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Alice is in Florida for Feb. vacation and I didn't get to talk to Blanche this morning, but some of the concerns around the table this morning were a man w/ pancreatic cancer and a 4 yr old girl with Rhett's Syndrome. As I mentioned in week 1, my own prayer requests are detailed on the Sermon Summary page each week. Please look for them there until further notice.
I mentioned last week about my disagreement with Consecration being only 2nd on the list. After reading further in the notes for the next session (technically today's, I think, but not what was done), I realized where it should really go. Consecration, in my view, only comes after we have spent sufficient time in Communion. It is only in spending time in prayer and worship that our hearts are softened to the point of Consecration in more areas of our lives. As with Salvation, Consecration is not a "one and done" decision. It requires that we make that decision over and over again, according to where we are at any given point in our lives. And not just in 1 or 2 areas, but any given areas we may be struggling with. So again, the author is wrong about this.
That being said, I've come to the conclusion that, while these points of Spiritual Growth are useful as a guideline, they cannot reasonably taken as a strict "measuring stick" of maturity because any of us may be strong in one area and weak in another. Paul speaks of the height of maturity as the ability to teach others; but that isn't entirely accurate either. I heard a man share this morning about having taught a Sunday School class of teens before he himself was actually converted. Paul's intention was that those who teach be Spiritually Mature ahead of the fact, but sometimes things can happen in a different order. For that matter, my own history reflects this as well. When I was 20 yrs old, I was teaching Sunday School to the 3-5 yr. olds at my Church while my personal life was "less than exemplary*".
So anyway, on to today's actual material --
No video today, because Bruce Wilkinson was leaving more time for group discussion. There was, however, some teaching by one of the Leaders. Dave has been part of CenterPoint for decades and is currently on the Elder Board. (or recently has been)
The subject of the day was on the Personalization of Spiritual Growth --
Looking at 2 Corinthians 3:18 we see Paul using the imagery of veils and mirrors in his encouragement to honest self-evaluation and transformation.
2 Corinthians 3:18
New International Version
18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
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The significant point here is that, as we take a hard look at ourselves with nothing hidden, we can see either our growth in being transformed into Christ's glory, or the need for it in one area or another. Maybe all... In any case, this is a critical step toward determining our own position or in helping someone determine theirs*. Transformation entails becoming more Christ-like in our attitudes and behaviors. It lies in the evolution of "Head Knowledge" to "Heart Knowledge". That 18" separation is an important gap to close. It's like when you first meet someone. You are presented with the knowledge that they exist and you know what they look like. You have "head knowledge" about them. Acquiring "heart knowledge" requires time spent talking with them and getting to know who they are on a deeper level. What they like/don't like for music, movies/tv, food, etc... what their hopes and dreams for the future are. You become closer to them and possibly even romantic, depending on the situation. The same process is necessary for growing in relationship with God.
As we keep our focus on Jesus, the Holy Spirit will guide us toward areas of growth. It's also good to remember that Jesus kept the Gospel very simple as well as The Great Commission. Believe. Share. That's literally all there is to it!!
The concept of transformation can also be presented as "progressive sanctification*". Transformation can be looked at as "Training Course" or "Map", providing instructions toward the Glory of God. The greater our knowledge of Christ, the more Christlike we are capable of becoming. The information is provided, it's up to us how/if we use it.
Looking back a few verses to 2 Cor. 3:13, Paul cites the veil Moses wore on coming down from Mt. Sinai after having seen the bit of Glory God showed him. Further study reveals that the reason for this did not lie in the idea of the Glory being too much for the people, but rather in the fact that it was fading from Moses' face. This helps us to understand that maintenance is needed in order that the Glory not fade from our own faces. Not that we won't make mistakes, but the Glory of the New Covenant won't fade. I didn't entirely understand the point here, but I'm guessing that it refers to the idea that, once we're Saved, God's glory doesn't fade from our faces to the degree it did for Moses.
Dave then shared an outline of John 3:16 that was truly remarkable --
For God -- greatest lover
so loved -- greatest degree
the World -- greatest number
He gave -- greatest act
His Son -- greatest gift
whosoever -- greatest invitation
believes -- greatest simplicity
in Him -- greatest person
shall not perish --greatest deliverance
but -- greatest difference
everlasting -- greatest certainty
life -- greatest possession
The strongest idea in John 3:16-18 is that of belief -- it is the literal "fork in the road" determining an Eternity of either Life or Death. Dave closed the general teaching with the short story of Peter at the Gate.
A man dies and goes to Heaven. Peter meets him at the Gates and tells him that entry requires 1,000 pts. The man cites a lifetime of Church attendance. Peter says, "Okay, that's 1 pt." The man then cites a lifetime of good deeds in helping his fellow man. Peter replies, "That's another point." The man is now concerned about never reaching the required amount; but then timidly says, "I believed". Peter smiles and says, "That's 1,000 pts. Welcome Home!!" -- Amen to that!! As others have said, "standing in your garage every day won't make you a car" or "showing up at McDonald's every day won't make you a Big Mac". There is work to be done, and the first step lies in belief*.
Our table discussions today focused on Conversion Experiences of those who wanted to share. I already mentioned above about the man who found himself teaching Sunday School before he ever got Saved. This happened through his wife who married him regardless of his position with Christ*. It was her quiet example over time that brought him in.
Another gentleman shared about seeking in books and praying in the woods for God to show Who He is. Eventually, he found a Bible in his door, read it, called a Church, and was prayed with.
My own story is a simple one. I was raised in Church basically from birth and was led to the Lord by my 1st Grade teacher's aide when I was 6. My ecumenical background has since informed and shaped my faith.
The next question on the list was about our journeys of Sanctification and any "roadblocks" or "detours", but we didn't have time to talk about it.
The 3rd one was touched on briefly before we closed for the day. It poses the question of factors that make the concept of belief hard to understand and how our culture either supports or opposes this. We answered with the whole idea of "Your truth" vs "My truth" thing, which is crap when discussing the things of God. After all, if we start labeling EVERYTHING as "truth", how can we recognize anything that ISN"T?? Right?? I also spoke up about how too many Churches are still Legalistic and complicate the Gospel with too many rules. Someone else tagged onto this with the point of hypocrisy in the Church, whether in Leadership or membership. Dave was sitting at the same table as I chose today and mentioned the closure of all Next Level Churches due to scandal. I hadn't heard about that until this morning; but I honestly can't say I'm surprised. Not that I've ever heard anything bad about them, just that they seemed "sketchy" to me from the time they arrived. If you're unfamiliar, they're one of these places that uses gimmicks to draw a crowd. For example, the first Easter they were open, they advertised an Easter Egg hunt by Helicopter drop... smh... To end on a positive note, I also mentioned the Revival in Kentucky.
-- God Bless!!
Footnotes --
1) My life at 20 yrs old consisted in sitting home, looking for work, and unwittingly spending time with a married man at the store he managed up the street. My father eventually clued me in, and I ended it. What brought me to tears spiritually was my last Sunday before leaving for Job Corps in Vergennes, VT June of 1990. One of my 5 yr old girls stayed behind to help me clean up the classroom. She stopped and looked at me at one point saying, "Miss Iris, when I grow up, I want to be just like you." (Ikr??) I told her that was very sweet, and it's good when we can take good examples from others; but no matter what else happens or who you marry someday, you'll still be yourself. (I used her name, but the idea is there)
2) Determining our positions or other's was in the study material I was reading earlier over lunch. I did what I could with it considering my disagreement with the progression.
3) "Progressive Sanctification" is technically a redundancy as sanctification is, by nature, an ongoing process.
4) The first step in the "work of Salvation" is not just belief in God, but acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice. James 2:19 tells us that even the demons believe and tremble. It's entirely possible to believe that God exists (or a Higher Power) without accepting Jesus' sacrifice. In order to accept the Gift of Salvation, you have to not only believe that God exists, but that Jesus is part of the Trinity, and as such, is Divine. Finally, you have to believe that He died and rose again. (See either the Apostle's Creed or Nicene Creed) Phil. 2:12 instructs us to "work out your salvation..."
Some people feel that a person cannot truly be Saved without immediately following the decision with Baptism or having the "evidence of the Holy Spirit" by speaking in tongues. Both of these are wrong, otherwise every. single. verse. that refers to the act of Salvation would include these elements. The fact that they don't proves them unnecessary. For one, I've come to recognize that Salvation doesn't always happen at a specific date and time. Some people may experience it over time and just kind of "arrive" without ceremony and continue on their way. Secondly, while it's true that Jesus was Baptized, He was doing it as an act people were already familiar with. Baptism was a common practice among many religions of the day as a way to signify membership in a particular group. There's also the fact that other places in the NT make it clear that Salvation is really a "baptism of the heart" or rather "circumcision of the heart". (Col. 2:11-12) In looking for this Scripture reference, I found this fairly brief article. I think the explanation here is excellent to cover both points -- https://faith.edu/faith-news/colossians-211-12-circumcision-infant-baptism-analogy/
That being said concerning Baptism, I also feel that the old saying, "actions speak louder than words" can apply here. What good is a dunk in some water in front of people one time compared to a life lived out in Christ-like behavior, or the pursuit of it?? Finally, concerning the Spiritual Gift of Tongues. That's exactly what it is. A Gift given separately to those whom He chooses for it after the fact of Salvation. (1 Cor. 12) It enables us to pray in the Spirit when words fail us (Rom. 8:26) It is important to understand the difference in these. The Gift mentioned in 1 Cor. is for the edification of the Church as God sees fit. This is the presence of the Holy Spirit ON a person in the moment of Godly inspiration. The verse in Romans simply refers to the automatic indwelling of the Holy Spirit IN all who are Saved.
5) The couple at our table today were "unequally yoked" according to some views. (many cite 2 Cor. 6:14-18) Paul speaks here about people who are Saved not being "recommended" to marry those who aren't for fear of backsliding. I will counter this with 1 Cor. 7:14 which says that the unsaved spouse can be sanctified by the one who is Saved. That was the case with one of my long-time school teachers as well as with this couple.
That being said, there are those who feel that being "unequally yoked" means that the spouses are a different levels of Spiritual Maturity. I call bs on that because that's pretty much an impossible standard. Each of us may be at a different point of Spiritual Maturity on any given day. It simply isn't reasonable to expect anyone to remain at the same level in every area or increase in every area consistently. The idea of applying this to a couple who wishes to marry is ludicrous in my book. As it says in Is. 55: 8-9, God's ways are not our ways. We need to stop thinking that we know better than God whether 2 people belong together or not. (or on any given subject, for that matter)
