t{squared} How Can I Know God?

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If you are new to t{squared}, I am using Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine to guide this study! The numbers you see in parenthesis refer to page numbers in this text.

Last week, our studied focused on knowing God personally rather than simply knowing about God factually. A close friend commented and raised a very important question: HOW can we know God personally? The answer is two-fold:

First, we know God personally through a restored relationship with Him made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Because of sin, we are born into spiritual separation from God. In the Garden, Adam and Eve experienced communion with God. They walked with Him. However, when sin entered the picture, they were cast out of the Garden and out of fellowship with God. Through salvation in Jesus Christ, our relationship with God is restored–we are adopted into His family and call Him Abba-Father. The basic steps to salvation are simple:

ADMIT: Acknowledge your sinfulness before God. With confession comes
repentance–turning away from your sin.
Scripture: Romans 3:23
Prayer: Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I confess that I have failed to meet your
standard. I acknowledge that I am unable to do so.

BELIEVE: Acknowledge belief in Christ as God’s only son who died on the cross
to pay the penalty of your sin and rose on the third day conquering death.
Scripture: John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4
Prayer: Lord, I believe in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to cover my sin. I am
thankful that He paid my debt.

COMMIT: Commit to following Jesus as not only Savior but also Lord of your life.
Seeking to live your life as He leads you.
Scripture: Romans 10:9-10
Prayer: Lord, I commit my life to you now. I will study your Word in the Bible to
learn how you desire me to live. I know I will need your strength to do it. Please
help me.

Have you made this first step in knowing God personally? Do you have a personal relationship with God? If so, share when and where you first met the Lord in the comments! Let’s celebrate this gift together. If not, I pray that God opens your heart to hear His call. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this further. It would be my joy to share with you. newlifesteward {at} gmail {dot} com.

Second, we grow in our personal knowledge of God by cultivating our relationship with Him. Extending my example from last week, even though I “de-lurked” and began interacting with bloggers via Twitter and commenting, our relationship will not grow if I do not continue to cultivate it. For example, I have the opportunity to meet several wonderful bloggers at two upcoming conferences. However, if I don’t put forth the effort to introduce myself and talk with them, our relationship will not grow. Similarly, growing your relationship with God requires cultivation.

I hesitate to provide a “list” of habits that cultivate your relationship with the Lord. I do not want to imply in any way that you should create some sort of “check-list” for getting to know God. It’s a relationship that grows just like any other. Spend time in these habits because you want to–not to check them off a list. Admittedly, some days I have to make myself get out of bed and spend time with the Lord, but I do it because I know deep down that is my heart’s desire. But there are also days that I don’t do one single thing to grow my relationship with the Lord. The fantastic news is that neither action changes the way God feels about me. He loves me and you. Period.

The purpose of spiritual disciplines is to grow in our personal relationship with God–not increase His love for or favor upon us. <–Like it, Tweet it!

Nevertheless, here are habits I find beneficial in growing in the Lord (in no particular order):

Personal Bible study
Personal prayer
Memorizing Scripture
Accountability
Fellowship with other believers
Church membership/attendance/service
Group Bible study/Small group discussions
Listening to Christian/Biblically based music
Reading books by Christian leaders

This list is certainly not exhaustive but gives you some ideas. What do you do to grow in your personal relationship with the Lord? Share in the Comments.

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**No new study guide this week as we deviated a bit from the Grudem study today**

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This post is linked with thanks to:

Thought Provoking Thursday
Thoughtful Thursday
Thankful Thursday
Proverbs 31 Thursday
Life in Bloom
Thrive at Home Thursday

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Photo Credit: Juliana Coutinho

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http://aproverbs31wife.com/ A Proverbs 31 Wife

I think I must have followed you around linking up Yours was the post before mine in three different places.
Any way, I do enjoy reading your, blog even though I rarely comment. ~blessings!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  haha! I call that grace–not as many comments to leave! Glad to have you stopping by today!
http://www.simplyhelpinghim.com/ SimplyHelpingHim

What a great post girly Sometimes the “simple” things we don’t blog about though we should! Fyi your “tweet” is over the max characters it said, I had to tweak it a bit Love ya sis!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Thanks! I’ll try to adjust it. It didn’t tell me it was over when I tested it even though I thought it would be. Haha
  - http://www.simplyhelpinghim.com/ SimplyHelpingHim
    
    No problem Just wanted to letcha know
http://dogfuranddandelions.com/ Elizabeth @ DogFurandDandelion

Another well-said post on knowing God. I think accountability is a key thing that we too often overlook. But it is so tremendously helpful! It doesn’t even have to be anything “official” – it can be as simple as tweeting or blogging about your Bible time. It’s helped me!
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  I have definitely found this blog to be a huge accountability for me!
http://simplystriving.wordpress.com/ Nikki

Another great post, Mary Beth!

I’m so glad you added accountability to the list…so very true.
I struggled after becoming saved in knowing prayer was a two-way conversation. I thought it was me talking to Him alone. When I learned, in college, to stop my thoughts, open my heart and listen, my relationship exploded into this scandalous love affair I talk about today
(and I have that draft written about the day I discovered it. I should share that soon–thank you!)
- http://newlifesteward.com/ Mary Beth
  
  Oh I look forward to reading! HIT PUBLISH!
http://twitter.com/JenniMullinix Jenni Mullinix

Love your examples of relationship building. Thanks for linking up, Mary Beth!
StefanieYoungBrown

When I land here I know I’ll be fed!
Most of all, thank you for laying out the plan of salvation. Isn’t that why we do what we do? Awesome!!
Thank you, friend!
http://twitter.com/redmestic Audra Michelle

That is a fantastic list. I know that I need to MAKE the time to grow in my relationship with God – it isn’t something that just happens. Just like with friendships, we need to set aside that time to make it happen. To make it a priority. Make HIM our first priority. Thanks for linking up at Thrive @ Home!
Judith

Again you did such a good job with this post. Thank you for always giving us a challenge to grow closer to the Lord.
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