Experiencing the reality of God?, August 5

Experiencing the reality of God?

If God is there, why do not most people experience the reality of his presence? No wonder many people say: ‘Why should we believe in a God, Creator and Redeemer, as there is no evidence of his existence at all?’ (nor for his non-existence by the way…).

What then do Christians mean, when they say that they have a relationship with God? If you ask them, they honestly admit that they often struggle with the question of experiencing God as well.

The struggles and the questions about God’s presence are frequent in the Psalms. If we have questions about God’s appearing absence and long for the experience of the reality of his presence, we must read (and sing!) the psalms. This Sunday (5 August) we focus on Psalm 4. This psalm moves from ‘religion’ to ‘relation’, and shows that the joy of God’s presence isn’t a cheap experience. It is a real one, but it is prepared in the deep of sorrow and distress.

Hear, see more on Sunday 5th of August, Génestetchurch, Oude Delft 102, 12 hrs 15.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Pastor Niek Tramper

Religion and Faith

After the service of last Sunday (10.12.17) some people asked for the Power Point slides about the sermon, especially about ‘religion and faith’.
So here is it: The sermon theme was ‘Preparing for the return of the king’ and one of the important points: ‘Discerning religion and faith in our life.’

Religion and Faith

‘I obey, therefore I am accepted.’
‘I am accepted, therefore I obey.’
Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.
Motivation is based on grateful joy.
‘I obey God in order to get things from God.’
‘I obey God – to delight and to resemble Him.’

When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or myself.
When circumstances go wrong, I struggle, but I know that God may allow this for my training.

When I am criticized I am furious or devastated because it is essential for me to think of myself as a ‘good person’.
When I am criticized, I struggle, but it is not essential for me to think of myself as a ‘good person’.

My prayer life consists largely of petition and only heats up when I am in need.
My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with God.

More to find in: T. Keller ‘Center Church’, p. 65

Pastor Niek Tramper