Christianity Is A Reciprocal Relationship Lesson 5 Series

A. INTRODUCTION: THE NECESSITY OF A RELATIONSHIP

1. Definition: “Relationship is a connection of two or more (parts) which belong together; connected because of affinity, or reciprocal interest.”

a. God and mankind belong together because He created us.

b. Because we are created in His image (incomplete without God).

c. Sin broke the relationship.

Christianity is not:

? Rules that we obey.

? Doctrine we believe.

? Meetings we attend.

? Service we do.

2. God re-established the relationship. “But when we were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world . . . God sent His Son . . . to buy freedom for us who were slaves . . . so He could adopt us as His very own children . . . now you can call God your Father. You are no longer a slave but God’s own child” (Gal. 4:3-7, NLB).

B. RELIGIOUS SEARCH FOR GOD

All religions attempt to find a relationship with God, but the Christian’s relationship with God covers every facet of human need, and every demand from God.

1. The primary relationship of Islam is unquestioned obedience to Allah. But Islam has gaps:

a. Not loving Allah and being loved by Him.

b. Not knowing God intimately. (They don’t even believe Allah has personality).

c. Not growing in every area of life.

2. The primary relationship of Buddhism is overcoming sorrow.

a. Sorrow is caused by ignorance, sorrow is eliminated by enlightenment.

b. Nirvana is the realization of liberation.

3. Buddhism teaches suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated by mental or moral self-purification (Webster).

a. Wrong understanding of man’s role in life. Wrong understanding of sin.

b. No relationship with a personal God.

4. The primary relationship of Hinduism is transmigration of the soul, i.e., rebirth or reincarnation, and Karma is release and happiness.

5. Problems.

a. Wrong view of world, morals, and prayers.

b. Wrong view of sin, i.e., unhappiness.

c. Wrong view of salvation, i.e., emptying.

C. A RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND US

1. We are like God. We were created in the image and likeness of God. “God created man in His own image (Gen. 1:27).

2. We were created to have fellowship with God. “The voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8).

3. We were alienated from God. (Eph. 2:12) Man lost his relationship to God because of sin, “As by one man sin entered into the world” (Rom. 5:12).

4. We can be seekers of God. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).

5. We were redeemed. The word redeemed means to “buy back.” We belong to God because He created us, and then Jesus had to pay the ransom to get us back. “Ye were not redeemed with (money) . . . but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19, KJV).

D. OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP TO GOD

1. Reconciled. This word means we are made savable. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself” (2 Cor. 5:14).

2. Forgiven. “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

3. New person. “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person” (1 Cor. 5:17, ELT). Called new creation in NKJV.

4. Sons. A technical word meaning adopted one. “You shall be My sons” (2 Cor. 6:18).

5. Children. “But as many as received Him . . . became the children of God” (John 1:12, NKJV).

6. Friends. “No longer do I call you servants . . . I have called you friends” (John 15:15, NKJV).

E. WHAT OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP MEANS

1. Dedicated Disciples. The world disciple means a “learner.” “You are My disciples” (John 13:35).

2. Obedient follower. “Follow Me” (Mark 2:14).

3. Minister. The word “to serve” is “to minister.” “You serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24).

4. Passionate witness. “Ye shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

5. Victorious overcomer. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).

6. Partaker. “Partakers of His promise in Christ” (Eph. 3:6).

7. Saint. “To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi” (Phil. 1:1).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.