closer to God?

[plainsong9]

I am still kind of new to this and still learning things. This question comes up because of a conversation I had with a friend of mine today. My friend is a Christian and he said that with Jesus in his life that the Holy Spirit convicts him of things he does wrong. Maybe someone can explain to me how that works? Is it feeling bad about what you've done?? Is it knowing that you shouldn't do something??

My friend also said that he wants to live for God and not for himself and that he asks Him how to get closer to Him. How exactly does one get closer to God?? Can we work at getting closer to Him?? I thought our works didn't count, so how do we get closer to God??

I would ask my friend that said these things, but he tends to confuse me even more and I don't always feel like he is right.

 

[Bible2]

plainsong9 said in post 1:

How exactly does one get closer to God??

Getting closer to God/Jesus requires obedience to what he commands believers to do (John 14:21,23, John 14:15-18, Ephesians 3:17-19; 2 Corinthians 1:22). Also, if believers haven't already, they should get Holy Spirit baptized (Acts 11:15-16, Acts 10:44-46). They usually have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13b) baptism, for it's not usually automatically given to them the moment they become believers. That's why Paul the apostle asked some believers: "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2).

Believers usually receive Holy Spirit baptism through prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands, subsequent to water baptism (Acts 8:15-17, Acts 19:5-6). Holy Spirit baptism won't result in speaking in tongues for everyone (1 Corinthians 12:30), but for almost everyone, as tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8,9,10,11,28; 1 Corinthians 14:5). Many believers haven't yet experienced Holy Spirit baptism simply because they haven't yet asked for it, under the principle of "ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2b). Many believers haven't yet asked for it because they've come under the influence of mistaken teachings which say that it's no longer in effect. Believers can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism at any Pentecostal-type congregation, or at any charismatic-type congregation, which can be of almost any denomination.

-

Also, believers will get close to Jesus as they serve him in that particular spiritual work which he has given them as individuals to do (Mark 13:34, John 12:26, Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). So if they haven't already, believers should pray and ask Jesus what their particular spiritual work is for him, and do it every day (Luke 9:23).

It's also important for believers to realize that Jesus gives different believers different amounts of spiritual talents (Matthew 25:15). So it's not possible for all believers to do the same spiritual work for Jesus, or to accomplish the same amount for him. And so any one believer shouldn't judge any other believer for not doing the same spiritual work that he or she's doing, or for not accomplishing as much as he or she's accomplishing (Romans 14:4). Nor should any believer think that the spiritual work that Jesus has given him or her is unnecessary and not a real part of the operation of the church (1 Corinthians 12:14-30). But there's still no room for complacency, because for those believers who have been given much spiritual talent by God, much will be required of them by God (Luke 12:48b). And for those believers who haven't been given as much spiritual talent by God, they're still expected to accomplish something for him, and not sit back and do nothing at all for him (Matthew 25:26,30, John 15:2a, Romans 2:6-8).

plainsong9 said in post 1:

How exactly does one get closer to God??

After people become Christians, to help develop and keep up their relationship with God, they should pray to him every day, such as with the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), praising and worshipping him, confessing their sins to him, asking him for what they need today, and thanking him for all that he has given them (Philippians 4:6). And throughout the day, they should immediately bring to him in prayer anything that they become worried about at anytime (Philippians 4:6-7).

They should also fellowship with other Christians every day (Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:25), at least in some fashion (Matthew 18:20), such as on this forum, being exhorted by them and exhorting them in turn (Hebrews 3:13).

They also need to examine themselves to make sure that they're truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5, Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 14:12). The way to do this is to read every word of the Bible (Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:4) and see if they accept everything it teaches as having come from God (John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16). For just as a true faith will initially come from reading (or hearing) what the Bible teaches (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:15), so people can know that they're remaining in the true faith if they continue to believe that everything the Bible teaches came from God (John 8:31b; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 Timothy 4:1, Mark 8:35-38).

In order to have any real relationship with Jesus, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), most importantly people must believe the right things about Jesus (John 14:6-7): that he's God the Word made flesh (John 1:1,14), that he's the Christ (1 John 5:1; 1 John 2:22), and that he's the only begotten (only born) Son of God (John 3:16,36; 1 John 2:23), meaning that he's the only person ever born without any human father (Luke 1:34-35). And people must believe that Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21) and so he could die on the Cross for people's sins and rise from the dead on the 3rd day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). He rose and will remain forever in an immortal, flesh and bones human body (Luke 24:39; 2 John 1:7) as saved people's eternally-human high priest/mediator (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 2:16-17, Hebrews 7:24-26).

Once people come into faith in Jesus, they must obey him, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, by repenting from all their sins and getting water-immersion (burial) baptized into Jesus (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27). And they must partake of the divine flesh and blood of the bread and wine of communion (John 6:53, Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30). And they can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 8:17) and one or more of the Holy Spirit's wonderful Spiritual gifts (Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Then, washed from their sins by water baptism (Acts 22:16) and empowered by the Holy Spirit within them (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:16), they must each and every day for the rest of their lives deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23; 2 Corinthians 5:15), by continuing in the faith to the end (Hebrews 3:6,12,14, Hebrews 6:4-8, John 15:6; 2 Timothy 2:12), by repenting to the end from every sin that they might commit (Hebrews 10:26-29; 1 Corinthians 9:27, Luke 12:45-46), and by doing to the end the particular spiritual works which he has given them as individuals to do (Mark 13:34, Romans 12:6-8, Titus 3:8).

But if they as believers wrongly employ their free will to refuse to do these things, then they can't expect to have any continued real relationship with Jesus, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. For a continued real relationship with them requires that people not only continue to believe in them, but also continue to obey them (John 15:10, John 14:21,23). Faith without works is dead (James 2:20) and can't ultimately save people (James 2:14-26, Romans 2:6-8, Matthew 7:21, Hebrews 5:9).

 

[Helena22]

Thank you Bible2, I read what you wrote and it helped me today.

 

[timf]

How exactly does one get closer to God?? Can we work at getting closer to Him?? I thought our works didn't count, so how do we get closer to God??

2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

The book of Galatians was written to a church that was starting to make extra rules for Christians. Today we see all sorts of worldly churches and some people act like the Galatians thinking if we get extra strict, we can be more godly. The problem with both types of churches is that they cater to the flesh. This is described in detail in Galatians.

Real Christianity is not "tight" or "loose", it is humble. The Christian is to follow truth. At first following truth shows us the lies and evil in the world. However, as we are helped by the Spirit of truth to see the lies and evil in ourselves, we cannot feel smug or superior, but are led to humility.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

God gives more grace to the humble not as a reward, but because humility brings us into alignment with truth and thus able to come closer to God who is truth.

Jesus is our example of setting aside self.

Philippians 2:4-8 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It is the flesh (selfishness) that keeps us from getting closer to God. It resonates with the world Satan has designed. As we put to death the flesh, we find the world has less of a compelling influence on us.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

 

[turned around]

Hi plainsong9,
Jesus taught that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, and the believer of rightouness. Romans 8:2 talks about the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, and we are free of the law of sin and death. The law reveals sin the Spirit reveals that we are the rigthouness of God in Christ. The Spirit does not reveal to us sin but our rightness standing in Christ. This crucial in shedding a sin consciouness, we need to understand the Spirits ministry in the New Covenant.

This is easy to do if we are under teaching that rightly divides the word. If not we will continually be dogged by a sin consciouness. We cannot getting any closer to the Father if he lives in us. We need for our knowledge to increase about rightounesses, 2nd Peter 1:1-5 would prove helpful.

 

[Harry3142]

Plainsong9-

One of the strictest passages in the New Testament is to be found in Matthew 25:31-46. This is referred to as the 'feed the hungry' passage, and it's here that Jesus Christ himself told his disciples that their helping others in a practical way would be credited to them as if they had helped Jesus himself. Also, their shutting their hearts to the needs of those around them would be condemned as seriously as if they had shut their hearts to his needs. This passage is not to be seen as merely acts of charity that we can either choose to do or refrain from doing. Instead, it is a spiritual exercise that keeps us firmly based in reality by our recognizing that with God the suffering of some is to be seen as the responsibility of all to alleviate.

Another strict passage was written by St. Paul. In it he taught that our actions would conform to God's will only if the motivations which led to those actions also conformed to God's will:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

There's an old saying: "He did all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons." Being a Christian does not require the superficial following of a set of laws, or the showing off of some 'gift' that we've received. Instead, the acceptance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice leads to a new nature's taking charge of our actions. It is when our actions emanate from the motivations listed as 'the fruit of the Spirit', and only then, that we have assurance that those actions conform to what God wants of us. That is why the words which immediately follow their listing are, "Against such things there is no law."

 

[Peripatetic]

I think of it this way: getting closer to God is like becoming more in harmony with what He wants for me and all of His people. Music can make for a good comparison. If I hit two random keys on a piano at the same time, they will probably be incompatible, discordant "sour notes". But two compatible notes produce a beautiful harmony.

Now, imagine that we all start out with no ability to hear harmony or disharmony. It all sounds the same, so we just go about banging out whatever sounds without any consideration of notes. Conviction of the Holy Spirit is like the musical notes becoming more clear. When we do something wrong, we start to sense the clang or discord - sometimes after the fact. Our piano player example can hear harmony and dissonance, but hasn't figured out what causes them.

If we keep growing closer to God by learning His word and praying for wisdom, eventually we'll gain a better understanding of which choices and behaviors lead to sin and bad consequences, and which are more in line with God's will. It's like the piano player not only being able to hear harmony, but knowing how to compose and play music that produces it.

 

[hedrick]

I am still kind of new to this and still learning things. This question comes up because of a conversation I had with a friend of mine today. My friend is a Christian and he said that with Jesus in his life that the Holy Spirit convicts him of things he does wrong. Maybe someone can explain to me how that works? Is it feeling bad about what you've done?? Is it knowing that you shouldn't do something??

Yes. Though it happens differently for different people. As you get experience in living as a Christian, it should come more naturally, and you when you do the wrong thing you should realize it. It's not so much feeling bad as recognizing what is right and what is wrong. I make the distinction because people differ in how much Christianity is a matter of feelings and how much it's more intellectual. Some people feel like the Holy Spirit is speaking to them internally. Others read the Bible regularly, and find that specific passages seem to have personal implications. Or you may see it in other people. Typically sins damage others. Being Christian should make you sensitive to the consequences of your actions on others, and you may see that what you've done has hurt someone.

So "being convicted" could work different ways for different people and in different situations. However most people who use that phrase are probably thinking more of a feeling.

My friend also said that he wants to live for God and not for himself and that he asks Him how to get closer to Him. How exactly does one get closer to God?? Can we work at getting closer to Him?? I thought our works didn't count, so how do we get closer to God??

The whole question of the role of works is complicated, probably more so than you want to get into here. But a typical Protestant view will distinguish two things:

* justification. While I cringe at this language, for many Christians this is what they would call "being saved." It doesn't depend upon works.

* sanctification, which is the process of growing more and more to be like Jesus wants us to be. This most certainly does result in works.

So being "saved" doesn't depend upon works, but it results in works. And in fact I'd argue that the whole point of God calling us to faith, i.e. justifying us, is to regenerate us and set us on a path of doing right.

There's no point system. You can't say if someone hasn't done a certain number of good works, they aren't saved. People are different, with different backgrounds and experiences. But I'd say that justification includes at least an acknowledgement that we're supposed to obey Jesus, and that if you can't see any result of that in someone's life you've got to ask whether the faith is real. Jesus' teachings say this quite clearly.

But the order in which things happen is that God accepts us and justifies us, before we've done anything to merit it, and he then works with us to start molding us in Jesus' image. At least this is the normal Protestant viewpoint.

 

[plainsong9]

I just wanted to reply real quick and thank everyone for replying. I just got home from work and have to work again tomorrow. I did read what everyone said, but read quickly and will have to read again better when I have more time and energy, lol. I did see some good points that I will probably comment on later.
I basically wanted to thank everyone and let you all know that I appreciate the help...

 

[Emmy]

Dear plainsong9. Billy Graham did say once: " God Judges me, The Holy Spirit Convicts me, and I must Love." The Holy Spirit convicts us, means that it is The Holy Spirit who will make us aware of doing wrong. We must always Love. To get closer to God means: by following God`s Commandments we show God that we Love God, and proof our Love by following what God wants from us. I say this with love, plainsong.
Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[insurchoftruth]

The Bible says that if we come close to God, He will also come close to us. How we get closer to our best friend? We spend time with him.

You see, God wants a relationship with us, based on love. He is not only interested of what we do for him, but also, if we spend time with him, worshipping Him, thanking Him, and just have a conversation with him.

What best friends do, when they get together? They share with each other.

You see, love needs a fellowship, in order to be expressed.

Also, you need to feed your spirit, with the Word of God, on a regular basis, just as you feed your body every day, to keep it alive and strong.

 

[Queen of the Highway]

I am still kind of new to this and still learning things. This question comes up because of a conversation I had with a friend of mine today. My friend is a Christian and he said that with Jesus in his life that the Holy Spirit convicts him of things he does wrong. Maybe someone can explain to me how that works? Is it feeling bad about what you've done?? Is it knowing that you shouldn't do something??

My friend also said that he wants to live for God and not for himself and that he asks Him how to get closer to Him. How exactly does one get closer to God?? Can we work at getting closer to Him?? I thought our works didn't count, so how do we get closer to God??

I would ask my friend that said these things, but he tends to confuse me even more and I don't always feel like he is right.

Why worry about conviction you do not have? Also that could be Satan convicting him. Not Jesus.

Satan is about shame and doubt. He can make people feel bad. Jesus makes people feel good about themselves.

You get closer by God through ardently fanning the flame. Be as one in love, go out and look for him. Just be sure you are not as one whose fire has gone out, who has begged others for oil, but they will not share.

Parable of the virgins.

Very real scenario.

You do know these teachings of Christ, I hope?

Keep his word in you, and so you know you are saved.

 

[plainsong9]

Thanks everyone for the replies, sorry I don't respond very much, but I have two jobs and time is not something I have much of. I've read all the replies and have thought about it and I think I get it.

I'm not worried about it, I just wanted to understand is all.

 

[tturt]

plainsong9, great thread. Scripture says "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jer 23:19 As another poster said, it's different for each of us because we're going to seek Him in different ways. Seeking Him for me includes spending more time -
- deliberately focusing on Yahweh
- thanksgiving, praising Him,
- playing some music ((like religious Christmas lyrics that are about Him),
- focusing on Scripture such as Psa 145,
- thinking about some of His titles, names, and attributes and
- singing a song to an audience of One (can change a song's lyrics or make up the lyrics), etc. There's joy in His presence Psa 16:11 also used I Thess 5:17; John 4:24; Psa 46:10, 69:30; 71:23; and 100:4).

 

[plainsong9]

I guess the main thing that confuses me is that God is not a physical person. I know how to be close to people in my life. I guess maybe it's similar???

One of my best friends lives in a different state and we never get to see each other and due to schedules we rarely get to talk one on one, but just sending or receiving an email makes me feel closer and connected and loved.

My 10 year old daughter died in a car accident 7 years ago and she is not here, but I know we are still connected through love.

I know those are both different and have nothing to do with God, but I feel connected and close to them even though they are not physically with me. I guess in a way it all boils down to love....

 

[FaithInTruth]

I guess the main thing that confuses me is that God is not a physical person. I know how to be close to people in my life. I guess maybe it's similar???

Hi Beautiful! God is a Spirit, we have a spirit too but we are physical, that is why it takes faith and not sight to please God and to know Him, and faith comes by hearing and reading the word of God, as Romans 10:17 tells us. This is true. It is by hearing about Jesus that we first believed and it is by hearing that we keep the faith, so we must continue in it. "but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:" (1 John 2:5) That whole book of 1st John is really good concerning your question.

One of my best friends lives in a different state and we never get to see each other and due to schedules we rarely get to talk one on one, but just sending or receiving an email makes me feel closer and connected and loved.

Yes! it is kind of like that, sending a thought up to God. And you can think of prayer as a letter or email to God, He surely answers them, and returns those letters with answers and messages of His own, and when you see that He listens and when you hear Him and see Him, a radical love grows in that fellowship that takes place.


My 10 year old daughter died in a car accident 7 years ago and she is not here, but I know we are still connected through love.

You are right in saying that you are still connected through love because God is love, and she is with Him and so are you.

I am sorry for your loss. Sometimes those things can stir up major questions concerning the nature and character of God, which certainly interferes with how one would relate or even believe in Him. And it is ok to ask Him for the truth, to cast our cares and our questions and take everything to Him in prayer- honestly. To just be honest with Him, tell Him how you feel. He already knows our hearts, but we do not know Him.
At least not fully yet.

I know those are both different and have nothing to do with God, but I feel connected and close to them even though they are not physically with me. I guess in a way it all boils down to love....

It does all boil down to love, "God is Love." 1 John 4:8 and God is in all and through all.
Again, I would encourage you to read 1 John, and even Colossians 1 too if you'd like.
Try to stay in the Word
Ask, Seek, Knock, Pray. You will find. Jesus said ALL who ask and seek and knock find.

Well, I know you wrote this a little while ago but I felt inclined to reply to it. This is my first post on here. I saw the question you asked and it was a really good question, everyone had good answers too. I learned a lot. I just wanted to share some love I guess.

By the way I am sorry if I replied to the quotes wrong, I tried to answer each thing you wrote, or rather comment on them, so I colored what I wrote in purple so you know.
Ok. Love you!

 

[plainsong9]

FaithInTruth,
I read your reply and wanted to thank you. What you said makes sense...

And welcome to the board.

BTW, my daughter's favorite color was purple : )

 

[FaithInTruth]

Wow that is sooo beautiful!

<3

And thank you for replying and welcoming me

Love you

 

[David Sylvian]

I am still kind of new to this and still learning things. This question comes up because of a conversation I had with a friend of mine today. My friend is a Christian and he said that with Jesus in his life that the Holy Spirit convicts him of things he does wrong. Maybe someone can explain to me how that works? Is it feeling bad about what you've done?? Is it knowing that you shouldn't do something??

My friend also said that he wants to live for God and not for himself and that he asks Him how to get closer to Him. How exactly does one get closer to God?? Can we work at getting closer to Him?? I thought our works didn't count, so how do we get closer to God??

I would ask my friend that said these things, but he tends to confuse me even more and I don't always feel like he is right.

I think the focus should be on "what to do right".

Which is to believe on the Son... I would stick to the Gospels, and have an open heart and mind to believe that the Spirit can guide you and "teach you all things". Because of that, as John the Apostle pointed out, "you do not need a teacher".

Even if you are unaware of God's guidance, though, God is guiding you still.

A good poetic line I like on such a matter, "You can't go against nature, because that is nature to".

God is firmly in control of your spiritual life, if you believe and trust in Him.

And allow Him to do so.

 

[MLEN]

Yes, we can and should aim to get closer to God once we have surrendered our lives to him. Getting closer to God involves spending more time with him. Like how we must spend time with a person to get to know them better. With God we do this through:

1) Daily Bible readings (which teaches us about God's character and many other things needed for our spiritual growth and getting closer to him).

2) Daily prayer (talking with God)

3) Doing what God asks us to as Christians (according to the Bible and as he speaks to our hearts and minds).

When we spend more time with God, we will naturally begin to hear his voice. God can speak to us through something we read in the Bible or through something he places in our minds or hearts to do or not do. The more we obey God's leading, the more he will guide us in our daily lives and speak to us. In this way we grow closer to God and build a trusting relationship with him.