THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION
January 7, 2010
THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Reggie McNeal contends that true spiritual formation is centered in “knowing Jesus” and not “knowing about Jesus” through the study of Scripture. Jesus spent three or so years with twelve selected followers (apostles) in an effort to train them to continue His work of reconciling the world back to the Father (they became his ambassadors just as we have, as followers of Jesus-2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In the process of this training, these men really got to “know” Jesus. If we are wanting to continue that reconciling work, then I believe we also have to know Jesus. And the great thing about knowing Jesus is that in knowing Him we get to experience “abundant life”–John 10:10. From the beginning of time (and even before) God’s plan was for believers to look like Jesus (be changed into His image–Romans 8:29). Paul labored to that end (Christ formed in you–Galatians 4:19). Discipleship, said Jesus, is all about becoming like your teacher (Matthew 10:25). So, how do we do this in 2010? We have numerous Bible study opportunities but these sessions are aimed at Bible knowledge and not transformation of behavior. They help us know “about” Jesus but not so much about knowing Him. Life doesn’t come from “diligently studying the scriptures” said Jesus (John 5:39) but from coming to Him. What have we missed in our efforts to bring people into a relationship with Jesus? What can we do to fix the problem?
Ministers’ Blog
THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION
THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Reggie McNeal contends that true spiritual formation is centered in “knowing Jesus” and not “knowing about Jesus” through the study of Scripture. Jesus spent three or so years with twelve selected followers (apostles) in an effort to train them to continue His work of reconciling the world back to the Father (they became his ambassadors just as we have, as followers of Jesus-2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In the process of this training, these men really got to “know” Jesus. If we are wanting to continue that reconciling work, then I believe we also have to know Jesus. And the great thing about knowing Jesus is that in knowing Him we get to experience “abundant life”–John 10:10. From the beginning of time (and even before) God’s plan was for believers to look like Jesus (be changed into His image–Romans 8:29). Paul labored to that end (Christ formed in you–Galatians 4:19). Discipleship, said Jesus, is all about becoming like your teacher (Matthew 10:25). So, how do we do this in 2010? We have numerous Bible study opportunities but these sessions are aimed at Bible knowledge and not transformation of behavior. They help us know “about” Jesus but not so much about knowing Him. Life doesn’t come from “diligently studying the scriptures” said Jesus (John 5:39) but from coming to Him. What have we missed in our efforts to bring people into a relationship with Jesus? What can we do to fix the problem?