According to Christianity, should I be able to have a personal loving relationship with God?

[TruthSeek3r]

Q1: Does Christianity predict that I should be able to have a personal loving relationship with God? Is that something that should be expected to be true if Christianity is true?

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is "yes", is there a standard definition in Christianity of what a "personal loving relationship" between God and a human being looks like? Is this a standard concept, or does each denomination have its own definition (e.g. Pentecostals vs Catholics vs Orthodox vs Baptists, etc.)?

Q3: If God is by definition supernatural, then does a personal loving relationship between God and a human being involve supernatural experiences? Or more generally, if I have a personal loving relationship with God, what should I expect to happen? Can I expect God to speak to me, give me dreams, visions, spiritual gifts, etc.?

Q4: Does having a personal loving relationship with God involve being consciously aware of God's presence? If so, how does one tell the difference between God's presence and God's absence? Is God's presence something that can be consciously experienced?

Q5: How can I have a personal loving relationship with God? Is there a method to achieve this?

 

[YahuahSaves]

Q1: Does Christianity predict that I should be able to have personal loving relationship with God? Is that something that should be expected to be true if Christianity is true?

Yes.

John 14:21

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him (Jn 14:21).

John 15:9

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love (Jn 15:9).

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (Jn 15:13).

Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Ro 8:35).

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Ro 8:37).

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised (2 Co 5:14-15).

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Ga 2:20).

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph 5:2).

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25).

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus (1 Ti 1:14).

2 Timothy 1:13

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus (2 Ti 1:13).

1 John 3:16

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers (1 Jn 3:16).

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (Rev 1:5).

 

[YahuahSaves]

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is "yes", is there a standard definition in Christianity of what a "personal loving relationship" between God and a human being looks like?

Faith.​

Hebrews 11:6​

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Jesus.

John 14:6​

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Confession.

1 John 1:9​

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 3:19​

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out

 

[YahuahSaves]

Q3: If God is by definition supernatural, then does a personal loving relationship between God and a human being involve supernatural experiences? Or more generally, if I have a personal loving relationship with God, what should I expect to happen? Can I expect God to speak to me, give me dreams, visions, spiritual gifts, etc.?

It can - but it's according to the level of faith as to what HE reveals of himself and when. God often tests our faith through trials.
As far as spiritual gifts, we all have been given them by God, but it's the Holy Spirit who gives those gifts.

Corinthians 12:4-11

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

As far as dreams and visions, you can find them throughout the bible from believers.

The scripture also says:

LORD’s Promise of His Spirit

28e“Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.

 

[YahuahSaves]

Q4: Does having a personal loving relationship with God involve being consciously aware of God's presence? If so, how does one tell the difference between God's presence and God's absence? Is God's presence something that can be consciously experienced?

Yes.
When you experience you know the difference, there's no denying.

 

[YahuahSaves]

Q5: How can I have a personal loving relationship with God? Is there a method to achieve this?

* Refer to question 2.

* Read the 4 Gospels that document Jesus ministry on Earth - many say Start with the Gospel of John.

* Faith. Heart posture is important. Seek Jesus in prayer, ask of him.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Q1: Does Christianity predict that I should be able to have a personal loving relationship with God? Is that something that should be expected to be true if Christianity is true?

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is "yes", is there a standard definition in Christianity of what a "personal loving relationship" between God and a human being looks like? Is this a standard concept, or does each denomination have its own definition (e.g. Pentecostals vs Catholics vs Orthodox vs Baptists, etc.)?

Q3: If God is by definition supernatural, then does a personal loving relationship between God and a human being involve supernatural experiences? Or more generally, if I have a personal loving relationship with God, what should I expect to happen? Can I expect God to speak to me, give me dreams, visions, spiritual gifts, etc.?

Q4: Does having a personal loving relationship with God involve being consciously aware of God's presence? If so, how does one tell the difference between God's presence and God's absence? Is God's presence something that can be consciously experienced?

Q5: How can I have a personal loving relationship with God? Is there a method to achieve this?

I define " a personal loving relationship " as loving my Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We already know He loves us , now we need to love Him. Once our heart is in the right place He makes His home in us through His Holy Spirit.
Blessings.

 

[BobRyan]

Q1: Does Christianity predict that I should be able to have a personal loving relationship with God? Is that something that should be expected to be true if Christianity is true?

yes - provided you are not double minded in that persuit

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is "yes", is there a standard definition in Christianity of what a "personal loving relationship" between God and a human being looks like? Is this a standard concept, or does each denomination have its own definition (e.g. Pentecostals vs Catholics vs Orthodox vs Baptists, etc.)?

In all Christian denominations God is a real person, a real being.
So a real "relationship" requires real interaction person-to-person through the Holy Spirit - who is Himself a member of that Godhead.

John 14 expresses it as an external source of peace that is not available to humans outside of direct contact with God

Q3: If God is by definition supernatural, then does a personal loving relationship between God and a human being involve supernatural experiences?

Yes. The New Birth is supernatural and so also the peace that only God can give via direct personal contact.

Q4: Does having a personal loving relationship with God involve being consciously aware of God's presence? If so, how does one tell the difference between God's presence and God's absence? Is God's presence something that can be consciously experienced?

yes it can - but one is not always aware of His presence every minute of the day. That experience comes and goes

Q5: How can I have a personal loving relationship with God? Is there a method to achieve this?

Yes there is -

1. Focus the mind on God via reading of the Bible or a commentary on the life of Christ etc
2. Take a step of faith -- tell God in prayer that you accept Jesus as your savior and would like to have a few questions answered.
a. "God I confess my sins and repent. Please tell me if there is anything I am doing that I should stop doing"..
(Then wait, listen and write down what comes to mind)
b. Confess and ask for the blood of Christ to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness after reading 1 John 1:9
c. Ask God if you should start doing something you are not doing. (Then wait, listen and write down what comes to mind)
d. Take some time to think of things to be thankful for -

Read Bible promises in the book of Psalms and pray them to God. Take breaks and then go back to reading your Bible for short periods of time.


And in all that - remember not to wash the entire experience out of your soul via entertainment TV/internet ... just give all that a break for a while as you do this experimental walk with God.

 

[BobRyan]

Chinese communist atheist direct encounter with Christ -

An amazing testimony by a former Chinese communist who recently converted to Christianity due to a direct encounter with Christ... truly an amazing testimony.

 

[Joined2krist]

I have noticed you keep asking questions that gives me the impression; you are having difficulties in fully trusting God because He isn't visible?

 

[TruthSeek3r]

I have noticed you keep asking questions that gives me the impression; you are having difficulties in fully trusting God because He isn't visible?

What do you mean by "visible"? Do you mean "visible" as in visible with my physical eyes?

My main concern right now is how to unlock a relationship with God. How to encounter God and have an interactive relationship with Him.

 

[Blade]

Not sure how to answer "according to Christianity" the rule of lol thumb so to speak is the what He said in His word. Not like a old song said "seven steps to the holy spirit its easy it you try". Its not what we say here its what HE said in His word. If your questions are based on a true desire from your heart then He is talking to you. Its what He wants.

Me the more I give Him the more He gives me of Him. Give Him means my time, mind, prayer life, you name it. There is no such thing as to heavenly minded so your not earthly good. He said draw near to me NT "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" Heres one that God said to all that will believe "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

 

[Jonaitis]

Q1: Does Christianity predict that I should be able to have a personal loving relationship with God? Is that something that should be expected to be true if Christianity is true?

Most mainstream Christians hold that a mystical experience takes place, an inner transformation of the heart and mind, when someone begins a relationship with God. We often attribute that experience as the beginning and most essential aspect of one's relationship with God. Jesus called this being "born again." You may expect it only if your heart is seeking the truth in exploring this faith, or the truth opens up to you upon hearing it. It is a work that occurs when an individual hears and understands the gospel message, the core of the Christian truth.

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is "yes", is there a standard definition in Christianity of what a "personal loving relationship" between God and a human being looks like? Is this a standard concept, or does each denomination have its own definition (e.g. Pentecostals vs Catholics vs Orthodox vs Baptists, etc.)?

There is not. For example, some hold that baptism to an institution always ties you to the God of that institution, no matter how far you neglect religion. Others hold that believing the gospel is sufficient alone. And while others believe, like myself, that being born again adopts one into the family of God, which comes about under the preaching of the Good News.

Q3: If God is by definition supernatural, then does a personal loving relationship between God and a human being involve supernatural experiences? Or more generally, if I have a personal loving relationship with God, what should I expect to happen? Can I expect God to speak to me, give me dreams, visions, spiritual gifts, etc.?

Yes, regeneration is a unique mystical experience of His Spirit that transforms a rebel into a worshipper from the heart, beyond intellectual explanation.

Q4: Does having a personal loving relationship with God involve being consciously aware of God's presence? If so, how does one tell the difference between God's presence and God's absence? Is God's presence something that can be consciously experienced?

God is never absent, but rather we become more conscious of His presence. You become more conscious of your life choices, and your love for your fellow man. God's will for your life will be stronger in conviction than the way you lived before.

Q5: How can I have a personal loving relationship with God? Is there a method to achieve this?

There is no method, there is only result depending on your response to the gospel. Do you know the gospel?

 

[TruthSeek3r]

Do you know the gospel?

Sure, I've read the entire Bible at least once, and I've probably watched hundreds of sermons and conversion testimonies.

 

[Jonaitis]

Sure, I've read the entire Bible at least once, and I've probably watched hundreds of sermons and conversion testimonies.

What is the summary of the gospel in your own words?

 

[TruthSeek3r]

What is the summary of the gospel in your own words?

In my own words:

- Repent of your sins
- Believe that God sent Jesus Christ to die and resurrect for the forgiveness of your sins
- Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior
- Die to the flesh
- Receive the Holy Spirit
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit
- Be led by the Holy Spirt
- Walk in the Holy Spirit

 

[didactics]

@TruthSeek3r
I would say that you need to pray that God would change your desires as that partly shapes your relationship, that is desires for things that are right. The answer depends on charismatic vs cesssationist. If you are interested, you can watch debates on continuationism vs cessationism. I like the debate between Michael Brown and Doug Wilson. The reason it helps to navigate this subject of gifts of the Holy Spirit is because charismatics tell you you need to have this kind of interaction that is new revelation. Not all charismatics would insist you need to have visions and such, but it's something to keep in mind.

 

[TruthSeek3r]

@TruthSeek3r
I would say that you need to pray that God would change your desires as that partly shapes your relationship, that is desires for things that are right. The answer depends on charismatic vs cesssationist. If you are interested, you can watch debates on continuationism vs cessationism. I like the debate between Michael Brown and Doug Wilson. The reason it helps to navigate this subject of gifts of the Holy Spirit is because charismatics tell you you need to have this kind of interaction that is new revelation. Not all charismatics would insist you need to have visions and such, but it's something to keep in mind.

Great debate. I already watched it when the video came out. I'm actually a subscriber to the Premier Unbelievable? channel.

 

[NBB]

Yes the presence of God can be sensed specially if you were filled with the Holy spirit before.
And specially in a good church meeting.

 

[NBB]

To have a relationship with God first you accept Jesus as your lord by faith, ask forgiveness for your sins, and then go seek being filled with the Holy spirit in a church.