Struggling to have a personal relationship with God.?

Question

I am a 17 year old girl I go to a Christian school have a Christian family and go to church and I don't know how to have a personal relationship with God I really want to and I keep telling myself that I will start(talking with God and reading the Bible) but I just cant and I forget, recently I have had really bad dreams about evil things and hell I am in every sense a Christian but do not have that personal relationship with Him I want to have a relationship with him but at the same time I feel guilty because I want that with Him because I am afraid of hell I really love God and what he has done for me but what should I do to have a close relationship with Him.

Answer 1

Well, let me ask you a few questions: do you have any great friends that you just got over night? Do you have any friends that you know nothing about? Friendship takes time. You also need to get to know the person you wish to be friends with. So, let me ask you this: How do you get to know God? Atheists would have you believe that science leads away from God. But that is not true. Science leads you to God (Romans 1:20). Also you get to know God by reading about Him in His word the Bible. How do we know the Bible is from God? Because everything the Bible says is true. But how would you be able to know such a thing? From a proper Bible study (Acts 8:30, 31). You sound like you have a good heart. Now it is time to build up you faith in God. Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). Not the blindly moving through my religion expectation of things hoped for. We are assured of our reason for hope. And that is how we gain God's friendship (James 2:23). Also we must not have unused faith (James 2:26). We must exercise our faith (John 3:16). Now ask yourself this: do you have any close friends that you do not know the name of? If you have an older version of the King James version of the Bible, read Psalms 83:18. It says that God's name is Jehovah. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you (James 4:8).

Answer 2

First stop stressing. Do you pray? If so, there's the start of your personal relationship with God. Prayer...it's a "talk" and "listen" kind of thing and it's completely different for everyone (some people read their Bibles and pray over scripture, other's just pray, and other's need to participate in worship of God-usually church services and fellowship with other Christians). You've got to find something that works for you, which obviously reading your Bible everyday doesn't...don't stress! Try to do short Bible study's-maybe one week long or even a few days each-so that you can get the Word of God in but don't feel horrible because that's not how you connect with God. There's a book.."God Speaks Your Love Language" maybe read it...it's worth it. It basically explains different ways people connect with God...sometimes that connection is felt when you're spending time with family or friends (if so, start a Bible study with them or have prayer time with them each day or week). Don't feel guilty! I have read my Bible but I can't just sit and read my Bible anymore unless it's through short Bible study's (I read mine as a teen), so my "personal relationship" is done through other means such as discussion about God and His purposes for life with select friends, prayer, and worship services. Those help me feel close to Him. Also, you shouldn't fear Hell...Hell is technically a place where God is not...which is pretty scary but you're saved right? Then you never had to worry about being away from God. Pray to God to take away your fear and help you get that close relationship you want...I have a friend who's favorite saying is "Give it to God" and she's right...don't worry, don't stress, and give it to God because He can help...no one else can.

Answer 3

Wow a lot of advice for you on this page. My advice is that first of all just relax. You are not going to hell. Christians took and statement from Jesus and blew it all out of proportion. Jesus spoke often using hyperbole. He exaggerated things to make a point like the camel through the eye of a needle and the parable of the Prodigal Son and may other parables and examples. In Jer 20.11 God said he has plans for you. Plans to give you a future with hope and not to harm you. In John 10.10c Jesus said I come that they may have life and have it to the full. God loves you and you love God. You have some kind of expectation of what a so called relationship should feel like. Well you have it already so enjoy the life God has given you.

Answer 4

Hello !! Miss 17 == just relax and enjoy life and thank GOD for your Christian existence - up bringing - friends - family - school - the birds & bees - .... Those things that you question in your life and your religion will be answered in time.. By your actions and good deeds for others you will feel a closeness to GOD that your not having at this time and it is just not something that is tangible -- service to GOD can take many avenues and you will find those in the future. At 17 and living under your parents roof [so to speak] everything is arranged by how your family perceives your life to be ---- it will only be when you are on your own that the decisions YOU make will determine how GOD directs YOU ... and your thoughts and feelings will change as you make your own decisions to be a good Christian person and help others with deeds and prayer ..... doing the right thing and setting a good example ..............

Answer 5

Are you a born again Christian? Have you accepted Jesus free gift of salvation, because that is where your relationship with God begins, through His son Jesus. Stop to think about all the things in your life that you put special time aside for,and then begin to do the same with studying your bible at the same time every day and praying to the Lord at the same time every day. Make it quiet time with Jesus. It starts with your making the first move towards Jesus. God bless you sweetie, and always do everything you do in life for the glory of God.

Answer 6

OMG....The problem as I see it is that you apparently belong to a fundamentalist Christian sect that not only focuses on hellfire and brimstone to such an extent that even members who are "saved" according to church doctrine still quake in fear because their "personal" relationship with CHeesus isn't personal enough. Rolls Eyes.



Listen, Sweetie, all this hogwash about personal relationships is a new invention that seems to be limited to the most extreme god warrior Protestant sects. This ridiculous idea that the Nazareth carpenter or dear old dad aka gawd wants to be everybody's bff has its origins in the desire of the new fundamentalist Christian right to deny that their religion is actually a religion. Well, it is a religion no matter how much it makes them squirm to hear it. Furthermore this newly invented requirement to have a "personal" relationship in order to be "saved", or prove one is "saved" or feel "saved" from eternal barbecuing is a false teaching, has no biblical support and is a ludicrous man-made rule tacked on to salvation teachings without god's permission.

Answer 7

we say that God is not a person so that kind of relationship will not work.

we say to Pray unto the :Lord Thy God at the mental level and leave emotions to one side since that is the way forward for all humanity soon enough. Also since Christ and Jesus are with other masters now on earth it will be somewhat a little easier to reach out to God and only pray unto God and no other being/person

Pray will be in total silence since the mind requires absolute stillness and then the astral factors will become as a still lake and not interfere with your contacts unto God in time the voice of God the Holy Spirit will attend you but do give it time to work through good luck Amen.

Answer 8

Start by flip flopping everything you currently see or experience here on earth. It's a test of wills..of courage..of strength. Turn the channel when you see violence on T.V.- talk a walk, listen to positive music and hang with positive people, exercise daily, we are meant to move. When you do this, you will inherit a new vision, begin a relationship with meaning. You will start to see the good in people, no matter how broken we all are. I now see the world we live in differently despite all the discourse. It takes some time..to start anew, have that relationship with God, to walk fearless, and always know he's right there and always has been. Life is an equation we all struggle to understand. I can't solve yours and you can't solve mine. From the day we are born, we are added to or subtracted from emotionally, added to or subtracted from spiritually, able to multiply physically yet unable to control the division amongst us called free will. Here's a sampling: Man may discriminate against color, God doesn't. God may dream in color, Man doesn't. Man may recall the past, God doesn't. God may see the future, Man doesn't. Man may point out differences, God doesn't. God may overlook similarities, Man doesn't. Man may recognize hero's, God doesn't. God may recognize sidekick's, Man doesn't. BE A WARRIOR, NOT A WORRIER!

Answer 9

if you are "struggling" it means you still do not have a conversion to righteousness. i think all people today have struggling situations. i think some are being oppressed by works of the flesh, mostly by poisons and sorceries that interact with the mind.

there is a cloud of darkness over the whole land because there are men in the united nations that dump Tons of chemicals over the land. these chemicals and the poisons put into food and drinks do cause the mind to falter. if you truly desire to be Saved and believe in Jesus Christ, say your prayers more often. we should pray at least 3 times a day. we should pray over our fields and places of work, and if you are still in school also pray when you get to school. even pray over your homework. little by little you will find the spirit of God is with your and with your with more increasing power. also remember you Must be obedient and repent of your sins. this is a major factor on whether you are harassed by the devil or whether you can receive the Seed of Faith in Good soil. Mark chapter 4 talks about seed being sown in our lives. do not let the cares of the world or the lusts thereof choke and kill the faith in your heart.

Answer 10

To have a personal relationship with God one must want to do things his way.

(1 Timothy 2:3, 4) This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.



In coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth one will find that many of their religious beliefs are in error. When finding out what the Bible really teaches, if he really wants to have a personal relationship with God, he must make the necessary changes.



Go to jw.org. There you will find answers to help you in your endeavor.

Answer 11

Firstly, well done for thinking this through and expressing your desire for that personal relationship. God wants it even more than you do!!

No need to struggle (though many of us have done just that); simply tell Jesus that you wish Him to be Lord of your life, to 'come in' to that life as Friend and Guide. He has promised that He will turn no-one away, so claim that promise.

You will be in my prayers.

God bless you.

Answer 12

A personal relationship with God begins with a Salvation experience. Salvation results from the Holy Spirit convicting us that we are sinners in need of a Savior and that Savior is Jesus Christ and in order to be Saved we must make a conscious decision to turn from our sinful desires (Repent) and by Faith commit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. If we do this we have God's promise that we are Saved. Once you are Saved start doing the things that you commited to do like telling others what God has done for you. You won't be a mature Christian to begin with but if you seek Gods purpose for your life your relationship will grow. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Praying for you. God bless.

Answer 13

I know lots of people have answered and you probably want to see this. My advice is seek him. Jesus said seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you. Also you can have a personal relationship with anyone. God is a father figure so if he is your father you two and all of us in the body of Christ should have that personal relationship its so simple and I really wish others wouldn't complicate. By personal you can go to him about anything I mean anything. So to have it again just jump in don't question pray and say "Father I want you take over right now let's do this and I surrender." You don't have to prepare yourself once you enter he will prepare you. To conclude I will mention Jesus' words in Revelation 3: 19 I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. 21 To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.********Now from me (no scripture) I hope this helps I wish you the best good friend any questions contact me @[e-mail] Jesus loves you Shalom.

Answer 14

First you must convince yourself that magic is real. Then you can choose which magical things to accept and which to reject.



Then you come to selecting a deity. There are a great many things that are worshipped by people including trees, snakes, rats, cows, cats, the entire universe and various invisible entities labeled as spirits. Some even worship dead humans (while saints are not to be worshipped according to Catholicism, vast numbers don’t understand the technical difference between worshipping and praying for intercession. Many do indeed worship saints.)

Take your pick.



Then comes the easy part: Just assume that you have a close relationship with it.

. .

Answer 15

If you want a relationship with Jesus read these verses and find a bible believing lady or ladies to read and study with.









Eph 2:8-9

John (1, 3, 6, 10)

1 John

1 & 2 Thes

Romans

Job 19

Answer 16

God does not exist and all of the other religious stuff like heaven, hell, satan, angels, demons, and so on are all as completely imaginary and made up as god. There is only reality and as it turns out, happily, that's a fine place in which to live your life.

Answer 17

You must first decide to repent of all of your sins. Are you still sinning? If you are that may be why you can't get through with God. Our sins separate us from Him! You MUST FORSAKE all of your sins and evil desires. STOP following the world. STOP listening to Michael Jackson. His music is devilish and STOP thinking that just because you go to church, you are saved. The only thing that will save you is Jesus, and ABIDING with Him. Which means obedience. If you don't obey and abide in Jesus you will get cut off from Him. Don't believe the lie that christians will always sin. Jesus can give you the power to overcome all sin. Jesus said he who sins is a SLAVE of sin and he who the son sets free is free indeed. Forsake and crucify your flesh daily and ALWAYS ask Jesus to guild you in everything you do. The holy spirit will always speak to you...you just have to listen.

Answer 18

I had encounters with those things as well. I learned to trust in God through his promises. That means I'm picking out specific promises God made and telling him what they are. I repeat them to myself and God as often as I have time to do it. What that does is it aligns me to God in agreement, it connects me to eternity in that way.



So the personal relationship lives because I connect to him in agreement, instead of all the disagreement he gets from "the world" that isn't saved.



Otherwise, Christianity might be a set of moral codes that other people tell you to live by. That isn't how Jesus said we were to live or be saved. So, the choice is yours.



Psalm 37

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

And wither as the green herb.



3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.



5 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday.



7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Answer 19

you have to be open to it. If you deny it you ll never feel it.



I wanted to prove that god existed. I owed god that.



It was so clear to me ;if you believe enough god can do anything. My team won so many games how could any one deny that. . So I started my journey to learn and seek out the truth.



I didn’t know what a theist, deist, atheist or agnostics were, those terms were labels and I hated labels I didn’t want to be labeled.



The more I looked for answers the more and more I found what truths meant. I applied critical thinking; reasoning and logic to my values and beliefs. I was scared looking this stuff up on the internet, I was scared that I was coming close to opening up a box in which i was going to be susceptible to spirits or demons .. but I continue my search for answers. . Looking back when I stopped believing I always had this doubt in the back of my head and of course I was scared to think that perhaps I may be wrong. but I cared about the truth.



I realized that I was in control of my own life and demons were not out to get me. I started to learn more about mindfulness and being in the present moment. When I came to the realization that my life was better more joyful more productive .



I stopped having nightmares when i stopped believing

realized that you are in control of your own life and demons are not out to get you.

Answer 20

Please read this excerpt of a speech on the true relationship to Christ.



So, you want to go to God's Kingdom? You want to go to heaven, you do not want to go to hell? Then love God with all faculties that you possess totally and perfectly. So bottom line, you want to be in God's Kingdom? Love Him perfectly, it is about love, it is not really about Law. Cause if you love Him, you will keep His Law, is not that true?



When Luther pinned his 95 Thesis on the door of the church at Wittenberg, he had 95 declarations to make. Declaration number four called for self-hate. Nobody comes into God's Kingdom that does not hate himself. And the word "let him deny himself," the word here, the Greek term means to refuse to associate with. It is to disdain yourself. It is to refuse to associate any longer with the person you are.



Salvation is not about self-fulfillment, it is about self-denial. It is not about self-love, it is about self-hate. It is not about self-esteem, it is about self-disdain, disappointment. It is the rejection of who you are. It is hating yourself and loving God. And so the sinner is in an impossible situation because of his fallenness pride dominates his life, on his own he can not hate himself, and because he loves himself he cannot love God perfectly. But that is how you get into the Kingdom.



The Bible makes it clear that no matter what people’s “felt needs” may be, their real need is for forgiveness and salvation from sin, so as to escape eternal hell and enter the bliss of heaven. A fulfilled life, a happy marriage, a loving friendship, a successful career—those “needs” pale in comparison with the eternal issue facing every human being. It does not make any sense, then, for pastors to focus all of their energies on temporal surface attitudes while leaving the most profound eternal needs unaddressed. Besides, a true understanding of eternal life changes how you react to the passing troubles of this life.



The Bible also makes it clear that genuine belief includes more than just mental assent (cf. James 2:19). Biblical faith is more than just a profession of faith; it is a change of allegiance—from the mastery of sin to the lordship of Christ. It certainly would be convenient for me to preach a gospel that says, “If you’ve ever made a profession of faith in Jesus, then you’re saved, even if there’s nothing in your life to validate that claim.” But I can’t do that, because that’s not the true gospel. The true gospel repeatedly commands unbelievers to repent (Matthew 4:17; 11:20–21; Mark 6:12; Luke 5:32; 13:3, 5; 15:7, 10; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; 2 Timothy 2:25) and declares, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). It urges you to “test” yourself “to see if you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5), and reminds you that believers will be known “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16-18; cf. Luke 6:43–44). So I preach the Bible because I want to make sure I’m preaching the true gospel, not a gospel of my own imagination. (John MacArthur, www.gty.org)

Answer 21

King James Version Bible





Jeremiah Chapter 22



29. O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.





John Chapter 1



1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.





Romans Chapter 10



17. So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.





Proverbs Chapter 30



5. Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.





James Chapter 1



5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.



6. BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.



7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.



8. A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.





John Chapter 5



43. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.



44. HOW CAN YE BELIEVE, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?





John Chapter 16



1. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.





1 Corinthians Chapter 4



14. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].





James Chapter 1



16. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Answer 22

Sweetheart, having a "personal relationship with God" is Christian-speak for becoming so deluded you experience hallucinations you will mistake for God's voice. What part of using superstitious religion to drive yourself insane do you fail to understand? Do you really wish to betray your innate human intelligence and sacrifice your precious sanity in exchange for merely pretending you've become immortal?



Christians have been running their impossible scam for two-thousand years. Isn't it time for humanity to learn to distinguish between impossible imaginary superstitions and the objective physical reality we each will have but one opportunity to experience? It is your living brain that makes it possible for you to experience being alive. Don't squander your only chance for the sake of perpetuating ancient superstitious ignorance.



What Christians are really pushing is called Solipsism, which is the erroneous notion that your mental experiences are actually real. Only by believing your subjective perceptions are actually real will you be able to hallucinate so effectively you'll think you're having a "relationship" with an imaginary deity.

Answer 23

I was an atheist and I have a relationship with God. The Holy Spirit guides me. You have no hunger and thirst for the Lord. That is the door. Everyone else is speaking from what they have learned somewhere instead of actual experience. I am not and I tell you the Truth: The Lord is looking for you and waiting for you to search for Him. He will not waste time on ANYONE who fakes it; be it Christian or otherwise.

Answer 24

You're on the right track. Keep wanting Him, but relax. He doesn't turn anyone away, but He does work in His own time. I would not recommend anything else that witness of jesus wrote, but the reference to the parable of the sower is apt. As with plants, The Word takes time to grow in a person's heart, and for quite a while it looks on the surface like nothing's happening, while all sorts of important growth is happening "underground". Have faith and stay faithful.

Answer 25

The fact that you are asking the right questions means you are sincere and genuine in your interest in having a relationship with God. Relationships are not figured out, they are experienced. Love is not figured out, it is enjoyed. Read your Bible on a regular and consistent basis, ask God in prayer for him to love you and reach out to you and ask God to give yourself a love for him. Faith and Hope are good, but nobody has ever gone to hell for loving God the Father and his only Son, Jesus Christ.

Answer 26

I hope you find some resolution... It's sad how religion torments people with fears of an imaginary place of torture. You might ponder just what sort of sick, twisted, evil monster would have any reason or any wish to punish you. It shouldn't make sense. Good luck.

Answer 27

It's good that you want to have a personal relationship with God. Many people today don't care about God at all. The Bible does show that we can have a relationship with God. For example, Abraham is referred to in the Bible as God's friend. (James 2:23;2 Chronicles 20:7). The Bible shows Abraham isn't the only that can have this privilege. James 4:8 says, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." The Bible clearly states that God will draw close us if we draw close to him, so you can have a personal relationship with God! However, effort is required on our part. The scripture said God would draw close to us, IF we draw close him. How do we draw close to God? One way is by reading the Bible regularly. For more detailed information on how to draw close to God, please click the links below. They will direct you to a Bible-based publications that will show you others things you can do to draw close to God. http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20141201/ http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/draw-close/friend-of-god/

Answer 28

It's really easy. You must first forgive yourself for whatever you feel you have done wrong then ask God to guide you and he will. Do not seek the guidance of these charlatans who profess to have a line of communication with God because they don't. GOD wants you to be you and he will give you what you need. Just ask.

Answer 29

The phrase "Personal relationship with God" is found nowhere in the bible. We are supposed to worship God. This is a "pop-culture" phrase that became popular about 50 years ago. Focus on the worship

Answer 30

Start with the understanding that the Holy Spirit has no connection with the godly / ungodly things of the Earth, not in Gender, Race, or any Nation of origin, or Creed. Any Spiritual connection between you and the Holy Spirit is solely for your Personal Growth in the Essence of your personal Wisdom... () 0927/2014

Answer 31

Once you realize that "God" is not real, and understand it was an archaic religion constructed by the Romans to control the population with fear i.e., made up doctrine of hell, only then you will begin to think for yourself, and begin to know yourself, then you will be free!

Answer 32

"I want that with Him because I am afraid of hell ..."



Stop being afraid of fictional places like hell and fictional characters, like God. Start a relationship with reality since you cannot have a relationship with a fictional character.

Answer 33

He wants what you want. Jesus wants to live in you and provide all you need- His peace in trials, His joy regardless of your circumstances, His hope and assurance, strength for everyday to wait on Him and trust Him for all you need. He is there, ready and willing but He will not push your fears aside and barge in. You must give them to Him.



Open your heart. Accept His love and forgiveness then trust, trust, trust and act on His promises.

Our relationships are only as healthy and strong as we allow them to be.



My guess is- you are allowing your fear of a lack of relationship to block your ability to have one. He tells us over and over to 'Have no fear'. So stop it! Stop wondering and wishing the bridge is safe! You know it is! Take a step of faith and walk on it! He will help you get all the way across:)

Answer 34

My advice: Prayer everyday, Read the Bible, a little every night. Go to church.

Answer 35

God tells us at Psalms 32:8



“I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give you advice with my eye upon you





This Bible based link will prove to be very helpful source of information for you. Hope you the best on your journey to draw close to God.



"Living in a Way That Pleases God"

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/living-in-a-way-that-pleases-god/

Answer 36

For a 17 year old girl you sure do look like Michael Jackson.



17 is too old for imaginary friends.

Answer 37

Give yourself a break, go out and have fun, there is no merit in wasting time and life worrying about non-existent god and/or hell, they are both imaginary.

Answer 38

Your are not alone in how you feel. A 22yo female who was raised from infancy in a Christian home said: “I never built a personal relationship with God,” “God was not a real person to me. I guess that’s why it didn’t really bother me when I committed immorality.” Her situation was similar to the immoral persons described by Paul. These “knew God”; they ‘knew full well his righteous decree,’ but lacked “accurate knowledge.” (Rom. 1:21, 28, 32) To have a deeper and more intimate knowledge and acquaintance with God you need to study God’s Word personally and regularly in order to appreciate the qualities of God. Heartfelt prayers is also necessary to build a closeness to God.



“Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you,” says James 4:8. Showing how much Jehovah God wants humans to have a close relationship with him, he gave his Son Jesus in our behalf. (Jehovah is God’s personal name as revealed in the Bible.) Yes our Creator invites us to have a close personal relationship with him, and those who do never fail to sense his support even in the most difficult situations.



King David asked a similar question about three millenniums ago, saying: “O Jehovah, . . . who will reside in your holy mountain?” (Psalm 15:1) David answered his own question when he went on to say: “He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart. He has not slandered with his tongue. To his companion he has done nothing bad.” (Psalm 15:2, 3) In other words, Jehovah welcomes those who follow the course that Adam and Eve rejected. He draws close to those who do his will.—Deuteronomy 6:24, 25; 1 John 5:3.



How can we do God’s will? We have to learn what is “fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God,” and then choose to act accordingly. (1 Timothy 2:3) That involves taking in accurate knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible. (John 17:3; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) More than just casual Bible reading is involved. We need to imitate the first-century Jews in Beroea who heard Paul’s preaching. Of them, we read: “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”—Acts 17:11.



Likewise today, a careful study of the Bible strengthens our faith in God and helps us to forge a close relationship with him. (Hebrews 11:6) It also helps us to appreciate exactly how Jehovah deals with mankind—not only for short-term benefits but especially for the long-term good of all who are rightly disposed.



To learn more about the Bible and how you can draw closer to God, feel free to contact Jehovah’s Witnesses locally. Or you may visit our Web site at WWW.JW.ORG.

Answer 39

Just pray a lot, thank him a lot, and just worship a lot. That's how I get a relationship. Strive for perfection.

Answer 40

Why do you fear hell? Christians who know the promises of God don't do that. So let's start with some basic Christian knowledge. In order to be saved, you have to believe you’re a sinner unable to save yourself (Romans 3:23). You have to believe Jesus died for all the sins of your life to purchase your forgiveness (Colossians 2:13-14). You have to believe that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9), and you have ask Him to be your Savior and believe by faith that He will agree (Matthew 7:7-8).



Once saved, the responsibility for keeping us saved rests with the Lord, not us (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Scripture says no one can take us out of his hands (John 10:27-30), or separate us from Him (Romans 8:38-39), and that He’ll never lose even one of us (John 6:39). We are God's children (John 1:12) and His heirs (Romans 8:17). Our inheritance is guaranteed (Ephesians 1:13-14). These promises are so all inclusive that it’s clear, once we’re saved there’s nothing we can do to break our union with God.



While establishing union with God is a one-time event, maintaining fellowship with God is a life-long endeavor. Most Christians never get past part one, getting saved. It's fellowship with God, part two, that gets us closer to Him. And that's where the joy of Christian living is fully realized.



This bible study explains union: http://gracethrufaith.com/free/mp3/mp3-the-incomparable-riches-of-his-grace/



This one explains both union and fellowship: http://gracethrufaith.com/free/mp3/mp3-union-fellowship/



In Romans 12:1-2 Paul admonished us to offer our whole being as a living sacrifice. This means yielding completely to the Lord, retaining none of the autonomous control we are used to exercising over our lives. We are not to conform any longer to the self-centered humanistic tendencies that have governed our actions in the past, but are to be totally submissive to the Lord’s will for us. As for what His will for us is and how we’ve been gifted to accomplish it, we’ll discover that as we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.



In reality, most of us have prior commitments when we decide to live for the Lord that conflict with our goal to be totally focused on Him. Obviously we can’t ignore our marriages, mortgages, or for you, your education. But we can stop being so distracted by the non-essential things, because they’re what really keep us from giving our undivided devotion to the Lord.



In Ephesians 4:22-24 Paul explained this as making the choice to put off our old selves and being made new in the attitudes of our mind. This implies we have a choice about our behavior. We can refuse to continue to behave in the manner we’re accustomed to, choosing instead to behave in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 4:25-32 give some specific examples.



Some of our old behavior is so deeply ingrained that it seems like we’ve always been this way. Paul referred to this behavior as an enemy stronghold. In 2 Cor. 10:3-5 he said we’ve been given weapons with divine power and can demolish these strongholds by taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.



I’ve found the old saying, “When the Lord guides, the Lord provides” to be a remarkably dependable principle that has both kept our family from ever being in need, and prevented us from ever straying off the path He’s placed us on.



So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:31-33).



All this is easier said than done, but with the Holy Spirit’s guidance anyone can accomplish it.

Answer 41

It's always disturbing when a Christian speaks about being afraid of hell, and that is actually the clue as to what is wrong with the way you are failing to connect with God. "There is no fear in love" the Bible tells Christians". God draws us with cords of love. He is love. His love moved Him to do, in Christ, what we could never do to be spared hell. Nobody needs to end up in hell. The good news of Christianity is that our sins can be pardoned and we can stand before God with a cleansed conscience, to be accepted into His heavenly family. Once a person experiences the reality of forgiveness, all their fears begin to melt away. Just study this explanation in the Bible, in 1 John chapter 4 and you will see that there is something seriously wrong with your understanding of Christianity, probably because you have been wrongly taught.



"God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins...

If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit...

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.

THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love."



You have yet to experience (or believe) the love of God. Once you have sought His forgiveness, and trusted in Jesus to pardon you from all sin, you will be able to rejoice in God and there will be no more fear of hell. All Christians are saved from hell. They will never end up there. The point of their repentance and faith in Christ is the point of new life in Christ, which is life eternal. Only those who have no assurance of the love of God and the forgiveness of God go on about hell and remain frightened of it.



Please go to the links below for more on this, straight from the Bible. Be taught by the word of God, not the words of man, and then your fear will be replaced with joy and love and peace, given by the Holy Spirit. AiH

Answer 42

Religion is supposed to give one solace and joy!



What happened in your religion?

You're a nervous wreck!

Answer 43

"He ( universal for all ) that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". You only need the faith of a child and the action of a follower of the Christ to enter the kingdom, do not worry so much.

Answer 44

Kneel by your bedside and commit yourself to prayer !!!Commune with Godwith your heart and mouth. Tell Him the sins you've done and He will forgive as He promised.

Answer 45

Many churches teach false doctrine--because they do not know any better--here is the truth from the Bible (I will give the scriptures so you can look them up) about death and hellfire:



Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they no longer have any share in what is done under the sun. Psalm 146:4 “when a man dies, “his thoughts do perish.” 



Nominal “Christian” pastors use this to scare people into going to church and donating money to keep out of hellfire.” God would never roast and toast anyone!!!!



Hellfire? The word for that came from the word Gehenna, the common word for the Valley of Hinnom. That place east of Jerusalem was the city garbage dump. The city used burning sulfur to keep down disease. When Jesus used the word as the place of no return everyone understood what he meant, when he spoke of it.



Webster's Dictionary says that the English word "hell" is equal to the Hebrew word Sheol and Hell: SHEOL AND HADES --What do they really mean? Let’s ask an authority--d the Greek word Hades. Hell is the common grave of mankind--according to Jesus Christ. John 11:11 Jesus said Lazarus was “sleeping” and he was going there to awaken him--and upwards of 500 people saw him.



The Hebrew word Sheol, which referred to the “abode of the dead,” is translated “hell” in some versions of the Bible. What does this passage reveal about the condition of the dead? Do they suffer in Sheol in order to atone for their errors? No, for they “know nothing.” That is why the patriarch Job, when suffering terribly because of a severe illness, begged God: “Protect me in hell [Hebrew, Sheol].” (Job 14:13; Douay-Rheims Version) What meaning would his request have had if Sheol was a place of eternal torment? 



Sheol (pronounced "Sheh-ole") , in Hebrew the "underworld", or "pit". ..

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheol  , the realm of dead, the common grave of mankind, Hell. In older English translations of the Bible, notably the Authorized or King James Bible ... 

en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sheol 



Jesus was perfect. Let me ask you, was Jesus deserving of eternal burning in “The teaching of the most churches affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. hades/sheol/hell since they are all one in the same...one is greek/hebrew/english?



Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire.’ The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God.”—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994 edition, page 270.



What does the Bible say? “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, Revised Standard Version. 





This is what is in store for those of mankind who obey Jehovah God--a restored paradise as it was in the beginning:





"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth..."



He created a perfect human couple, and Satan deceived them into believing they could be "like" Jehovah God. They sinned and God had warned them that if they did, "...they would surely die..." So all mankind had sin and death passed on to them.



But Jehovah's purpose could not be thwarted--and He purposed " a new heaven and a NEW EARTH in which righteousness is to dwell."



"David [whom the Bible refers to as being `a man agreeable to Jehovah's heart'] did not ascend to the heavens." No, but will be resurrected back to a paradise earth.



Scriptures that state a new earth will be created and all God’s followers will live there



Psalm 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.



Isaiah 65:17

for, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.



Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.





To learn more about the Bible go to :



http://www.jw.org

Answer 46

The bible calls what you are referring to as "fellowship" with God. It is being placed into the spiritual sphere of Christ, where His Spirit shapes the affections and desires of your heart. Don't be looking for the "He walks with me and He talks with me" kind of relationship. That is not what a spiritual relationship is about.



We begin this spiritual fellowship with God by believing that Jesus died and rose again for our sins, and by making a public commitment to becoming His disciple and follower. A disciple means "learner". Here's what this commitment looks like. You will seek to be baptized ASAP. And then, you will regularly be under the clear teaching of God's word in your church in order to learn from Jesus. We approach the word of God as the means to renew our thinking and get our mind on the same page as Jesus. God does not lead us by personal messages to us. He leads us by shaping our mind so that our thoughts are on the same page as His. When we think like Christ, then we will be following Him as a natural outgrowth of that. God certainly leads us by opening doors and closing others, but there is almost never anything mystical about that. It is simply the wise discernment of life situations and applying God's word and our renewed sense of thinking to those situations under the umbrella of prayer. We ask God to shape our thinking in order that we might want to do what He wants us to do. God wants to lead us by our renewed desires which He places into our hearts. And the more we are understanding the teaching of His word and are yielded to His Spirit, the more clearly His leading will be.



But do not be waiting for mystical experiences which you may think of as being the essence of a personal relationship with God. A personal relationship with God is being in fellowship with His Spirit so that it becomes that which shapes our mind and heart.

Answer 47

Hebrews 5 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.



13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.



14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.



Hebrews 6

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,



2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.



3 And this will we do, if God permit.





You are a babe in Christ you have faith in Jesus Christ but you are still in the world and your life is not focus of Jesus Christ. Mature Christians pray to God for guidance Trust him is good and bad times, Repent of sins and try to avoid it. As a Christian if you want God to draw near to you draw near to him

Jesus Christ loves you

Answer 48

study up on God's grace in the epistles

Answer 49

According to the scriptures, you'll want to approach Jehovah with heartfelt prayer.(Philippians 4:6 & 7) By drawing close to God, he will in turn draw close to you.(James 4:8) He can also give you knowledge if you ask it of him. (James 1:5) And yes, you're right that your life depends on it. (John 17:3) Fortunately, the Bible has provided the information necessary for you to do what you need to do.

Answer 50

You have really been given a lot of bad advice in a short time and not much advice of value. Those telling you G-d doesn't exist or you are believing in magic: you are far beyond believing that. Then there are those who told you no one has a personal relationship with G-d. Remember the bible stories? Abraham had a person relationship with God. he is considered the first Jew by those of the jewish faith. There were no synagogues or churches then. Abe was considered a friend of G-d. Then look at Moses' life. He spend days and days in G-d's presence and came down from the mountain glowing. No personal felationship with G-d? That is just nonsense. Then look at david. Considered by many to be a "man after God's own heart" he certainly had a personal relationship with God. God helped him write many songs and these are the psalms, today. If you read the psalms you can see how personal his relationship with God was. Then there is Daniel who prayed a few times each day to God.

You don't need a religion to have a personal relationship with God. Your religion can teach you how you might go about having such a relationship. But just like our earthly relationships, your relationship with God depends on trust, and time. A friendship can't exist without trust. A relationship can't survive with out spending time together. You can set aside a special time for prayer( conversation) with God or you can learn how to pray all the time. The more you trust in his word to be correct, his promises to you to be real, the easier it is to talk wit him almost all the time. Whenever you have a concern, have something to thank him for, have a need or have an answer to prayer talk to him about it. These I have mentioned from the bible: THEY had a personal relationship with God. read about their lives. Learn from what you find there. They were ordinary men, some of them flawed, like Moses, who fled Egypt because he had killed another man. David asked forgiveness for his sins as soon as he realized he had done wrong. God had chosen him as Israel's second king, but he did wrong many times during his kingship. Yet he was a man after G-d's own heart. God listens. God forgives. God keeps his promises ( and there are many to those who believe he is God). You may not FEEL his presence often, because he wants us to believe in him, not just go to him to feel good or to feel some sort of special thing. But you will hear more from him as you draw close. You will KNOW in a part of you that is different from your mind that you are saved, that you are his child. Ignore the faithless people who responded to your question and glean from the others. You can tell who they are. YOU ALSO can have a personal relationship with God is you trust and take the time.

Answer 51

to have a relationship with some one you have to spend time with them talking to them getting to know them. you do the same thing with god. you pray to god read the bible and get to know god.

Answer 52

Being a friend of God is better than being a friend of any human. God never disappoints his loyal friends. (Psalm 18:25) Being a friend of God is better than having riches. When a rich person dies, his money goes to others. However, those who enjoy friendship with God have a treasure that no one can take away.—Matthew 6:19.

Some people may try to stop you from learning about God. Even some of your friends and family may do this. (Matthew 10:36, 37) If others laugh at you or threaten you, ask yourself, ‘Whom do I want to please—humans or God?’ Think about this: If someone told you to stop eating, would you obey him? Of course not! You need food to live. But God can make you live forever! So never let anyone stop you from learning how you can be a friend of God.—John 17:3.

To be God’s friend, you need to learn about him. Do your friends know your name and use it? They do. God wants you to know and use his name too. God’s name is Jehovah. (Psalm 83:18; Matthew 6:9) You must also learn what he likes and dislikes. You need to know who his friends are and who his enemies are. It takes time to get to know someone. The Bible says that it is wise to set aside time to learn about Jehovah.—Ephesians 5:15, 16.

God’s friends do what is pleasing to him. Think about your friends. If you treat them badly and do the things that they hate, will they continue to be your friends? Of course not! In the same way, if you want to be God’s friend, you need to do what is pleasing to him.—John 4:24.

Not all religions lead to friendship with God. Jesus, who is God’s closest friend, spoke of two roads. One road is wide and is filled with people. That road leads to destruction. The other road is narrow and has few people traveling on it. That road leads to everlasting life. This means that if you want to have God’s friendship, you must learn the correct way to worship him.—Matthew 7:13, 14.



It takes effort to make a friend; it takes effort to keep a friend. Your efforts to become and remain a friend of God will be richly blessed. Jesus said to those who believed in him: “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) What does that mean?

You can enjoy freedom now. You can be free from the false teachings and lies that have been spread by Satan. You can be free from the hopelessness that fills the lives of millions of people who do not know Jehovah. (Romans 8:22) God’s friends are even free from the “fear of death.”—Hebrews 2:14, 15.

You can enjoy freedom in God’s new world. What marvelous freedom you can enjoy in the future! In the Paradise earth, there will be freedom from war, sickness, and crime. Freedom from poverty and hunger. Freedom from old age and death. Freedom from fear, oppression, and injustice. The Bible says of God: “You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.”—Psalm 145:16.

God’s friends will live forever. Everlasting life is a precious gift that God will give to all who seek his friendship. (Romans 6:23) Just think of what endless life would mean for you!

to learn more please visit www.jw.org

Answer 53

the key is putting jesus first in our life which starts with your day. when you awake, go straight to the word and prayer. you will find that as you do, your life will never be the same. oneplace.com, lightsource.com, crosswalk.com

Answer 54

Ask him out.



Exchange numbers.



Sort out your hair for the big judgement day.

Answer 55

Most people fake it.

But the question is "do you really want to lie to yourself the whole life?"



Heaven and hell and god do not exist.

Answer 56

All you need to do is pray for the Holy Spirit, and He will dwell within you and make you known to al things.



:)



The LORD Bless.

Answer 57

Start with small prayers. Father please help me. I want to serve you forever, so please guide me this day to know your will. In Jesus name amen.



Try to read a chapter each day. Start with the gospels and get to know Jesus.



Also read the Book of Mormon which is the history of ancient people in the Americas and also Jesus many words.



https://www.lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng&cid=rdscriptures

Answer 58

Ask your parents, your pastor, God is there to hear from you anytime anywhere, He should be your best friend. Treat him as one

Answer 59

believe in love to find god-love is the right hand of god.. try this..see faith[believe] in god as linked.. then try to place love above god or below faith and see it fits between only [jesus-- christ[faith]-lord[love]

Answer 60

Hell does not exist, it was "made up" as a tool to scare people into behaving themselves....



Religion is ALL a scam....even your religion;



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUj8hg5CoSw&list=PLA54FEE9FD45EAE7C

Answer 61

The only thing that works is to make the required sincere covenant with the Father that you will always obey all of Jesus' sayings .

Answer 62

Just follow the light of Jesus.

Answer 63

Nowadays, girls can ask guys out on a date. So go ahead and ask Him.

Answer 64

Have fun talking to your imaginary friend.

Answer 65

I recommend this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5FlSTVqoo4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDqv0t4GSz0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GACSs6t2Bk8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gfkaRzs9ZA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH5DDXlygs8