its_in_the

It's In The Heir!

Relationship With God

Adapted from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio

Lesson Introduction

What this lesson teaches:

* Above all things, salvation is based solely on a fundamental relationship that we accept and adopt with Jesus. It is this relationship that differentiates Christianity from ALL other religions and cults. It is why Jesus is the "stumbling block".

* The simple word "faith" takes on deeper meaning in this lesson when we see how Abram suddenly "believed in the Lord". We too can "believe" in the same way.

* Hopefully, some misconceptions about this scenario will be better understood: "Why weren't my prayers as effective as so-and-so's prayers - I did the same things?" Relationship is the basis - the only basis.

Scripture references used:

* Genesis chapters 11 thru 15; specifically 2:25; 3:7; and 15:5,6, Hebrews 4:16; 11:6, Leviticus 10:1-2, Romans chapter 11, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Matthew 6:33.

Discussion questions for study:

1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion?

2. Does it seem a difficult thing to do, trying to be as close to God as a best friend, and yet worshipping and honoring Him as Creator too? Explain.

3. Is it significant to you to learn that Abraham didn't have a "complete" relationship or understanding of who God was until Genesis 15:5,6?

4. If you are discouraged with your perceived progress of your spiritual walk, doesn't it help to understand that Abraham was over 75 years old when he finally "believed"? It's that "waiting on Him" concept again!

5. In the light of the Saint "A" and Saint "B" example, can you see why people get frustrated with their "religion" because it doesn't work as they planned? Haven't they been trying to use God and prayer and scripture almost like a magic incantation - INSTEAD of seeking first a relationship with Him? Think long and hard on this one.

6. Continuing from 5 above; Could you perceive how someone could classify a prayer without relationship in the same category as sorcery or witchcraft? Even if it seems too severe, do you see the possible danger and futility? Discuss.

It is a very difficult thing to grasp, this idea of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit being our best friend(s) AND being the Creator(s) of the Universe. It's true, He does tell us in His Word to come to Him boldly and with confidence. His Word also tells us that we are grafted in or adopted so as to make God our FATHER, which is why we know we can do the following:

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

. . . . but He is also the God who turned Aaron's sons into french fries for offering unauthorized incense.

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.

What is the difference between these 2 circumstances? Motivation and attitude, surely. But most importantly, it is the RELATIONSHIP that exists between us and God Himself that determines how He will deal with us. Throughout this time, Abram's RELATIONSHIP to God was INCOMPLETE, until we come to "the covenant." Let's look toward Abraham for our example.

OUR MODEL - ABRAHAM (ABRAM):

Genesis 11: Terah, Abram's father, packs up the family and settles in Haran.

Genesis 12 thru Genesis 14: God calls Abram (at age 75). He moves to Canaan, then to Egypt, then back to Canaan again, with numerous exploits and pitfalls along the way. Oh yeah, Abram also saves Lot and Lot's family from Sodom in this portion of scripture.

Genesis 15: "The Covenant" . . . . . . .

In Genesis 15, Abram makes a giant leap in RELATIONSHIP with God. It begins with God's revealing of "The Covenant" to him in Genesis 15:5.

He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count

the stars--if indeed you can count them."

Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

When Abram heard these words from the Lord, there was within him a quantum leap in His RELATIONSHIP with God! Somewhere inside Abram a spiritual set of gear teeth "ka-chunked" into a new position with regards to God. Let's look at the next verse and see what happened.

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

In verses 15:4 and 15:6 (above), the word "LORD" occurs in the Bible which has, in this particular passage, the Hebrew name "JEHOVAH" or "The Self-Existent One", "The Eternal One". You see, Abram had achieved, with a word from the Lord, from JEHOVAH GOD, an understanding and a RELATIONSHIP with God that "ka-chunked" his faith into it's highest level ever! Suddenly as it says, . . . .

Abram believed the LORD

THE HUGE-NESS OF BELIEF:

In Genesis 15:6, is the first occurrence of the Hebrew word for "believe" called "ãman". What it means is that Abram had reached a point of belief with God that surpassed believing in just the truth of the words of God's promise of the covenant. The word for "believe" in this text means that Abram BELIEVED IN GOD HIMSELF in a way that dwarfs the belief in the mere words God spoke or the mere promises God made to him!! Can you see the increase in the meaning of the word "believe" in this context? It is huge! Please understand that no disrespect is meant by the use above of the words "mere words God spoke", or of "the mere promises God made". Nothing God says is "mere"! But Abram's faith in God and RELATIONSHIP with Him made his previous faith and relationship "mere" in comparison (Could this be what Jesus meant when He often said "Oh ye of LITTLE faith"?)

SAINT "A" vs. SAINT "B":

Let's analyze the effectiveness of the prayers of 2 people in order to see the value of our
RELATIONSHIP with our Lord. Our 2 examples are wonderful Christian people -
Saint "A" and Saint "B".

Saint "A" believes in God, Jesus, and the gospel. She knows that faith in God is a key;

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists . . .

. . . . anyone who comes to Him must BELIEVE.

This "BELIEVE" word is more than just being persuaded of. It is placing complete and utter confidence in - TRUST, RELIANCE upon, STAGGERING NOT in unbelief. Saint "A" prays a lot and constantly (these are 2 different terms). As a result, Saint "A" has an excellent RELATIONSHIP with God.

Saint "B" also believes in the Trinity Godhead. His faith is very strong too. His prayer life is full and rich and a major part of his life, much the same as Saint "A". Consequently, Saint "B" also has an excellent RELATIONSHIP with his Lord.

Having quickly established the spiritual lives of these 2 saints, let's analyze their prayers.

Saint "A" Prays for her children

"Oh Jesus, I plead your shed blood over my children, and I humbly ask you to protect them and keep them and lead them in the way you would have them go."

Saint "B" Prays for his children

Lord Jesus, I know you died on the cross to save my family and I from our sins. We love you and truly call you our Lord. Please protect and show my children your ways so they will always follow you."

* Which prayer is better?

* Which prayer will God honor more?

* Why did you choose the way you did?

?? MORE QUESTIONS ??

* Is God's Word powerful?

* Is it important to have a healthy, strong and living Relationship with Him?

* Look at Word and Relationship above. Which is more important and WHY do you think so?

?? WHY DID GOD CREATE US ??

* To fellowship with Him.

* To worship Him and love Him.

* To have a living RELATIONSHIP with Him.

In spite of the fact that God's word is powerful, it is mighty, it is sharper than a double-edged sword, even the fact that it is the sword of the spirit, His word can not be used or invoked like a magic incantation. His word MUST reside in the spirit of a believer that is RIGHTLY RELATED TO HIM! The prayers of both Saint "A" and Saint "B" above are equally as powerful because of the strong RELATIONSHIP both of these saints have with their Lord. Are your words unimportant to God? No, but they are meaningless altogether if you don't have a RELATIONSHIP with Him.

If you see and know of a great man or woman of God, don't seek to emulate their style or prayers or mannerisms, but seek only to have the same strong RELATIONSHIP they have with their Lord and Creator.

OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH ADAM!:

What happened in Genesis chapter 3? The FALL of man. SIN entered the world.

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;

so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

There was a difference in the passage above as compared to the following passage:

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

To be ashamed has overtones of being or feeling worthless. Adam and Eve did not feel this way in Genesis 2:25, but Genesis 3:7 tells us that they felt worthless and they realized this feeling intensely. WHY?

Because they BROKE RELATIONSHIP with God.

Their SIN had gotten in the way.

They suddenly realized that they were uncovered, both physically, and, more importantly they realized it spiritually. We are like that in the very same way today without Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can bring us into a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Can you see - Salvation can NOT happen without some sort of RELATIONSHIP. Salvation begins with the acceptance of the RELATIONSHIP that Jesus offers. We can choose to accept or reject His offer of RELATIONSHIP, it is entirely our free-will choice. Also, salvation can NOT be maintained without a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.

Think about it. Can you have a best friend that you don't want to talk to and share things with. Someone to cry and to laugh with and to unload your cares and troubles on? NO!! So how can we expect to be in RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with Jesus if we don't act like a best friend to Him? It's really a simple concept!

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

* Are your prayers that you offer up to Him powerful? Do they reach all the way to the throne of God Almighty?

If the answer is yes, remember this: It is not the WORDS alone that you use, or even the methods you employ. The thing that matters most is the RELATIONSHIP you possess with God. NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT !

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.

You see, God made you just the way you are (as hard as that may be for some of you to believe), and all He wants is for you to passionately desire to seek Him and know Him. Again, think of this: HOW DO YOU GET TO KNOW SOMEONE AS A BEST FRIEND?

God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit simply want to be intimate with you. Only then can they truly fill you with the sense of their presence and power and majesty. Get close to God!




	It's In The Heir! Relationship With God Adapted from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio




Lesson Introduction What this lesson teaches: * Above all things, salvation is based solely on a fundamental relationship that we accept and adopt with Jesus. It is this relationship that differentiates Christianity from ALL other religions and cults. It is why Jesus is the "stumbling block". * The simple word "faith" takes on deeper meaning in this lesson when we see how Abram suddenly "believed in the Lord". We too can "believe" in the same way. * Hopefully, some misconceptions about this scenario will be better understood: "Why weren't my prayers as effective as so-and-so's prayers - I did the same things?" Relationship is the basis - the only basis. Scripture references used: * Genesis chapters 11 thru 15; specifically 2:25; 3:7; and 15:5,6, Hebrews 4:16; 11:6, Leviticus 10:1-2, Romans chapter 11, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Matthew 6:33. Discussion questions for study: 1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion? 2. Does it seem a difficult thing to do, trying to be as close to God as a best friend, and yet worshipping and honoring Him as Creator too? Explain. 3. Is it significant to you to learn that Abraham didn't have a "complete" relationship or understanding of who God was until Genesis 15:5,6? 4. If you are discouraged with your perceived progress of your spiritual walk, doesn't it help to understand that Abraham was over 75 years old when he finally "believed"? It's that "waiting on Him" concept again! 5. In the light of the Saint "A" and Saint "B" example, can you see why people get frustrated with their "religion" because it doesn't work as they planned? Haven't they been trying to use God and prayer and scripture almost like a magic incantation - INSTEAD of seeking first a relationship with Him? Think long and hard on this one. 6. Continuing from 5 above; Could you perceive how someone could classify a prayer without relationship in the same category as sorcery or witchcraft? Even if it seems too severe, do you see the possible danger and futility? Discuss.



It is a very difficult thing to grasp, this idea of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit being our best friend(s) AND being the Creator(s) of the Universe. It's true, He does tell us in His Word to come to Him boldly and with confidence. His Word also tells us that we are grafted in or adopted so as to make God our FATHER, which is why we know we can do the following: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 . . . . but He is also the God who turned Aaron's sons into french fries for offering unauthorized incense. Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Leviticus 10:1-2 What is the difference between these 2 circumstances? Motivation and attitude, surely. But most importantly, it is the RELATIONSHIP that exists between us and God Himself that determines how He will deal with us. Throughout this time, Abram's RELATIONSHIP to God was INCOMPLETE, until we come to "the covenant." Let's look toward Abraham for our example. OUR MODEL - ABRAHAM (ABRAM): Genesis 11: Terah, Abram's father, packs up the family and settles in Haran. Genesis 12 thru Genesis 14: God calls Abram (at age 75). He moves to Canaan, then to Egypt, then back to Canaan again, with numerous exploits and pitfalls along the way. Oh yeah, Abram also saves Lot and Lot's family from Sodom in this portion of scripture. Genesis 15: "The Covenant" . . . . . . . In Genesis 15, Abram makes a giant leap in RELATIONSHIP with God. It begins with God's revealing of "The Covenant" to him in Genesis 15:5. He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Genesis 15:5 When Abram heard these words from the Lord, there was within him a quantum leap in His RELATIONSHIP with God! Somewhere inside Abram a spiritual set of gear teeth "ka-chunked" into a new position with regards to God. Let's look at the next verse and see what happened. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 In verses 15:4 and 15:6 (above), the word "LORD" occurs in the Bible which has, in this particular passage, the Hebrew name "JEHOVAH" or "The Self-Existent One", "The Eternal One". You see, Abram had achieved, with a word from the Lord, from JEHOVAH GOD, an understanding and a RELATIONSHIP with God that "ka-chunked" his faith into it's highest level ever! Suddenly as it says, . . . . Abram believed the LORD THE HUGE-NESS OF BELIEF: In Genesis 15:6, is the first occurrence of the Hebrew word for "believe" called "ãman". What it means is that Abram had reached a point of belief with God that surpassed believing in just the truth of the words of God's promise of the covenant. The word for "believe" in this text means that Abram BELIEVED IN GOD HIMSELF in a way that dwarfs the belief in the mere words God spoke or the mere promises God made to him!! Can you see the increase in the meaning of the word "believe" in this context? It is huge! Please understand that no disrespect is meant by the use above of the words "mere words God spoke", or of "the mere promises God made". Nothing God says is "mere"! But Abram's faith in God and RELATIONSHIP with Him made his previous faith and relationship "mere" in comparison (Could this be what Jesus meant when He often said "Oh ye of LITTLE faith"?) SAINT "A" vs. SAINT "B": Let's analyze the effectiveness of the prayers of 2 people in order to see the value of our RELATIONSHIP with our Lord. Our 2 examples are wonderful Christian people - Saint "A" and Saint "B". Saint "A" believes in God, Jesus, and the gospel. She knows that faith in God is a key; Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists . . . . . . . anyone who comes to Him must BELIEVE. This "BELIEVE" word is more than just being persuaded of. It is placing complete and utter confidence in - TRUST, RELIANCE upon, STAGGERING NOT in unbelief. Saint "A" prays a lot and constantly (these are 2 different terms). As a result, Saint "A" has an excellent RELATIONSHIP with God. Saint "B" also believes in the Trinity Godhead. His faith is very strong too. His prayer life is full and rich and a major part of his life, much the same as Saint "A". Consequently, Saint "B" also has an excellent RELATIONSHIP with his Lord. Having quickly established the spiritual lives of these 2 saints, let's analyze their prayers. Saint "A" Prays for her children "Oh Jesus, I plead your shed blood over my children, and I humbly ask you to protect them and keep them and lead them in the way you would have them go." Saint "B" Prays for his children Lord Jesus, I know you died on the cross to save my family and I from our sins. We love you and truly call you our Lord. Please protect and show my children your ways so they will always follow you." ?? QUESTIONS ?? * Which prayer is better? * Which prayer will God honor more? * Why did you choose the way you did? ?? MORE QUESTIONS ?? * Is God's Word powerful? * Is it important to have a healthy, strong and living Relationship with Him? * Look at Word and Relationship above. Which is more important and WHY do you think so? ?? WHY DID GOD CREATE US ?? * To fellowship with Him. * To worship Him and love Him. * To have a living RELATIONSHIP with Him. In spite of the fact that God's word is powerful, it is mighty, it is sharper than a double-edged sword, even the fact that it is the sword of the spirit, His word can not be used or invoked like a magic incantation. His word MUST reside in the spirit of a believer that is RIGHTLY RELATED TO HIM! The prayers of both Saint "A" and Saint "B" above are equally as powerful because of the strong RELATIONSHIP both of these saints have with their Lord. Are your words unimportant to God? No, but they are meaningless altogether if you don't have a RELATIONSHIP with Him. If you see and know of a great man or woman of God, don't seek to emulate their style or prayers or mannerisms, but seek only to have the same strong RELATIONSHIP they have with their Lord and Creator. OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH ADAM!: What happened in Genesis chapter 3? The FALL of man. SIN entered the world. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Genesis 3:7 There was a difference in the passage above as compared to the following passage: The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:25 To be ashamed has overtones of being or feeling worthless. Adam and Eve did not feel this way in Genesis 2:25, but Genesis 3:7 tells us that they felt worthless and they realized this feeling intensely. WHY? Because they BROKE RELATIONSHIP with God. Their SIN had gotten in the way. They suddenly realized that they were uncovered, both physically, and, more importantly they realized it spiritually. We are like that in the very same way today without Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can bring us into a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 and . . . . Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Can you see - Salvation can NOT happen without some sort of RELATIONSHIP. Salvation begins with the acceptance of the RELATIONSHIP that Jesus offers. We can choose to accept or reject His offer of RELATIONSHIP, it is entirely our free-will choice. Also, salvation can NOT be maintained without a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus. Think about it. Can you have a best friend that you don't want to talk to and share things with. Someone to cry and to laugh with and to unload your cares and troubles on? NO!! So how can we expect to be in RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with Jesus if we don't act like a best friend to Him? It's really a simple concept! QUESTIONS TO PONDER: * Are your prayers that you offer up to Him powerful? Do they reach all the way to the throne of God Almighty? If the answer is yes, remember this: It is not the WORDS alone that you use, or even the methods you employ. The thing that matters most is the RELATIONSHIP you possess with God. NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT ! But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 You see, God made you just the way you are (as hard as that may be for some of you to believe), and all He wants is for you to passionately desire to seek Him and know Him. Again, think of this: HOW DO YOU GET TO KNOW SOMEONE AS A BEST FRIEND? God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit simply want to be intimate with you. Only then can they truly fill you with the sense of their presence and power and majesty. Get close to God!

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