I’ve been thinking about this. We Christians talk a lot about “relationship” for a word which does not appear anywhere in the King James Bible. It may appear in the new critical/corrupt text of the modern versions. I have not checked.
Although the word “relationship” does not appear in the Bible, its concept is clearly shown through examples in the Bible. The primary verse depicting relationship is John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Another verse to consider is Ephesians 5:23-25; For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
A marriage is probably the best example. It is a human realtionship with both an emotional and physical side. Lets see if Webster’s Dictionary is any help.
RELA’TIONSHIP, noun The state of being related by kindred, affinity or other alliance.
RELA’TION, noun [French from Latin relatio, refero.]
1. The act of telling; recital; account; narration; narrative of facts; as a historical relation. We listened to the relation of his adventures.
2. Respect; reference; regard.
I have been importuned to make some observations on this art, in relation to its agreement with poetry.
3. Connection between things; mutual respect, or what one thing is with regard to another; as the relation of a citizen to the state; the relation of a subject to the supreme authority; the relation of husband and wife, or of master and servant; the relation of a state of probation to a state of retribution.
4. Kindred; alliance; as the relation of parents and children.
5. A person connected by consanguinity or affinity; a kinsman or kinswoman. He passed a month with his relations in the country.
It would appear for our purposes the example of a marriage is strongest. We have a special relation with Jesus due to His work accomplished at the cross, His death, and His resurrection. This relationship results in both a physical and emotional connection with God through His Christ. God wants this relationship…I would not have it any other way. Thank you Lord Jesus for creating the bridge between a sinner like me and God to have a relation through You Lord Jesus for all eternity. I praise Your Name.
Author: hisword295
Testimony of Theodore (Ted) Matteson
My story is simple. I’m a sinner in love with Jesus, the Christ. I stand here today through a series of God instances and by God’s grace. I truly live in this grace for He has said in Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I can look back on my life and see all the forks in the road of grace that God was protecting and guiding my walk. I was born and grew up in the Methodist Church. I have always known who God is; however, I did not ask for His gift of eternal life or submit to His lordship in my life. I was a “paid-in-full” member of the Lord’s “frozen chosen.” In my life, I did not do things worthy of God’s notice. I never smoked, drank, or whored around. I made good grades in school, wrestled for sports, did my best to be a good child for my mom and dad. When I graduated from high school, I joined the Air Force which resulted in 26 years 28 days of honorable service. In 1973 I married the love of my life Sherry Dufford, and we were given two daughters and seven grand children before my Lord took her home in 2015. So you can clearly see an unremarkable life from a world perspective.
I can identify with Peter. What a blessing it must have been to personally be in the very presence of the Lord. Peter knew the Lord’s love enough so that when he was fixing to drown in the sea during the storm, he called for Jesus. Matthew 14:28-31 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter came down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the boisterous wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Regardless of Peter’s “little faith,” he knew enough to call on the Lord.
On 7 September1987, I could not walk, button my shirt, stand unassisted or even write my name on a paper. I was told I had Multiple Sclerosis for which there is no cure. At that point in time, the doctors could not guarantee I would ever regain my faculties. I felt like my world had come to an end. All my years in the Air Force; what was going to happen to me? What was happening to my family? How would I support them?
That night, everything I had thought important in my life changed. Isn’t it funny in the truth of His Word when He says Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. But at that time I was scared. My wife and I prayed together for the first time. God’s justifying grace was extended to me. Through God’s sanctification which included Bible study, Christian fellowship and service, and a very special weekend in the Emmaus program, I submitted to Jesus’ Lordship in my life on 1 April 1995. It was then I received assurance of my salvation. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I still do not know what God intends in my life but I know I walk in His grace. In grace I seek is righteousness. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. It is in His grace that I walk knowing Hebrews 13:5 ….; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. It is in His grace that I walk knowing Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. It is in His grace I have a place to live with my daughters and be a part of my grand childrens’ life. It is in His grace having good health. It is in His grace my Lord has given me a saint called Alison Harris and allowed my heart to care much for her. It is His grace he allowed me the mind to study His pure Word and obtain Pastor Credentials to minister and pray where He needs me. It is His grace He has set before me a house of worship called the Community EFC Monroe and serve there as an Elder praying for my pastor and congregation. It is His grace…It is His Grace…It is His grace.
In closing of the testimony I celebrate this truth 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
Humbly Submitted.
Ted Matteson
Theodore (Ted) Matteson
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Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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