HOW IMPORTANT ARE THESE KEYS TO YOU?
I am sure we realise we are all the product of our local church/denomination’s teachings and practices, and automatically over the years these just become part and parcel of our lives. We just assume that our church is Fundamental and balanced, but the reality is it seems that really no local church or denomination is truly balanced in doctrine and practice.
The glorious thing is despite the lack of true Biblical balance, the Lord still moves amongst His people and blesses them, as He sees our heart is reaching out to Him.
My readers know that my church back ground is Evangelical/Pentecostal, and I thank God for this, as it has been such a blessing to have this foundation in my life for so many years.
I have also come to realise that this background has so encouraged me to be busy and working hard in the Kingdom of God, and that sure has some positive aspects, but I am now coming to see sadly that this “strength” also has its weaknesses, and we must seek to have balance between DOING & BEING.
After almost 70 years as a born again Believer, there are some significant principles and truths, that I am only just coming to realise is just as important as all the doing and serving.
I wrote a series of blogs this year on “Taking a Lenten Journey” I sure knew about the word Lent, but sadly as in many Evangelical’s minds it is simply giving up something like chocolate for the period, I have at last seen it means so much more.
These periods in the church calendar are all about encouraging REFLECTION something that many Evangelicals and Pentecostals have no time to do as they are so “busy” working in the Kingdom. This has been such a blessing to me as I have started to move down this path.
I guess related to reflection in many ways is MEDITATION something that I have come to see over a number of years in also so important. I like so many “threw the baby out with the dirty bathwater” because of some extreme teachings on the subject. I have come to see, that if we will daily meditate (chew over) the Word of God, then EVERY DAY GOD WANTS TO SPEAK TO ME AND GIVE ME A WORD THAT WILL INCREASE MY FAITH. Rom. 10:17 NKJV faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I have also come to see that REPENTANCE is not just a word to sinners, but must be a word and constant practice to Believers. Just recently I read this statement by John Calvin:
REPENTANCE IS NOT MERELY THE START OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
Hand in hand with repentance goes THE SURRENDERED LIFE, (Rom.12:1)and with surrender there comes THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE (Eph.5:18-21).
Again, there is not one new thought in this blog today, but can I ask you how much has your local church/denomination influenced your life and practice and walk with God?
How important and significant are these truths and principles to you?
Would you give some prayer thought to these important and essential keys especially as we are in this week leading up to Pentecost Sunday,
REFLECTION
MEDITATION
REPENTANCE
THE SURRENDERED LIFE
THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE