On Having A Close Relationship With God
Brother Felmar Serreno: In one’s hour of need, a person usually seeks the helping hand of those close to them—their family, friends, and acquaintances. But just like the rest of us, not only do they have limited abilities, but they also have their own troubles. However, if one has a close relationship with God and turns to Him for help, he or she will have everything that they need—and more.
Hi friends and welcome back to this podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and our topic for today: On Having a Close Relationship with God.
There is no one whom we need more in life than the Lord God. The Bible describes the people who have a relationship with God as His children and His chosen people (That’s based on the book of John 1:12 and I Peter 2:9-10). When God’s children are troubled, He will give them the soundest advice; when they are weak, God will strengthen them (Psalm 73:24-26, 28). When God’s people are confronted by the snares of death and ungodliness, He will deliver them (II Samuel 22:5-7). And so, dear friends,, it is very important to be counted among God’s children, His elect, to have a relationship with Him.
King David is one fine example. Though he had wealth and power at his disposal, he still depended on God. When he was beset with adversities and prayed for help, the Lord did not fail him. I quote for you this:
He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. End quote.
[That was from II Samuel 22:17-20 New King James Version]
Brother Felmar Serreno: God listened to David’s prayer because he was among the Lord’s chosen ones—the people who were set apart by God for Himself (That’s based on the book of Psalm 4:3).
So, not all people have a relationship with God. The Bible is clear when it says, quote:
The LORD is far from the wicked …
End quote [That was Proverbs 15:29 New King James Version]
Brother Felmar Serreno: An act that God finds very wicked is departing from Him (II Samuel 22:22). How does one depart or turn away from God? By transgressing His laws and refusing to listen to His teachings (Daniel 9:11). Hence, sin alienates people from God. Worse, it turns them into God’s enemies (Colossians 1:21), who are bound to suffer His fierce wrath on Judgment Day (Hebrews 10:27).
If people find themselves in such a predicament, the Bible teaches them to search out and examine their ways and turn back to the Lord (Lamentations 3:39-40). They must turn to God by seeking the good way and walking in it (Jeremiah 6:16). Jesus Christ is the good way; no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
How can people come to the Father through Jesus Christ, the good way? Is it enough just to believe? The Lord Jesus has this to say, I quote:
So Jesus spoke again: ‘In very truth I tell you, I am the door of the sheepfold. … I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe.’
End quote [That was from the book of John 10:7, 9 Revised English Bible]
Brother Felmar Serreno: So if anyone wants to walk in the good way, he needs to come through Christ by joining the flock, the Church Of Christ (That’s based on John 10:16 and Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).
When a person joins the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), he is counted among those purchased and redeemed through the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa). Such a person is cleansed from his sins and brought near and reconciled with God (Hebrews 9:14, 22; Ephesians 2:13, 16). Such a person is counted among God’s children and God’s people. And thus, has a relationship with God (That’s based on Romans 8:16-17; Romans 16:16; I Peter 2:9-10 and I Peter 1:18-19)..
Friends, it is important to maintain such relationship with God, especially now that hardships and unusual events and calamities abound. Now, more than ever, God’s people need to be close to Him. For this to happen, they ought to live righteously. They should always keep His commands. They must stay away from anything unclean—after all, they have already been cleansed from their sins. They must do their level best to fight the good fight for the faith, complete the race that God has set before them, and keep the true faith (II Timothy 4:6-8 Names of God Bible).
If they do this, they will be rewarded by God, as II Samuel 22:21-22 states, I quote:
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God.
End quote.
Brother Felmar Serreno: For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.
