Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

[PJ76]

My dear friends, first lets define what a relationship is and is not. A relationship is not one sided and it is not based on the length of time. Rather a relationship is defined in Merriam-Websters as a state of being related or connected by reason of an established. So now that we have clearly defined the meaning of a relationship, my question to you is, do you have a relationship with Jesus? Most people claim to know Jesus because they go to church, read the bible and pray. Unfortunately, this does not mean a person has a relationship with Jesus. The bible makes it clear that just calling Jesus, "Lord, Lord" does not necessarily mean you have a relationship with Jesus.

So how does a person determine whether or not they have a relationship with Jesus? Unfortunately, your relationship it is not determined by a date you've written on the back of your bible or the time you recited the Sinners Prayer. So how is it determined then? It is determined by whether or not Jesus is actually in your life and the ruler of your life. Does Jesus have kingship over your life? Have you repented and turned to Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come into your life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? My dear friends, if you have answered "yes" to these questions, then you indeed have a relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Johnny

 

[Not me]

My dear friends, first lets define what a relationship is not. A relationship is not one sided. Rather a relationship is defined in Merriam-Websters as a state of being related or connected by reason of an established account. So now that we have established what a relationship is and is not, my question to you is, do you have a relationship with Jesus? Most people claim to know Jesus because they go to church, read the bible and pray. Unfortunately, this does not mean a person has a relationship with Jesus. The bible makes it clear that just calling Jesus, "Lord, Lord" does not necessarily mean you have a relationship with Jesus.

So how does a person determine whether or not they have a relationship with Jesus? Unfortunately, your relationship it is not determined by the date you've written on the back of your bible or the time you recited the Sinners Prayer. So how is it determined then? It is determined by whether or not Jesus is actually in your life and the ruler of your life. Does Jesus have kingship over your life? Have you repented and turned to Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come into your life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ in your daily life? My dear friends, if you have answered "yes" to all these questions, then you can be assured that you indeed have a relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Johnny

Hi, Pastor Johnny;

Absolutely and hopefully! Lord willing, our relationships with Christ today, will be a little stronger than yesterday, and tomorrow a little stronger than today. A constant growing of our personal relationship with Christ is that which makes Christianity. May we be conformed to Him in all things, and come to know Him personally in all reality and all truth.

Blessings,

Much love in Christ, Not me

 

[Neogaia777]

My dear friends, first lets define what a relationship is and is not. A relationship is not one sided and is not based on the length of time. Rather a relationship is defined in Merriam-Websters as a state of being related or connected by reason of an established. So now that we have defined what a relationship is and is not, my question to you is, do you have a relationship with Jesus? Most people claim to know Jesus because they go to church, read the bible and pray. Unfortunately, this does not mean a person has a relationship with Jesus. The bible makes it clear that just calling Jesus, "Lord, Lord" does not necessarily mean you have a relationship with Jesus.

So how does a person determine whether or not they have a relationship with Jesus? Unfortunately, your relationship it is not determined by the date you've written on the back of your bible or the time you recited the Sinners Prayer. So how is it determined then? It is determined by whether or not Jesus is actually in your life and the ruler of your life. Does Jesus have kingship over your life? Have you repented and turned to Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come into your life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? My dear friends, if you have answered "yes" to these questions, then you indeed have a relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Johnny

He is my "lover"... Does that qualify...? We sing love songs most usually reserved for human couples, or companions, or lovers, to each other regularly and often...

Very close and intimate, though not perfect exactly, or what others would think it would be, ideally or perfectly...

God Bless!

 

[Anthony2019]

I am often skeptical about people using the 'sinners prayer'. I'm not against it, but very often it's used as quick and easy route to salvation and people have had no time to prepare or even consider what is required of discipleship. Turning one's life to Jesus is very costly, it involves true repentance, perseverance in faith, forgiving and making amends to others. It is great to know that a few sincere words will get us into heaven, but Matthew 7:21 gives a sobering warning against those who claim to be Christs disciples but are not doing the will of the Father in Heaven.

 

[PJ76]

Awesome, Not Me! Thank you. May peace be with you.

 

[PJ76]

Hi Neogaia. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments....and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." But only Jesus knows those who truly love Him. So yes, it would qualify.

 

[PJ76]

Amen Anthony.

 

[LookuntoYeshua]

My dear friends, first lets define what a relationship is and is not. A relationship is not one sided and is not based on the length of time. Rather a relationship is defined in Merriam-Websters as a state of being related or connected by reason of an established. So now that we have clearly defined the meaning of a relationship, my question to you is, do you have a relationship with Jesus? Most people claim to know Jesus because they go to church, read the bible and pray. Unfortunately, this does not mean a person has a relationship with Jesus. The bible makes it clear that just calling Jesus, "Lord, Lord" does not necessarily mean you have a relationship with Jesus.

So how does a person determine whether or not they have a relationship with Jesus? Unfortunately, your relationship it is not determined by the date you've written on the back of your bible or the time you recited the Sinners Prayer. So how is it determined then? It is determined by whether or not Jesus is actually in your life and the ruler of your life. Does Jesus have kingship over your life? Have you repented and turned to Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come into your life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? My dear friends, if you have answered "yes" to these questions, then you indeed have a relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Johnny

Hi Pastor Johnny,

Thanks for defining our relationship with Jesus, and Not me's prayer says it all, doesn't it?
...to know Him personally in all reality and all truth and conformed to Him in all things.

A brother was sharing the other day concerning Mt 20:22-23 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said, "We are able". Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup..."
He mentioned that this was "to whomsoever will" and my heart cried "Yes, Lord!".

But my confession today is that my relationship with Christ will be a little stronger than yesterday, and tomorrow a little stronger than today, as I sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary, learning of Him in all obedience.

 

[PJ76]

Hi His77. You are blessed to have such a nice brother. Thank you for sharing with us. That is a heart touching confession. I think you brought a smile to everyone's face.

 

[DM25]

I am often skeptical about people using the 'sinners prayer'. I'm not against it, but very often it's used as quick and easy route to salvation and people have had no time to prepare or even consider what is required of discipleship. Turning one's life to Jesus is very costly, it involves true repentance, perseverance in faith, forgiving and making amends to others. It is great to know that a few sincere words will get us into heaven, but Matthew 7:21 gives a sobering warning against those who claim to be Christs disciples but are not doing the will of the Father in Heaven.

Some people do get saved by reciting the sinner's prayer. It's different for everyone. But the key is in trusting the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and believing he died for your sins. If you believe that then you're saved. How you get to that point of belief is different for everyone. For some getting born again happens from getting delivered from some sin and darkness, from surviving a tragedy, from some event, from water baptism, from another person's actions, or simply from taking a leap of faith and trusting in Jesus. It can be however God decides to bring to to Jesus. However you get to the point in trusting Jesus as Lord and saviour and being saved for eternity, whether it's the sinner's prayer or not, everyone's testimonies are different.

 

[PJ76]

Hi DM25,

Thank you for the post. The sinner's prayer in and of itself cannot save you. But why not? Because salvation is not a magic formula. You have to follow through on what you've said, even if you really meant it. The sinners prayer was created by an evangelist in the 1900's, but it was intended to be a starting point to becoming saved, not the means to be saved. Unfortunately, just believing that Jesus was the Christ, will not save you. For James said, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder."

DM25, have you repented of your sins and turned to Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come in to you life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? Being a Christian is not only about hearing the words, but actually putting them into practice. For Jesus said, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" So Jesus is warning us here that being a follower is not only about hearing the word and lip service, but it is about being a doer of the word.

 

[DM25]

Hi DM25,

Thank you for the post. The sinner's prayer in and of itself cannot save you. But why not? Because salvation is not magic formula. You have to follow through on what you've said, even if you really meant it. The sinners prayer was created by an evangelist in the 1900's, but it was intended to be a starting point to becoming saved, not the means to be saved. Unfortunately, just believing that Jesus was the Christ, will not save you. For James said, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder."

DM25, have you repented of your sins and turned to Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come in to you life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? Being a Christian is not only about hearing the words, but actually putting them into practice. For Jesus said, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" So Jesus is warning us here that being a follower is not only about hearing the word and lip service, but it is about being a doer of the word.

That is incorrect, and that is Lordship Salvation which is a false gospel. Paul and Jesus told us how to save and it is not of works. We are saved by grace through faith alone. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is how you get saved, this is the gospel. And yes sometimes that could be by the sinner's prayer. Salvation absolutely IS belief and faith only. Otherwise what makes it different from religion. Jesus is unique in that way, it is not salvation by works, no it is not. It is faith only. We cannot earn salvation. Jesus did it all on the cross.

Are you born again? Do you rely on Jesus alone and what he did on the cross for your salvation? If not you need to repent, and turn to Jesus. Because you are trusting on your works to save you. I believe you are deceived by a false gospel. That's not how salvation works at all how you described, that is simply religion, not the gospel.

I'm sorry but you are dead wrong on the gospel. Salvation is by faith ALONE not works or what you describe. And yes this is what both Paul and Jesus preached. Belief in him alone is what saves you. Sanctification comes after and that's separate but it doesn't save you. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. If you don't believe this, and you think there is anything else that needs to be added, I sincerely question your salvation. Because that's sort of perverting the gospel, and claiming what Jesus did wasn't enough. It comes from a fleshly spirit of pride. Like you can do more than what Jesus did on the cross, that's a dangerous teaching that leads to destruction, you need to trust in Jesus alone for your salvation, not your works, otherwise you are not saved and born-again or you are very deceived or you are just following false religion.

 

[PJ76]

Hello DM25. I do not want to get into the Lordship Salvation vs Easy-Believism debate with you. So we will just have to agree to disagree. Thank you DM25. May peace be with you.

 

[Ttalkkugjil]

I am often skeptical about people using the 'sinners prayer'. I'm not against it, but very often it's used as quick and easy route to salvation and people have had no time to prepare or even consider what is required of discipleship. Turning one's life to Jesus is very costly, it involves true repentance, perseverance in faith, forgiving and making amends to others. It is great to know that a few sincere words will get us into heaven, but Matthew 7:21 gives a sobering warning against those who claim to be Christs disciples but are not doing the will of the Father in Heaven.

If a few sincere words of ours will get us into heaven, that's works righteousness - which the Bible clearly speaks against.

 

[DM25]

Hello DM25,

I would rather not get into the Lordship Salvation vs Easy-Believism debate with you. So we will just have to agree to disagree. Thank you DM25. May peace be with you.

Well I don't label myself either one, I just follow the gospel. I believe when you get born again through faith alone, receiving the holy spirit is a supernatural conversion so you will naturally get sanctified and want to do good service to the Lord as your heart changes but this is after you are already saved, not to get saved and all glory goes to God for our good works, not us. But to get saved it is indeed faith alone and the gospel says so. if believing were "easy" I would have been a Christian a long time ago. If believing were "easy", my friends and family would all be saved when I preached the good news to them. If believing were "easy" everyone in the world would be a Christian. But no, it takes a lot of courage and selflessness to admit you are a sinner and in need of a saviour, and the devil works hard overtime to brainwash people to prevent them from coming to Christ and taking a leap of faith to believe in him.... That is not "easy" believism at all, I don't know how anyone can think it's easy. But anyways what I said is the gospel. But again I don't put myself in either group because I don't like labeling myself, I just follow the gospel.

 

[DM25]

If a few sincere words of ours will get us into heaven, that's works righteousness - which the Bible clearly speaks against.

Obviously if someone gets saved by the sinner's prayer, they would have to mean it and God knows everyone's heart, and whether something is genuine or simply a work of the flesh. I don't think it's on us to tell people they can or cannot get saved by a prayer... Everyone's testimonies are different. That's not our job, God is the one who saves people. And if he thinks this prayer helps gets someone to him he will use it, and who are we to say it doesn't work? Prayer is a very powerful thing and we should never discount it and say it can't save people. As a matter of fact, prayer is how we even talk to God! No testimony is better or worse than another.

 

[Anthony2019]

If a few sincere words of ours will get us into heaven, that's works righteousness - which the Bible clearly speaks against.

Sorry but I was using irony and should have made it clearer! I agree with you that our own acts of righteousness will never save us.

 

[Ttalkkugjil]

Obviously if someone gets saved by the sinner's prayer, they would have to mean it and God knows everyone's heart. I don't think it's on us to tell people they can or cannot get saved by a prayer... Everyone's testimonies are different. That's not our job, God is the one who saves people. And if he thinks this prayer gets someone to him he will use it.

What biblical evidence can you provide that anyone in fact gets saved by the sinner's prayer?

 

[DM25]

What biblical evidence can you provide that anyone in fact gets saved by the sinner's prayer?

Umm what biblical evidence do you have that someone gets saved by only other means? Who are YOU to claim what method God will use to bring people to him and save them? Do you realize you are saying PRAYER something that we use to talk to our creator himself, something that God sees as VERY special, is something that can't save someone or is not good enough to be a means to bring people to Jesus and save people? You do realize how that sounds? You are using your own standards to deem what is acceptable for someone to get saved, and that is something very disrespectful to God as he has his standards and his ways to get people to him. Denying people's testimonies/bearing false witness is very serious stuff... Getting born again is an individualized and unique experience. And you, nor anyone else, has any right to claim a sinner's prayer, or any other prayer, or any other bible verse, or anything else can't save a person. Please don't undermine God and the tools, including the sinner's prayer, he can use to save people... He can do what he wants to get people to Jesus and you have no right saying the sinner's prayer is something that he can't use or doesn't work.

The bible tells us how to get saved. You don't need "biblical evidence" on the method, you only need biblical evidence on how to get saved. I explained many different ways people can come to Jesus. The sinner's prayer is another way if God wants to use it. So who are you to discount a way someone gets saved if it is through the sinner's prayer?

 

[Ttalkkugjil]

Umm what biblical evidence do you have that someone gets saved by other means? Who are YOU to claim what method God will use to bring people to him and save them? Do you realize you are saying PRAYER something that we use to talk to our creator himself, something that God sees as VERY special, is something that can't save someone or is not good enough to be a means to bring people to Jesus and save people? You do realize how that sounds? Getting born again is an individualized and unique experience. And you, nor anyone else, has any right to claim a sinner's prayer, or any other prayer, can't save a person. Please don't undermine God and the tools, including the sinner's prayer, he can use to save people... He can do what he wants to get people to Jesus and you have no right saying the sinner's prayer is something that he can't use or doesn't work.

First, I note that you did not answer my question. Second, I can supply you with lots of evidence that speaks against works righteousness.