Return to God

H.H Pope Shenouda III

+Returning to God means returning to how God intended us to be.

“Your separation from me is not your true and original state. Your true position is to be rooted in me, to abide in me, because I am the vine and you are the branches” John 15:5

+ What does it mean when we need to return to God?

Define SIN- the state of being separated from God’s love &

Commandments; Separated from righteousness, the Cross…

If we are sinful, we live in darkness, because we do not have or accept our Lord, therefore we resist His Spirit… (i.e Prodigal son…denounced his father, his home (church), family (congregation) followed his own ideas, thoughts independence, will…Not God’s)…We become no longer one with God.

+Returning to God means to re-build your relationship with God. There are many means by which this relationship is fortified, but the one thing that will make it happen is there desire and love for God in our hearts to be in our lives. Without this love for God, our efforts are vain.

+How does one reconcile with God?

+ First, the desire to be reconciled must exist. God does not force us to reconcile with Him, he gives us the freedom to decide for ourselves.

+ Strive to carry out the desire. Pray fervently, deeply from your heart. Keep your goal clear in front of you.

+Practice self control and resistance of sinning ways. Put God before yourself. Also, remember that as children of God you possess the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galations 5: 22-23)

Also, the sacraments are a means which we vow ourselves to the Lord.

+ Through BAPTISM, we are given the gift of the new birth. “Unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” John 3:5

+Through Chrismation, our renewed body is consecrated and receives the Holy Spirit; we become figures of Christ.

+Through the Eucharist, we are nourished and united with Christ by sharing in His holy and Honored Body and Blood.

+Confession and Repentence are how we reconcile with God.