1. God and You How’s your relationship with God? Do you have one?

2. 2 “Personal Relationship” with God We must be “with” Christ, Matt. 12:30; 11:28-30We must be “with” Christ, Matt. 12:30; 11:28-30 Often self-defined, not God-definedOften self-defined, not God-defined Concept usually accompanies emotion-based experiences, not Bible-based conversionsConcept usually accompanies emotion-based experiences, not Bible-based conversions

3. 3 Welcome to The Branch! Our mission is quite simple - to help people live in an intimate relationship with God. The Branch is made up of people from different religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, but all claim common ground in their conviction that life to its fullest is experienced through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Welcome to The Branch! Our mission is quite simple - to help people live in an intimate relationship with God. The Branch is made up of people from different religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, but all claim common ground in their conviction that life to its fullest is experienced through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. www.thebranch.org

4. 4 “…and yet you have not known me…” “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. John 14:7-11

5. 5 Relationship with God thru Christ Jno. 14:6; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:26-27 (4:8-9) It is personal, because it is your salvationIt is personal, because it is your salvation You know God when you believe and are saved by the gospel, 1 Cor. 1:21 (1 Jno. 1:1-4)You know God when you believe and are saved by the gospel, 1 Cor. 1:21 (1 Jno. 1:1-4) Christ died for you and saves you when you trust and obey, Matt. 11:28-29; 28:19; Mk. 16:16Christ died for you and saves you when you trust and obey, Matt. 11:28-29; 28:19; Mk. 16:16 CHRISTIAN

6. 6 You must have contact with God in your life, John 14:7-9 The Lord knows you, cf. John 1:47-48The Lord knows you, cf. John 1:47-48 –The question is, do you know God? –Initial contact at conversion; has it continued? David knew God was with him, Psalm 23:4David knew God was with him, Psalm 23:4 –Do you? Hebrews 13:5-6 CONTACT

7. 7 You must spend time with God In communication, Numbers 12:7In communication, Numbers 12:7 –From God: HIS WORD, John 14:10; Hebrews 1:1-2; Psalm 1:2; 119:14-16 –With God: PRAYER (1 Ths. 5:17); Mark 1:35; Phil. 4:6-7 TIME TOGETHER

8. 8 You must spend time with God Spend time worshiping God, Psalm 122:1 (Phil. 4:4; Heb. 13:15)Spend time worshiping God, Psalm 122:1 (Phil. 4:4; Heb. 13:15) –Will not know God if you do not truly worship Him Spend time serving others, Matthew 25:40Spend time serving others, Matthew 25:40 –Learning to be like Christ – to know Him in your life TIME TOGETHER

9. 9 You must trust God, Jno. 14:11 Have complete faith in Him, James 2:21-23Have complete faith in Him, James 2:21-23 –Abraham was the friend of God –Do you trust what God commands you? –Do you trust what God promises you? TRUST

10. 10 You must trust God Obey Him, 1 John 2:3-5; John 14:20-23Obey Him, 1 John 2:3-5; John 14:20-23 –Allow the Lord (His revealed will) to rule over every part of your life TRUST

11. 11 You must trust God Cast all your cares upon Him, 1 Peter 5:5-7Cast all your cares upon Him, 1 Peter 5:5-7 –Humility to trust God’s power (5:6) –Completely open your heart to God (5:7) TRUST

12. 12 You must take care of your relationship with God Is God “far” from you or “near” by? Rev. 3:20Is God “far” from you or “near” by? Rev. 3:20 –God is as close or as far as you decide to have Him! God is close to you when you choose to…God is close to you when you choose to… –Learn, trust & obey His word, John 14:23 –Live for His pleasure & blessings, Eph. 5:8-10 NURTURE

13. 13 You will become more and more like Jesus, Eph. 4:20-24; Phil. 3:7-11 In your love for God & others (Matt. 22:37-39)In your love for God & others (Matt. 22:37-39) In your trust and reliance upon God (Matt. 6:33)In your trust and reliance upon God (Matt. 6:33) In your obedience to God in all things (Heb. 5:8-9)In your obedience to God in all things (Heb. 5:8-9) THE RESULT

14. 14 Gospel call is to know God and to be known by God, Gal. 4:8-9, 7 Those who know Christ and are know by Him “do the will of the Father” (Matt. 7:21-23)Those who know Christ and are know by Him “do the will of the Father” (Matt. 7:21-23) Do not turn back to the bondage of sinful error and worldlinessDo not turn back to the bondage of sinful error and worldliness THE GOSPEL