It isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God, if… Sermon developed from notes published to Garyslist on July 18, 1995 by Warren Berkley Preached at West Side on August 9, 2009 AM Print Slides: 1, 15,18 Obstacles to fellowship with the Father

It Isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God If you don’t know about Him Acts 17:22-31; Hebrews 11:6

Acts 17:29-31 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” (Some mocked. Some refuse to consider and know God!)

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It Isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God If you don’t know about Him Acts 17:22-31; Hebrews 11:6 If you refuse to Repent John 16:8-11; Romans 2:5-8

John 16:8-11 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. The Helper, the Holy Spirit

Romans 2:5-8 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath.

It Isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God If you don’t know about Him Acts 17:22-31; Hebrews 11:6 If you refuse to Repent John 16:8-11; Romans 2:5-8 If you neglect Obedience Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 15:14

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

John 15:14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Friendship with Christ and God is conditioned upon obedience.

It Isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God If you don’t know about Him Acts 17:22-31; Hebrews 11:6 If you refuse to Repent John 16:8-11; Romans 2:5-8 If you neglect Obedience Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 15:14 If you reject Jesus Christ John 15:23; 3:36; 14:6

John 15:23 John 3:36 He who hates Me hates My Father also. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

It Isn’t Possible to Have a Relationship with God If you don’t know about Him Acts 17:22-31; Hebrews 11:6 If you refuse to Repent John 16:8-11; Romans 2:5-8 If you neglect Obedience Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 15:14 If you reject Jesus Christ John 15:23; 3:36; 14:6 If you don’t listen to, or talk to Him Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Conclusion Stated Positively: If you will seek to learn about God and know Him; if you will acknowledge your sin and repent; let faith and love produce obedience; trust in Christ, listen to God and pray to Him -- You can enjoy a relationship with your Creator, that begins here on earth and is consummated in eternity.