How to Connect with God - A Quick Fix Will Not Work!

[@claudiaa.3268]

In the physical realm children are very emotional, having highs and lows, meltdowns and bursts of laughter. Parents try to teach them how to live not controlled by their emotions but by principles, etc. Children might think parents don’t have as much joy as they do because they don’t show their emotions in the same way. We all know the joy of a mature adult is way better than that of a child. One can draw parallels with the Christian realm and point out that young immature in the Lord Christians can’t understand the joy of mature Christians.

[@claudiaa.3268]

Agree! Deeper maturity doesn’t bring more emotional experiences yet my constant inner joy in the Lord amazes me.

[@ScalpNinjaTrader]

The Holy spirit "whispered" to Apostles all through Acts. ‭II Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV‬ [8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[@STRvideos]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We invite you to call in to our weekly broadcast any Tuesday, 4-6pm PST to discuss your comments with Greg. He'd love to hear from you! Or you can submit an #STRask or Open Mic question. Visit www.str.org/broadcast for details. Also, see the below for more on this topic: www.str.org/w/does-god-whisper-part-1 www.str.org/w/does-god-whisper-part-2

[@ricksonora6656]

I’m reminded of a Charismatic Methodist coworker who said, “If tongues and miracles aren’t for today, then what is there to live for?” I understand the desire for experiencing God. But I also have to remind myself: A father trains up his child to stand on his or her own. Mom and dad won’t always be there with hugs and kisses and pats on the back. The need for constant supernatural, experiential proof of God’s presence is neglectful of His promises. When a son or daughter matures and stands in the right path because it’s right, that’s when the father truly takes pride. To myself: Do you want to please yourself, or your Father? Acquit yourself as a man, with maturity.

[@ronochow]

Soli Deo Gloria

[@inTruthbyGrace]

stand on your own? Not the God of the Bible... The God of the Bible he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you (Deut31:6, Heb 13:5)... and He literally dwells in the believer (John 15, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1Cor 6:19).... might want to learn about *_HIM_*

[@ricksonora6656]

@@inTruthbyGrace He also says there’s a time to put away the things of childhood and to walk by faith, seeing that which is far off, rather than by sight, demanding constant reassurance. There’s no glory in faithfulness fueled by constant experiences, especially when the experiences are rooted in worked-up emotions. Do you know who really glorifies God? Not the Thomas. The mature believer who walks in faith, even when the world abuses and the jollies fade. There’s a point where Charismatism becomes a spiritual Peter Pan syndrome.

[@ricksonora6656]

@@truthseeker5698 Do you have anything significant to say or are you just going to make personal attacks?

[@ScalpNinjaTrader]

@@ricksonora6656 How does seeking a deeper relationship with Him and His presence, neglect His promises? Doesn't sound based at all.

[@foundsheep]

This was fantastic! Thank you very much. Greetings from Australia. 🙋🏼‍♀️🇦🇺

[@madjackie523]

These are VERY comforting words!! Thank You, Lord!! 🙏

[@julesonthebeach777]

I read the Psalms at night too. I’ve been reading them daily and, yes, praying portions of them too when they reflect my heart. I’ve been going through one of the hardest trials of my life and the Psalms have been a lifeline. I ordered the book on Newton and look forward to reading it. C.S. Lewis and Spurgeon have become my favourite authors in recent years. Thank you for your podcast. It was truly a blessing.

[@paulc7190]

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice (whisper). That is it !

[@JadDragon]

Thank you for the thoughtful answers. Jesus lives! ♥️ and is God 🙏🏻 Christ ✝️ and King 👑

[@paulc7190]

the indwelling of the Holy Spirit helped me alot

[@philhanly1440]

I sure appreciate Mr. Koukl and the work of Stand To Reason staff. However, I disagree with him on this point. Are you a cessationist?

[@STRvideos]

From Greg (www.str.org/w/does-god-whisper-part-1): I am not a “cessationist,” that is, I do not think the so-called “sign” gifts (tongues, prophecy, etc.) ceased in the first century. There may be bona fide prophetic words for the church in the fashion of prophets of old.10 Alleged prophets, however, should be tested (1 Thess. 5:20-21), and the test is the same now as it’s always been (Deut. 18:22). I do not deny that the Spirit comes alongside us as a helper in powerful and palpable ways to teach, convict, comfort, or empower us to deal with sin, difficulties, trials, and discouragements. Finally, I do not deny that God is capable of giving special revelation to anyone or to any church at any time. God can do whatever He likes, and I am fully convinced there are unique situations where He does this today, just as in biblical times. None of these things is in question, as far as I’m concerned. What is at issue for me is whether the Bible teaches everyone can be a prophet of sorts, whether each Christian can expect to hear from God in the ways described above with private, personalized revelations, and whether this is a standard, ordinary part of the Christian life that can be taught and developed. This I do not think is taught in the Bible

[@philhanly1440]

Fascinating, well thank you so much for this reply. I'm starting to teach a class at our church using your tactics video series, so in light of that, I would ask the question... "What do you mean by that" when it comes to a prophet. For me, I think I would say, I mean I can't speak for everybody but I think I have had special revelation... And I hate to call it special, but I think revelation, I have received it's specifically for me and my life... And do I believe that everybody can hear from God like that ? I think I do. I'm also not so dogmatic in my understanding. I think I go along with Walter Martins book that he wrote years ago on "Essential christianity" If that makes sense. Anyway, thank you again. I sure appreciate Christ's Ministry (STR) and how he's using it in my life.

[@tanyatomasi587]

Thank you so much for this. You’ve no idea how much it helped me.

[@emilymorales5887]

The imperative by charismatic circles to always have that “high” is so draining. How many times have I been annoyed by the pretenders who assail me because I was not emoting as they thought I should. My wanting to remain biblical and sensible, got me thrown out of two charismatic churches (which then pushed me into two decades of Darwinism, because I wanted to hang out with THINKING people).

[@emilymorales5887]

Not a Darwinist anymore, however!!

[@michaelmagee4318]

Amen - charismatics scare me. The demon slayers and hands layers (liars) give Christians a bad name

[@paulc7190]

It's the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - HIs presence gives us that peace, joy that everyone wants.