the chariots of fire in your defense. This Psalm is a great spiritual warfare prayer. Pray it out loud in Jesus Christ the Lord. Do not hesitate and watch the world melt before your very eyes!!!
As your confidence increases so will your quality of life as well as your families' even in the midst of difficult times. I can't quite explain how He does it and my prayer for you is that you won't be able to either.
Here's a challenge. Read Ephesians. See if you can find more promises.
Blessings
The only reason we don't have a relationship is because we do not believe what he said. But, even if we believe, our fellowship with Him will increase only as we communicate with Him. Prayer is very powerful as there isn't any distance between you and God. He lives in you! Therefore, every dissappointment; He is there. Every good fortune; He is there. So upon your realizing this your communication with Him becomes pretty easy.
However, part of the problem in the matter of relationship is that some of us really believe that our opinions actually matter. If you think about it how would it be possible to stand toe to toe with God and tell Him how things are? Good luck with that. But, can you see this is excatly what we do when we come to our own conclusions?
One of the most beautiful oracles in the Bible is towards the end of the Book of Job when God has a discussion with Job and his buddies about just this very matter. God tells them "Stand up like a man. I'm about to ask you a few questions and I want you to answer me." I tell you your own knees will knock!
So don't worry, you are far from the first person who ever thought that their thoughts had value about God matters. But, also understand that you have been getting bits and pieces of Scripture throughout your whole life. But, when you put these pieces together there were too many conflicts. Therefore because we can't get satisfactory answers from even those with theologocal title we fill the gaps with our own reasoning.
What helped me immensley was understanding how God throughout the ages had made it possible for man to have a relationship with Him. It wasn't always as easy as it is now after His crucifixion.
Throughout the Bible there are only two basic axioms.
1 - Without the shedding of blood there is no covering or forgiveness of sins.
2 - Without Faith it is impossible to please God.
Therefore with Faith and with blood sacrifice, after Adam's fall, throughout the Bible people were able to experienced God's Grace.
So lets look at the different ways God granted people a relationship with Him.
1 - Adamic Covenant: (Gen 3) After Adam's fall: sacrificial lamb plus Faith
2 - Abrahamic Covenant: (Gen 12) After the call of Abraham: sacrificial clean animal plus Faith; but for the Jew only. (no relationship was possible for Gentiles after Abraham's call although there were some exceptions. (See Eph 2:13)
3 - After Moses: Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 20...) sacrificial clean animal through a priesthood plus Faith, plus the Law; Levitical, Moral and Civil.
4 - After Jesus Crucifixion: New Covenant: believing that Jesus was the Messiah (Faith) plus Mosaic Law plus baptism plus repentance. This was the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt 9:35). The Relationship was still for the Jew only (Matt 10:5, Acts 11:19) as all Israel had to believe that Jesus was their Messiah in order that the Mosaic covenant in Ex 19:6 could be fulfilled; that Israel would become a Kingdom of Priests, a go-between or mediator, between God and the Gentiles. (See Zech 8:20-23)
5 - However, everything changed after the stoning of Stephen and the appearance of Paul with God's revealing of 'the mysteries'; His Gospel of Grace (Acts 20:24). This newly revealed mystery (Eph 3:2, Gal 1:11, Rom 16:25) which is Faith in the Finished Work of the Cross (1Cor 15:1-4) without works, sacrifice or Law for both Jew and Gentile alike is the current 'administration' (Eph 3:2)or the age of Grace that we live in today.
The stoning of Stephan was the crescendo of Israel's unbelief which didn't eliminate Isreal's pristly covenant but postponed it. Their priestly position is clearly restored during the end times (Rev 7). But, after Stephan's death it was at this point that God changed direction and took His Truth directly to all mankind without Israel as their mediator. But, as stated only temporarily until the last Gentile comes in (Rom 11:25).
Note that throughout the Bible God does not break promises. His agenda with Israel inspite of their unbelief was never terminated but merely postponed. The book of Revelation is mostly about the salvation of the world through the nation of Israel.
I hope you can see the different ways that God has dispensed His Grace over the ages. If someone mixed all this up or took several pieces and and told you that this was how you had to be Saved ... you can see how conflicts would emerge. You may even consider that the reason you feel disconnected is because you haven't yet separated yourself from the deception...that you have to do something to be saved.
Paul gives a perfect explanation of all these things in his letter to the Romans. He also explains in detail what happened 15 years after Pentecost in Acts 15 in his letter to the Galatians. In how the Jerusalem Church was still steeped in Law as a condition for salvation which was in conflict with what the ascended Lord had taught Paul.
St Paul was always defending his apostleship as it was so difficult for the religious to accept his Gospel of Grace. (Acts 20:24 Please note that it is not the same as the "Gospel of the Kingdom" as in Matt 4:23)
I hope you can see that mixing legal right or law to salvation creates conflict which most of us have been subjected to. Its no wonder we have so much confusion within Christianity today.
Just remember that Faith Plus Nothing is the Ticket for this Age of Grace. But, here is a perfect life application. Think for a minute that this Age of Grace is like when Noah took 120 years (by God's design) to build the Ark. Here we are in God's Age of the Lord's favor with an Ark (1Cor 15:1-4) for us to enter just because He has enabled us to believe.
Because of the wonderful position the Lord has provided us upon our believing please have confidence that your line of communication with Him is solid and unwavering. Just because we can't see anything or feel any different is of no consequence. Remember the Lord is Spirit not flesh. But, although we do not see anything different or feel anything different it does not mean things are the same.
Try not to confuse the miracles that Israel sought after with the way things should be for the believer today. Miracles and wonders were common place in those days for Israel. Remember when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary she didn't freak out. Angels and messengers from God were common to Israel. But, now there are different rules for this time of God's Grace.
No sacrifices are necessary. The Lord even cancelled the Law for believers by nailing it to the cross and replaced it with the Holy Spirit in us. (Col 2:13-15) He finished our salvation completely for all who believe. So now how do we respond to such unconditional love? How does a cancer patient respond to being in remission? How do flood victims respond from being rescued from their roof top? And how do we now respond to God who has saved us from His coming wrath and promises us that we will be with Him throughout all eternity?
Yes...we respond in love and gratitude. But, that is just the beginning. We still have to get through this time of testing. But, we can do it now with His Joy through PRAYER!
God is now our ally. For Paul says, "If God is for us who could possibly be against us?" Now we have the insight of Christ and see through the eyes of God as to the root of how things are. I find that if the reason isn't readily apparent for certain situations it becomes so after a brief request.
Remember we have the mind of Christ (1Cor 1:10)! Christ in us and He in the Father. You may ask, how do I know this? My answer is He said so! I'm not the kind of spiritual man that will tell you what to do or what you should do. I'm not like that because I realize that your position in the Lord is just as esteemed as mine and he will guide you differently than he guides me.
Inquiring of others regarding your circumstances is sometimes beneficial but the surest way to see what is best for you and your family is to inquire of the Lord's intervention. He is the One that created and holds the universe together. (Coll 1) He has the Power beyond imagination and has already eagerly intervened into your circumstances. He said, "the Lord works everything out for good for those who love Him." Sometimes the answer I get is "stand still and do nothing." Ex 14:13
Two things I always try to remember that seem to activate God's intervention are: 1. My salvation isn't dependent on anything I could possibly do. My salvation is dependent only on my belief of the Gospel 1Cor 15:1-4. 2.Philip 3:6: "Pray about everything and be anxious about nothing. For our battle is not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities." But pray with thanksgiving because He is already into the situation on your behalf and is working in everyone else involved in it.
But, should things get pretty oppressive as they can happen remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen authorities and principalities (eph 6:12) Please remember that this is not a play ground. It is a battleground. Pray that the Lord war against those that war against you and your family. Praying Psalm 35 out loud arouses the chariots of fire in your defense. This Psalm is a great spiritual warfare prayer. Pray it out loud in Jesus Christ the Lord. Do not hesitate and watch the world melt before your very eyes!!!
As your confidence increases so will your quality of life as well as your families' even in the midst of difficult times. I can't quite explain how He does it and my prayer for you is that you won't be able to either.
Here's a challenge. Read Ephesians. See if you can find more promises.
Blessings