Experientiality of Christianity (or lack thereof)

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times? Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling. Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation. Not saying that these religions have any validity to them, but it makes one think, nonetheless.

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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Jesus said narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few be there that find it (Matthew 7:14). This includes within the sphere of Christianity itself. The way is narrow within what is called Christianity. Many who profess to be Christian are not going to make it. This is evident if one reads verses like Matthew 7:21, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 13:41-42.

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times? Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling. Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation. Not saying that these religions have any validity to them, but it makes one think, nonetheless.

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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Christians struggle and that is to be expected. We are in transition from as life lived entirely by thought and feeling to life in the Spirit. "In this world you have tribulation". So said Jesus. It's the doorway to the kingdom of God.

We also have an enemy who never sleeps, never gets tired and is way smarter than we are. He attacks mercilessly. If we do not resist, we will struggle. We have the victory but we do not always know it.

False religions have no conflict. Satan leaves them alone. And don't be fooled by appearances. A well known performer was asked the usual question, "how you doing". His answer: "Faking it like everyone else". The performer got born again later. There is an emptiness in the human heart that nothing can fill except God. Those who claim to be complete apart from Christ are deceiving themselves or lying.

There is a place in Christ called the "Knowledge of the Truth". It's hard to describe but it is available to all who seek diligently. When it finally dawns that you that Lord Jesus really is your life, that you really died with Him on the cross and there is nothing left for you to do, it is the second best day of your life. I face many challenges that used to bring me down. I may be troubled for a short time but it's like a cork under water, it just bobs up again. It's not me. It is Lord Jesus in me. If He can be depressed, so can I!

Our biggest enemy is the conceit that it is up to us to live the Christian life. "Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation." And that is a recipe for failure. Walking in the Spirit is the life of Victory. God has given us Lord Jesus to be everything that pleases God. Love, joy, peace, patience, self control and everything else we should be but cannot be. Quit trying, start trusting and let Lord Jesus live in your place!

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

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I agree with you. Few Christians know how to get from God Revelation or understanding or personal teaching. We like to open our mouths as it were and someone else put some Food in. Although in many services today it is more entertain us with no nurturious content at all. Searching the scriptures is not something we are taught to do.

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times?

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Is that relevant? What about Walking with and Hearing from God yourself instead?

Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

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correct

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling.

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Of course I cannot speak for people I have not seen, but by and large, the above group do not have to struggle with doing right. They can think only of themselves without any moral imperative to do for others. They can even behave downright badly towards others and merely mediate or do some yoga in the evening and sleep with a perfectly clear conscience. Maybe that is a reason.

Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation.

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Well the Buddists in Thailand I saw tolerate unbelievable child prostitution in their Streets and walk away doing Nothing at all. They do not feed the hungry nor help the poor, that we noticed. I guess they just give in to selfish pursuits and so no struggle.

Not saying that these religions have any validity to them, but it makes one think, nonetheless.

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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You are seeing the fruit of the modern church with it's Appeal to that which is intertaining. The church even advertises that people can come and "experience God" like He is an amusement part ride. They do not Need to think about others except to give the church their tithe.

Now there are a few real followers of Christ who are seeking and finding him. They want to know Him and not have a spiritual experience and call it God. But they are rare.

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times? Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling. Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation. Not saying that these religions have any validity to them, but it makes one think, nonetheless.

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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I sort of see why you are struggling. Whenever you look at the Scriptures do you see them as an indirect connection to God or the very words of God? When you pray to Jesus Christ are you praying through an intermediary or directly to God?
Grasp the Incarnation and you won't get sucked up into mysticism which seems to be the direction you are leaning towards.

The church is filled with false Christians...tares. The devil sowed them which means they are scattered everywhere, and thickly.

True Christians are 'set apart'. That's what sanctification means. This is evidenced when you begin to keep God's law. You set yourself apart from the world, and the world sets you apart from itself as well. When this happens you will know you are doing something right.

Christianity happens when you leave church, not just when you're sitting in a pew. Sermons are to be instructions for living, not just for feeling sanctimonious on Sunday morning.

eremitic said:

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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Things are NOT what they seem (as they have always been)

Think deeply about these questions (you may seek the answers in the Bible if you wish)

Did Jesus promised us the Bible or the Holy Spirit?

Is the Holy Spirit's purpose is to guide us using the Bible OR to guide us in all truths (not just the ones in the Bible)?

Do you we need anyone (another person) to teach us?

You may also ask me these questions for the answers and I'll give them to you.

The answers would explain why the majority of Christians, including preachers, ministers, priests have nil experience of the supernatural. That blessings of money and worldly opportunities is NOTHING compared to what is actually possible with the Father. Keep in mind, the false god Mammon can also bless his followers with money and worldly opportunities. We're not serving Mammon, aren't we??

Or I'll keep it simple - think as a little child would. How they imagine the world, about ships flying, worlds and cities above the clouds, infinite possibilities.

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling. Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation.

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These Pagans don't live in "Fear-control" programming that many cults use to keep their members in perpetual ignorance.

timewerx said:

... These Pagans don't live in "Fear-control" programming that many cults use to keep their members in perpetual ignorance.

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Don't compare i) how you are ii) how you feel with how other people look!

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?
...
Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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Our belief in God is a matter of assent to degrees of inference (Newman) and that is based on intuitions and our observation of others' relationship to God as illustrating Scripture. What I call "interobjectivity" helps us gain insight into others' lives.

The task now is to use our prayers to fan into flame or revive the dormant belief and faith of our fellows, as we seek God to simultaneously deepen our own true interpretation of His Word.

Lots of scriptural prophecies, stories etc illustrate these things.

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

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Sometimes it happens, and when it happens, God tends to make it count. I cannot deny certain times when God has spoken in my life.

eremitic said:

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times? Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

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Bank it on what he (actually) promised in the Scriptures instead.

eremitic said:

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling.

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Yeah, until they get triggered. And those are the high-functioning ones. There are broken new agers and occultists who are more broken than the most broken Christians I have talked to on here. Which is saying a lot.

eremitic said:

Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation.

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Look how righteous and ascetic some Christians live. Also consider there are some very hot-tempered Buddhists out there, I have dealt with some (one even screamed obscenities at me over the phone).

eremitic said:

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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If you have that feeling all the time, where is faith?

Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

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We only each have to be concerned about our own relationship with God. You're not expecting too much, but this narrow walk doesn't involve quick fixes which being involved in the occult can do... at great personal cost through interacting with demons.

This "tangible communication" is up to us. How much time do we give to being with God, reading His Word, praising Him, thanking Him? If you're currently shut up in doors with this Coronavirus, then spend the time well; spend it with God!

...Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.... (James 4:7-8)

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Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3)

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God bless

eremitic said:

I’ve been struggling lately in my faith, and one of the issues I’ve been pondering about is how we as Christians generally tend to receive a sort of second-hand revelation. It’s as though we are living vicariously through someone else’s testimony, or revelation. We listen to sermons or teachings from distinct church figures of authority, a mere man, but where is that direct interaction with God?

I mean, I hear of these tales of these ancient mystics, or monastics, and I wonder, where is that in modern times? Sure, I’ve heard testimonies of people having visions, or “words from the Lord” and all sorts of things... but I can’t bank my own relationship with God off of someone else’s experience, that may or may not even be true.

Look at the pagans, the new agers, the folks that participate in shamanism and other false religions. To me they look relatively content, compared to the Christian that is always asking for prayers because they are struggling. Look at how righteous and ascetic some Buddhists live, compared to most Christians that are gritting their own teeth to keep from falling into temptation. Not saying that these religions have any validity to them, but it makes one think, nonetheless.

God is God of all. Our Creator. The most powerful. Why aren’t more Christians spiritually thriving? Where is that tangible communion with God? Am I expecting too much? Perhaps I am overthinking.

Click to expand...

See

www.amazon.com/dp/080079706X?tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Blessing-Jerry-Savelle/dp/0985447796
www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNP5Z18?tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
www.kcm.org/real-help/faith/apply/how-plead-the-blood-jesus

Is states we will struggle just as He did and that the world will hate us just as they hated Him.