Do people REALLY want to know God!?

[jive4005]

The Holy Spirit has roused a question within me... so I open it up for your thoughts and prayerful considerations.

Do people REALLY want a relationship with God, or are they caught up in the trappings of church, religion and power?!
Do people even want God (not that He's gonna GO anyplace!) in their lives?

I'm not speaking about the real heart-led seekers. I'm not even talking about the clueless and unsaved. I'm talking about the "lukewarm" Christians. Most of us know how God feels about lukewarm.

As you might suspect, I have some very strong feelings on the subject. I'd enjoy throwing this one around for a bit. You never know where or thru who God is gonna send us something special!

His,
Rev J

[Zecryphon]

The problem with a questions such as this one is that it can never really be answered to everyone's satisfaction. Once you give an answer, either "yes" or "no" you will be accused of judging and that old verse "judge not lest ye be judged" is thrown at people. Then the people who have judged and have been accused of being judgmental will fire back with 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 and the whole discussion disintegrates. While this is a great topic for a conversation and something that definitely needs to be addressed, it never will be addressed because people fear the judgment of man. Good luck with it. :wave:

[arielette]

Well in order to not be seen as judgmental, I will say what I found with my own growth with God.

When I first became a Christian, I decided to learn the bible. I actually stopped reading certain parts of it for about a year, when I found out I had to give up some things I found in the flesh to be enjoyable. My reaction was like, "oh come on this is old fashioned and I am going to do it anyway". It took awhile for me to want to know God well enough, to see that sin was killing me spiritually.

I was being a hypocrite, wanting to know the parts of God that suited me and ignoring the rest. I guess other people probably do this too.

[DeanM]

Sure. I think people really want to know God. But wanting and doing are two different things. I'm not sure if there is anyone alive who can claim to 'fully' know God. To claim this would be saying that you are capable of understanding the infinite wonders of God.

Some may know God to the best of their cognative abilities, but that is still a mere fraction of what there is to know.

I have a fear of 'fully' knowing God, because I think my brain would explode from the copious amount of information that that would entail.

I do, however, strive to get to know God to the extent that my earthly brain can comprehend it.

When I see people at church, or reading the bible, or praying, I think that they are trying to get to know God as well.

So I think, at least for me, yes, i really want to try to know God.

[AllTalkNoAction]

. . .
As you might suspect, I have some very strong feelings on the subject. I'd enjoy throwing this one around for a bit. You never know where or thru who God is gonna send us something special! Here's something straight from God - go out into the highways and byways to ask people there instead - pray to find someone who wants to know, then come and share what happened next.

[pgp_protector]

Some do.
Some do not.

[james415]

I sense a deeper question here.
Why do you ask?

[bluemarkus]

well one preacher lady put it like this:
"i haven´t met one person in 20 years of ministry yet, that was spiritual enough to tell me it was physically gratifying dieing to the flesh"

[Zecryphon]

well one preacher lady put it like this:
"i haven´t met one person in 20 years of ministry yet, that was spiritual enough to tell me it was physically gratifying dieing to the flesh"
Spiritual isn't the word I'd use. Perhaps sanctified would be better. Buddhists are spiritual, Taoists are spiritual, Yoga practitioners are spiritual, Christians are justified before God. Also, since when is physical gratification the point of dying to the flesh? 20 years in the ministry and this lady doesn't even understand the basics. Maybe the others did get it, and she's floundering cuz the basics don't make sense.

[james415]

Sarcasm dear Watson!

[amadeus2]

If anyone really wants to know God it will happen. God created us and did so for a purpose which I believe is for His own pleasure. He wants us to please Him, but He wants us to choose to do so above all else. For this reason we received 'free will' with only two real choices: to choose Him or not:

'And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites [or the Americans, or the Russians, or the Baptists, or the Catholics, or the pentecostals, etc.], in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

If we really want to please God, we will fall in love with His Word and we will obey Him in every way that we know to do so.

Most people, unfortunately, choose the 'wide' and 'broad way rather than the 'straight' and 'narrow' one; and this probably includes many, if not most of those are spend time in church buildings...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:21-23

[Zecryphon]

If anyone really wants to know God it will happen. God created us and did so for a purpose which I believe is for His own pleasure. He wants us to please Him, but He wants us to choose to do so above all else. For this reason we received 'free will' with only two real choices: to choose Him or not:

'And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites [or the Americans, or the Russians, or the Baptists, or the Catholics, or the pentecostals, etc.], in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

If we really want to please God, we will fall in love with His Word and we will obey Him in every way that we know to do so.

Most people, unfortunately, choose the 'wide' and 'broad way rather than the 'straight' and 'narrow' one; and this probably includes many, if not most of those are spend time in church buildings...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:21-23
"He wants us to please Him, but He wants us to choose to do so above all else. For this reason we received 'free will' with only two real choices: to choose Him or not:"

What about John 6:44 which states:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
And John 6:65 which states:

And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."
It seems to clear to me that we can not choose God using our freewill, but that it is God who chooses us.

[james415]

I think you are on to something Zecryphon.
Here is another to think about.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

I will take a shot...

The Natural man has no desire to know God, what they have from nature they supress ... Rom 1.

Men left to this condition will always love the darkness and hate any kind of light. They are taken captive by the devil himself 2Tim 2.

Pray that God would grant them knowledge to understand thier helpless condition and grant to them repentance. 2Tim 2.

Only if the Son will set them free then they will be free, and have the abilty they need to come to the Lord though the work of the Spirit and the preaching of the word, so that they could have faith gifted to them by the hand of the Father.

Lord call your sheep and they will hear and then follow.

*read the sig*

In Him,

Bill

[lily00]

The Holy Spirit has roused a question within me... so I open it up for your thoughts and prayerful considerations.

Do people REALLY want a relationship with God, or are they caught up in the trappings of church, religion and power?!
Do people even want God (not that He's gonna GO anyplace!) in their lives?

I'm not speaking about the real heart-led seekers. I'm not even talking about the clueless and unsaved. I'm talking about the "lukewarm" Christians. Most of us know how God feels about lukewarm.

As you might suspect, I have some very strong feelings on the subject. I'd enjoy throwing this one around for a bit. You never know where or thru who God is gonna send us something special!

His,
Rev J
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15,16

So many Christians are lukewarm, carnal Christians. I can't really judge them though because I use to be one of them myself. I would go to church on Wednesday and Sunday, not really taking the message and applying it into my life and then go home and do my own thing, doing a petty 15 minute Bible study that I rushed through to sing or watch television or do homework. It wasn't until a true friend pointed out my condition and taught me in the right way that I actually got on the right track, so here is the answer to your question:

Do people REALLY want a relationship with God, or are they caught up in the trappings of church, religion and power?!

To me, the majority of true Christians do want a relationship with God, but because they are caught up in the trappings of church, religion, power, and the world, they are blinded by nothing but that and feeding their old natures instead of their new natures. But a favorite song of mine says "it only takes a spark to get a fire going." Not many people ask how they can live a fruitful and successful Christian life. But how many spirit-filled Christians have actually sat down and explained how to live one? No many. And how many preachers have got off the pulpit and actually showed the sheep of the pasture how to do something? Not many. Or how many work to disciple a fellow brother or sister in the way they ought to walk. Not many. They just witness to 1000's of Christians year after year, and there are baby christians walking all over the place who are just suddenly thrust out in the world. Because they aren't taught the way to live a Christian life, naturally they go back to the sinful ways they are use to. Some may always be lukewarm, carnal Christians because of this, NEVER living a productive Christian life for God. I am so very grateful God gave me mercy.

Do people even want God (not that He's gonna GO anyplace!) in their lives?

I know I did. I use to cry at night because I didn't have that eagerness and vitality I first had as a newborn Christian. I didn't know where it went... but I was blessed to have gotten into such a great church that they showed me what happened to it and how to get it back....

So the solution!!!! The spirit-filled Christians need to get off of their bums and go teach the majority of the Christian world today how to live for Christ!!!!! Thanks for the question and God bless. Lily00:angel:

[Tkjjc89]

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15,16

So many Christians are lukewarm, carnal Christians. I can't really judge them though because I use to be one of them myself. I would go to church on Wednesday and Sunday, not really taking the message and applying it into my life and then go home and do my own thing, doing a petty 15 minute Bible study that I rushed through to sing or watch television or do homework. It wasn't until a true friend pointed out my condition and taught me in the right way that I actually got on the right track, so here is the answer to your question:

Do people REALLY want a relationship with God, or are they caught up in the trappings of church, religion and power?!

To me, the majority of true Christians do want a relationship with God, but because they are caught up in the trappings of church, religion, power, and the world, they are blinded by nothing but that and feeding their old natures instead of their new natures. But a favorite song of mine says "it only takes a spark to get a fire going." Not many people ask how they can live a fruitful and successful Christian life. But how many spirit-filled Christians have actually sat down and explained how to live one? No many. And how many preachers have got off the pulpit and actually showed the sheep of the pasture how to do something? Not many. Or how many work to disciple a fellow brother or sister in the way they ought to walk. Not many. They just witness to 1000's of Christians year after year, and there are baby christians walking all over the place who are just suddenly thrust out in the world. Because they aren't taught the way to live a Christian life, naturally they go back to the sinful ways they are use to. Some may always be lukewarm, carnal Christians because of this, NEVER living a productive Christian life for God. I am so very grateful God gave me mercy.

Do people even want God (not that He's gonna GO anyplace!) in their lives?

I know I did. I use to cry at night because I didn't have that eagerness and vitality I first had as a newborn Christian. I didn't know where it went... but I was blessed to have gotten into such a great church that they showed me what happened to it and how to get it back....

So the solution!!!! The spirit-filled Christians need to get off of their bums and go teach the majority of the Christian world today how to live for Christ!!!!! Thanks for the question and God bless. Lily00:angel:


And this my brothers and sisters, is Wisdom! Amen, great post!! This moved me to tears! This is what we are to be. This is the embodiment of what Christ and the Apostles taught in their ministries!! Amen!

[jive4005]

Well this thread proves God has some "thinkers" in His family.

So great posts.

I guess the reason I ask this question at all is my lack of spiritual self-control when it comes to fakes, phonies and slackers. Perhaps we just hate the sins we've left behind.

I see so many non-Christian attitudes and acts coming from people who claim to know better. Hypocracy is high on the list of things God hates. My biggest fear is that these people will never "get it" and will, thru their own folly, convince themselves (thru their own repetitive actions forming self-hurtful rules of life) that what they believe is true... when what they believe is actually quite the opposite.

I'm finding encouragement in these posts... seeing some bright spots in these clouds... hearing words of help and good direction.

Saints, let's work on these lukewarm types and see if we can't boost the room temperature a bit. With many of us stoking the fire, perhaps MANY can be saved. Let's also remember that if and when we need to get in somebody's face about all this stuff, that we do it with LOVE. If we don't have love... we have nothing.

Thanks all...
His,
Rev J

[amadeus2]

"He wants us to please Him, but He wants us to choose to do so above all else. For this reason we received 'free will' with only two real choices: to choose Him or not:"


What about John 6:44 which states:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
And John 6:65 which states:

And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."
It seems to clear to me that we can not choose God using our freewill, but that it is God who chooses us.

And why is it that the Father draws a person other than that the person had pleased Him in some way. Perhaps someone sincerely asking of God receives the answer of being drawn by the Father to Christ:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt 7:7-8

[OldChurchGuy]

Well this thread proves God has some "thinkers" in His family.

So great posts.

I guess the reason I ask this question at all is my lack of spiritual self-control when it comes to fakes, phonies and slackers. Perhaps we just hate the sins we've left behind.

I see so many non-Christian attitudes and acts coming from people who claim to know better. Hypocracy is high on the list of things God hates. My biggest fear is that these people will never "get it" and will, thru their own folly, convince themselves (thru their own repetitive actions forming self-hurtful rules of life) that what they believe is true... when what they believe is actually quite the opposite.

I'm finding encouragement in these posts... seeing some bright spots in these clouds... hearing words of help and good direction.

Saints, let's work on these lukewarm types and see if we can't boost the room temperature a bit. With many of us stoking the fire, perhaps MANY can be saved. Let's also remember that if and when we need to get in somebody's face about all this stuff, that we do it with LOVE. If we don't have love... we have nothing.

Thanks all...
His,
Rev J

You write: "Hypocracy is high on the list of things God hates. My biggest fear is that these people will never "get it" and will, thru their own folly, convince themselves (thru their own repetitive actions forming self-hurtful rules of life) that what they believe is true... when what they believe is actually quite the opposite."

Any examples so I can better understand what the problem is with lukewarm Christians? Is it correct to conclude all lukewarm Christians are a hypocrites?

Sincerely,

OldChurchGuy

[calidog]

Do people REALLY want a relationship with God
I'm not speaking about the real heart-led seekers. I'm not even talking about the clueless and unsaved. I'm talking about the "lukewarm" Christians. Most of us know how God feels about lukewarm.

Speaking from experience, I would say no. Thank God for lighting a fire under me since then. :)

[jive4005]

When it comes to lukewarm believers... God says (not me... God!). In Revelation you find God's words...

(KJ)Rev 3:
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

and a different translation (BBE) reads...
Revelation 3:
15 I have knowledge of your works, that you are not cold or warm: it would be better if you were cold or warm.
16 So because you are not one thing or the other, I will have no more to do with you.
This is telling me that God is very serious when it comes to the degree of our commitment. He tells us over and over that He wants and expects our complete surrender. Only in that state can we serve Him on the level He needs and demands.

Yes, Daddy's often "demand" things from/of their children. At least caring ones do.

[Zecryphon]

And why is it that the Father draws a person other than that the person had pleased Him in some way. Perhaps someone sincerely asking of God receives the answer of being drawn by the Father to Christ:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt 7:7-8
"And why is it that the Father draws a person other than that the person had pleased Him in some way."

Are you asking me why God draws some people and not others? Or are you saying that we in fact earn the invitation from God to be saved? That contradicts John 3:16-17. I don't understand your questions. It is God's wish that all be saved, but not all will respond to the drawing of the Holy Spirit,for whatever reason.

"Perhaps someone sincerely asking of God receives the answer of being drawn by the Father to Christ:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt 7:7-8

And why should any of these things happen? To whom will these things happen? Just anyone? Or someone who is already saved?

These verses you have quoted seem to deal with prayer. Yet it seems you may be twisting them in an attempt to turn God into a cosmic genie of some sort, who will dole out the offer of salvation to those who please Him with their works.

[james415]

The Bible is clear that all will know God and every knee will bow to Him.
We are enabled because it is God who gives man life, breath and everything else.
The way He draws us is by the use of calamity (getting our attention).
The Bible is loaded with examples of this.
He wants us to acknowledge that it is He who does all things.
Read Daniel 4 for one of many examples.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Isaiah 46:7 I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

1 Corinthians 12:4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

[lily00]

And why is it that the Father draws a person other than that the person had pleased Him in some way. Perhaps someone sincerely asking of God receives the answer of being drawn by the Father to Christ:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt 7:7-8


Are you talking about predestination? :)

[james415]

The Bible uses the word predestined. But that is not what I was referring to. I guess what I am trying to say is this:

It is the Man of Spirit within us that prevails. The Man of Flesh on the outside looses, is destroyed, and left behind (flesh can not enter Heaven).
I don't think anyone understands that when Jesus said: there will be two women in one bed one will be taken and the other left, he was talking about one women. Her spirit is taken, the flesh is left behind.

PS Don't give so much credit to men and their movies or even me an my postings. Keep an open mind as you read the Bible and God will reveal the truth to you.

[biblelife]

I know God personally!!!

[lily00]

The Bible uses the word predestined. But that is not what I was referring to. I guess what I am trying to say is this:

It is the Man of Spirit within us that prevails. The Man of Flesh on the outside looses, is destroyed, and left behind (flesh can not enter Heaven).
I don't think anyone understands that when Jesus said: there will be two women in one bed one will be taken and the other left, he was talking about one women. Her spirit is taken, the flesh is left behind.

PS Don't give so much credit to men and their movies or even me an my postings. Keep an open mind as you read the Bible and God will reveal the truth to you.
Oh wow, I need to study that. I never thought of it like that before. I thought that was talking about the rapture where one is taken and the other is left behind! I never heard that view before though, I need to look that up!

[lily00]

I know God personally!!!
That is awesome! How do you know Him personally? What do you believe it takes for a person to get into Heaven?

[AllTalkNoAction]

That is awesome! How do you know Him personally? What do you believe it takes for a person to get into Heaven?It's all about wanting a real 2-way relationship with God. If that's what you want above all, and you are allowing God to reveal himself to you, through receiving his Spirit (being "born again" - John 3:5-8, Acts 2:4, 33, 39) and being led of Him you are Heaven-bound.

[Zecryphon]

I know God personally!!!
What's His favorite color? :P

[bluemarkus]

the laodiceans had lukewarm water brought to them through a pipeline system, they were a rich city. the passage can actually be translated "vomited out".

[jive4005]

color... He tells me He loves them all... including the ones He hasn't shown us yet! No foolin'...

ps: BM... I like that interpretation too!

[james415]

Oh wow, I need to study that. I never thought of it like that before. I thought that was talking about the rapture where one is taken and the other is left behind! I never heard that view before though, I need to look that up!
Yes! Wow!
Once you understand, then you will start to see!
We are like a seed. The Shell (earthly body or flesh) on the outside; the Spirit that gives life on the inside. The Bible uses many analogies to describe this: The Two Trees, Two Temples, Two Sons, Two Tribes, Slave and Free, etc, etc.

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

[lily00]

Yes! Wow!
Once you understand, then you will start to see!
We are like a seed. The Shell (earthly body or flesh) on the outside; the Spirit that gives life on the inside. The Bible uses many analogies to describe this: The Two Trees, Two Temples, Two Sons, Two Tribes, Slave and Free, etc, etc.

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Cool, New American Standard is a little different. I might need check it there to understand a little more. ^_^

[lily00]

What's His favorite color? :P
I am guessing the multi-colored spectrum. He wouldn't make a color He didn't like. ^_^

[jive4005]

quote from "Letters to God" from small child...
Dear GOD,
I didn't think orange went with purple until
I saw the sunset You made on Tuesday.
That was cool.
-Eugene

[heavyb30]

people always want to know god.