seeking deeper experience

[kerneweck]

i've been attending my local baptist church for some time. one thing i'm always envious of are the people i see who seem to be swept along by the whole emotion of the church experience, hands in the air, etc etc. i guess i have a bit of a natural reserve which stops me throwing myself into things too readily but i feel that there is some kind of deeper with God experience that i'm missing out on. i'm not sure if it's part of the problem but my wife was going to church a long time before me and i therefore knew quite a lot of the people at church for some time before going myself. i guess i was known as a bit of a sceptic before then and i don't know whether that is something at the back of my mind that stops me deepening my relationship with God. maybe there is some kind of almost embarrassment (if that is the right word) at being seen to go from being someone sceptical to what i would have previously described as a 'happy clappy christian'. not sure if this is really part of the problem. i guess i'm just speculating.

 

[LilLamb219]

Those people with their hands in the air and clap their hands to the music, etc... might not have a deeper relationship with God than you! A relationship with God isn't about all that type of stuff! Don't get caught up in it thinking that makes you a better Christian!

If you want a deeper relationship with God, go directly to where you can learn more about WHO He is and what He has done for you...His Word. Remain in His Word, cling to Christ and the cross and there is the path for a deeper relationship. Don't envy those people putting on the show. They might be needing that emotional feel for some reason, but that's not all about God and His salvation.

I don't go to a Happy Clappy Church. I go where Christ and Him crucified is preached. I go and receive the gifts the Lord gives to us freely. I don't have to throw my arms in the air to prove I believe in Him. You don't have to either.

 

[Joshuaspitsfire]

Well to say all people that throw hands up and worship aren't Christians would be wrong. But I agree that 99.9% are not true Christians.

These people worship the service rather then God like a teenager at a concert.

I also would add 99.9% of churches have it wrong.

 

[caligirl89]

Umm yea. We do that at my church too, and I feel like half of us are just doing it to blend in. When I didn't, people were all like "why do you just stand there?" so I started doing it to to shut them up. I guess when that happens to enough people, eventually an entire congregation is waving their arms around. I don't believe worship style has anything to do with having a close relationship with God, I wouldn't worry.

 

[kerneweck]

i guess there's a certain amount of style over substance, being swept along with things, in terms of some people's behaviour.

 

[joey_downunder]

Don't look at outward appearances. Some people may genuinely feeling something but don't automatically assume that it is spiritual. Ask yourself if you know them - is that person a emotional/feeling personality to begin with?

When I was a younger christian I knew several women who were very into waving their hands in the air and speaking in tongues which made me think something was wrong with me spiritually; one has walked away from church and one has broken up with her husband. I only found out about that after I had moved cities.

Now I am NOT saying God doesn't minister to people that way sometimes, but genuine spiritual experiences are probably way rarer than many people think to ensure we keep our eyes on the GIVER not the gifts. God has given you the bible to strengthen, teach, rebuke and encourage you. Ask God to speak to you clearly through His WORD.http://www.standingfirminthefaith.com/Book/index.shtml

 

[Bible2]

kerneweck said in post #1:

seeking deeper experience

To obtain a deeper experience of God's presence, we must obey what he tells us to do (Jn. 14:21,23, 12:26).

i've been attending my local baptist church for some time . . .

That's great. Have you been water-immersion baptized there yet? For in order to be saved ultimately, believers must get water-immersion (burial) baptized into Jesus' death for our sins (Mk. 16:16, 1 Pet. 3:21, Rom. 6:3-11, Col. 2:12, Gal. 3:27, Acts 2:38, 22:16).

Also, besides getting water-immersion baptized at your Baptist church, you can also (perhaps at a different church) (& this could also help with obtaining a deeper experience of God's presence) get Holy Spirit baptized (Acts 11:15-16, 10:44-46). Believers usually have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit (Lk. 11:13b) baptism, for it isn't usually automatically given to them the moment they become believers; that's why Paul 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, 19:5-6). Holy Spirit baptism won't result in speaking in tongues for everyone (1 Cor. 12:30), but for almost everyone, as tongues are 1 of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-11,28, 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" (Jas. 4:2b). Many believers haven't yet asked for it because they've come under the influence of mistaken teachings which say it's no longer in effect. Believers can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism at, e.g., a Pentecostal-type or charismatic-type congregation.

 

[kerneweck]

i have thought about baptism but, as i mentioned, i am slightly reserved and the thought of going out front of all those people would freak me out a bit. i have thought once or twice about going to a different church were i wouldn't be thinking 'but i know all those people'

 

[Humble Pie]

i've been attending my local baptist church for some time. one thing i'm always envious of are the people i see who seem to be swept along by the whole emotion of the church experience, hands in the air, etc etc. i guess i have a bit of a natural reserve which stops me throwing myself into things too readily but i feel that there is some kind of deeper with God experience that i'm missing out on. i'm not sure if it's part of the problem but my wife was going to church a long time before me and i therefore knew quite a lot of the people at church for some time before going myself. i guess i was known as a bit of a sceptic before then and i don't know whether that is something at the back of my mind that stops me deepening my relationship with God. maybe there is some kind of almost embarrassment (if that is the right word) at being seen to go from being someone sceptical to what i would have previously described as a 'happy clappy christian'. not sure if this is really part of the problem. i guess i'm just speculating.

If you want an "experience" you could go to a Christian rock concert once in a while. But the Bible says that our heavenly Father considers "true religion" (which i guess means religious experience) is to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction. Jesus said we should do unto one another as we would have done unto ourselves. I guess that's an experience too.

 

[paul1149]

While it's true that outward behavior doesn’t mean a hoot, there may be something genuine here to look at. The path to a deeper relationship with Father lies in surrender. It comes down to the principle behind the first commandment: have no idols before God. If you determine to press into and follow God first, no matter what, you will find the deeper relationship you desire. If the charismatic mode of worship will benefit you, then you will gain the freedom to enter in. You will gain the courage to go up for baptism. You will gain the knowledge of the steps to take to advance your faith, the wisdom to know how to take them, and the courage to actually take them.

Those outward signs may be meaningless in some cases, but they could be meaningful in yours. Or maybe not. But drawing near to God, with a willingness to do as He shows you, will guarantee that you have that deeper relationship, whatever form it may eventually take.

 

[VictorynJesus]

Paul1149 - I respectfully disagree with your statement: "If the charismatic mode of worship will benefit you, then you will gain the freedom to enter in. You will gain the courage to go up for baptism. You will gain the knowledge of the steps to take to advance your faith, the wisdom to know how to take them, and the courage to actually take them."

There are many Christians who do not partake in a Charismatic worship service and yet still have a deep abiding relationship with God. They also do not need the Charismatic movement to give them the courage to be baptized.

Once a person receives Christ as their personal savior and becomes familiar with the word of God, they will understand the importance of Baptism and want to obey God. Or they may be moved by the Spirit to do that right away without having to have a deeper knowledge. I believe God's Spirit must move upon us at any rate to be Born Again into the baptism of the Spirit.

Just my thoughts.

 

[paul1149]

VJ,

The key word in my statement was "if", because like you, I did not want to pressure OP into anyone's mold.

 

[tturt]

Kernweck, you want a deeper experience? You sure can. By finding a quiet place and engaging your thoughts, body and spirit. You know get your mind off yourself and others and spend time deliberately focusing on Yahweh. Thanksgiving, praising Him - any way you're comfortable with, playing some music ((like religious Christmas lyrics that are about Him), focusing on Him in Scripture such as Psa 145, thinking about some of His titles, names, and attributes and singing a song about Him to an audience of One. Recommendations based on such Scriptures as Matt 6:6; I Thess 5:17; John 4:24; Psa 16:11; 46:10, 69:30; 71:23; and 100:4

 

[ViaCrucis]

There is nothing more profound, more radical, or more deep than the pure and simple Gospel.

"This is a trustworthy saying worthy of all acceptance: Christ came into the world to save sinners, and I am the chief of sinners." - 1 Timothy 1:15

The depth of our relationship with God is not rooted in our experience or our feelings, or in us at all; but rather it is rooted in the God who has given from Himself everything for our sake by His mercy and love for us, saving and reconciling us to Himself.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[TheGuide]

It's perfectly fine not to be "swept away." You're cool. Also, emotions can hinder our walk with God because we come to depend on them as well as mis-read them. Emotions are just that. Emotions. Our God relies on our faith.

Now, that said, I understand what you mean, so hear this. Adam was specifically told by the Lord not to east a certain fruit and if he did he would die. Adam disobeyed God by eating that fruit thus he died. Spiritually. That is why we are born again, coming from spiritual death to spiritual life.

Absorb the fact that we are initially born spiritually dead to God then read the following:

Gospel of John 1:1-13. For me that's pretty emotional.

 

[1watchman]

Emotional displays is not the same as godliness or holiness, for God looks on the heart to see real devotion.

 

[Emmy]

Dear kerneweck. God wants our Love, freely given with hearts, souls and minds. God also wants us to love our neighbour, as we love ourselves. That is straightforward, and easy to remember. Whether we throw up our arms, or are baptised, or do anything else to show our love to God. God sees our hearts, and God knows how sincere we are. Anything we say, or do, or stand up for, and there is no Love in it, loses its worth. God is Love, and God wants loving children/sons and daughters. St.Paul says it very clearly in
1) Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 13. " Let Faith, Hope, and Love abide in us, but the greatest of these is Love." What good is anything if we do it automatically, and feel no love in us, God will know.
It is true that Love does not come easy to us, and there may be many reasons for it, to be so, but that is no excuse to our all-knowing God. Jesus will give us His Love and Joy, and the Holy Spirit will empower us with His Love too, IF WE ONLY ASK. (Mathews 7, verses 7-8) God will know if we only pretend, and do not even try sincerely. God wants us to Love Him and love our neighbour, ( all we know and all we meet, friends and not friends) as we love ourselves: Not more, neither less. To treat our fellow-beings, as we love to be treated, kindly and with decency, all as made by God, and in His image. Love is very catching, and all beginings are hard, but Love will sooner or later, turn us into the men and women which God wants us to be.
I say this with love, kerneweck. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.