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So by the title of this post, there is an expectation that the entire post will entail information regarding a relationship. Let us then begin by first defining the word 'relationship' in order for us to better comprehend the direction that we are headed. Dictionary.com defines the word 'relationship' as a 'connection, an association or an involvement.' I think the colorful people in the picture above depict the 3 words quite well, lol--but I digress, let's move on.
How is a relationship formed? A relationship can be formed in so many different ways. For one, there are instances when we are somewhat "forced" (or at least we feel that way) to enter a relationship that we probably wouldn't have voluntarily initiated. For example, in the work place. There often are certain employees with whom we work; we might not necessarily appreciate their certain innate characteristics; but, for the sake of the job and a paycheck, we may need to endure that relationship until other opportunities arise.
Nevertheless, the form of relationship I am speaking of is one that is voluntary. By experience, a voluntary relationship is one that is formed solely upon willingness. Two or more people have got to willingly want to be involved in each other's lives for many reasons, such as friendship, romance, or whatever else. Let's now discuss the purpose of a voluntary relationship. The purpose of any voluntary relationship is first and foremost a desire to want to learn about another person, or persons. Another reason is for growth--to want to grow either emotionally, intellectually, spiritually or otherwise.
If I were to ask you now what the word 'Christianity' meant, what would be your definition for it? You would most likely respond that it is a type of religion, correct? Christianity in it's true meaning in my opinion is a relationship with God that is completely voluntary. Some people often express through conversation that they believe in God or that they attend church consistently. However, I am frequently surprised and disturbed by the lifestyle that they choose to live, professing they believe in God or that they attend church. For one to casually state that he or she is a 'Christian' without a corresponding life, is misleading and not pleasing in the eyes of God. "Therefore if any man[or woman] be in Christ, he[or she] is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."-2 Corinthians 5:17. The question then is do you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, or are you just claiming the title?
So how do we begin a relationship with Jesus Christ?
By hearing the Word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."-Romans 10:17. After hearing the Word of God, one has to want to humbly accept Jesus Christ into their heart for God to direct and to mold their life into what He has predestined it to be. God desires that we come to know Him voluntarily with sincerity of heart and with acknowledgement of sin and faith to believe that we are forgiven of our sins by Him. "That if thou[you] shalt confess with thy[your] mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt[will] believe in thine[your] heart that God hath[had] raised him[Jesus] from the dead, thou[you] shalt[will] be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."-Romans 10:10. It is then and only then, do we commence a divine relationship with God through the Savior His son.
How do we sustain our newfound heaven-bound relationship?
It is simply by reading and meditating upon the Word of God. (a great chance to purchase a Bible if you haven't got one!) But also by the grace of God (Titus 2:11-14). Thereafter, we must heed to His commandments and live practically with obedience. It is God's will for us to come to know Him intimately; thereby, we can grow and obtain confidence in Him through His word. It is also imperative for us to develop a habit of prayer. The Word of God commands us to "pray without ceasing."-1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1 . Prayer is the ONLY channel by which we commune with God our requests; by doing so, we allow Him to draw us closer to His heart. God loves us so much "that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16.
There is absolutely NO meaning to a professed love from someone if you never respond to it. God's love for US is beyond mine and your human comprehension. "Who shall[will] separate us from the love of Christ? shall[will] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall[will] be able to separate US from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."-Romans 8:35,38,39. Give God's Love a meaning. Respond to His unending, divine, indefinite, unquenchable and inseparable Love by surrendering entirely to Him TODAY/TONIGHT with willingness of heart.
He is knocking at the door of your heart, only if you will open and invite Him in..
God bless,
Charity
How is a relationship formed? A relationship can be formed in so many different ways. For one, there are instances when we are somewhat "forced" (or at least we feel that way) to enter a relationship that we probably wouldn't have voluntarily initiated. For example, in the work place. There often are certain employees with whom we work; we might not necessarily appreciate their certain innate characteristics; but, for the sake of the job and a paycheck, we may need to endure that relationship until other opportunities arise.
Nevertheless, the form of relationship I am speaking of is one that is voluntary. By experience, a voluntary relationship is one that is formed solely upon willingness. Two or more people have got to willingly want to be involved in each other's lives for many reasons, such as friendship, romance, or whatever else. Let's now discuss the purpose of a voluntary relationship. The purpose of any voluntary relationship is first and foremost a desire to want to learn about another person, or persons. Another reason is for growth--to want to grow either emotionally, intellectually, spiritually or otherwise.
If I were to ask you now what the word 'Christianity' meant, what would be your definition for it? You would most likely respond that it is a type of religion, correct? Christianity in it's true meaning in my opinion is a relationship with God that is completely voluntary. Some people often express through conversation that they believe in God or that they attend church consistently. However, I am frequently surprised and disturbed by the lifestyle that they choose to live, professing they believe in God or that they attend church. For one to casually state that he or she is a 'Christian' without a corresponding life, is misleading and not pleasing in the eyes of God. "Therefore if any man[or woman] be in Christ, he[or she] is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."-2 Corinthians 5:17. The question then is do you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, or are you just claiming the title?
So how do we begin a relationship with Jesus Christ?
By hearing the Word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."-Romans 10:17. After hearing the Word of God, one has to want to humbly accept Jesus Christ into their heart for God to direct and to mold their life into what He has predestined it to be. God desires that we come to know Him voluntarily with sincerity of heart and with acknowledgement of sin and faith to believe that we are forgiven of our sins by Him. "That if thou[you] shalt confess with thy[your] mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt[will] believe in thine[your] heart that God hath[had] raised him[Jesus] from the dead, thou[you] shalt[will] be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."-Romans 10:10. It is then and only then, do we commence a divine relationship with God through the Savior His son.
How do we sustain our newfound heaven-bound relationship?
It is simply by reading and meditating upon the Word of God. (a great chance to purchase a Bible if you haven't got one!) But also by the grace of God (Titus 2:11-14). Thereafter, we must heed to His commandments and live practically with obedience. It is God's will for us to come to know Him intimately; thereby, we can grow and obtain confidence in Him through His word. It is also imperative for us to develop a habit of prayer. The Word of God commands us to "pray without ceasing."-1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1 . Prayer is the ONLY channel by which we commune with God our requests; by doing so, we allow Him to draw us closer to His heart. God loves us so much "that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16.
There is absolutely NO meaning to a professed love from someone if you never respond to it. God's love for US is beyond mine and your human comprehension. "Who shall[will] separate us from the love of Christ? shall[will] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall[will] be able to separate US from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."-Romans 8:35,38,39. Give God's Love a meaning. Respond to His unending, divine, indefinite, unquenchable and inseparable Love by surrendering entirely to Him TODAY/TONIGHT with willingness of heart.
He is knocking at the door of your heart, only if you will open and invite Him in..
God bless,
Charity
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