Most of the Christ followers and seekers at Origins have just stepped out of the boat. The boat, for the purposes of this series, is the idea of going to a church building at set intervals in a week's time, to do certain things with certain people; a routine that isn't bad, its the boat. However, going "to church" has become a religious checklist for far too many people. So, we stepped out. Origins is a simple church, we meet in a member's home, and share each others journey into this fresh revelation of life with Jesus Christ.
That said, we are learning from Peter about how to step out of the boat. You are welcome to engage in the journey with us. (online Bible)
- Read Matthew 14:22-33 and John 6:15-24 and post your comments about this question: To grow spiritually, free from the boat, what are the essentials?
- Read 1 Peter 1:1-25 and post your comments about these questions: How did God cause you personally to be born again? (please avoid theological principle and comment on your personal experience) How do you set your hope fully on grace?
This is TOO COOL! Greg Finch, you totally rock.
ReplyDeleteNow to business.
One of the necessities I have found to grow free from the boat would be honesty. A willingess to be honest with myself and with God about how I feel. Sometimes I find that my "churchy" upbringing makes it difficult to be straight up about how I'm feeling or what I'm questioning. I tend to try to "filter" even my statements to God, as if He doesn't already know my doubts, fears, or hopes as well or better than I do.
Personally, my experience of being born again happened at a young age. God used my parents, mainly, to influence and teach me about His plan for redemption. Of course, I have to say that the journey has been WAY more than I imagined it would be when I was twelve years old just starting out!! I had NO CLUE WHAT I WAS GETTING INTO!!! :)
Hey Greg. Glad I finally found the site. Very nice!
ReplyDelete***To grow spiritually, free from the boat, what are the essentials?***
I think the first principle is to recognize that Jesus is separate from the boat. Too many think that the only way to encounter Jesus is in the boat. He transcends the boat and its function. Jesus is all that's truly needed.
Next, we need to recognize His call. Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” I believe Jesus desires we follow Him and Him alone ... but we need to make sure it's Him, and not something else calling us out.
Thirdly, we need to overcome our fear. It wasn't Peter's faith that allowed him to walk on water; Jesus' power did that. Peter's faith allowed him to get out of the boat. We need a faith that overcomes fear.
***How did God cause you personally to be born again?***
That's a long story from long ago. Sufficient to say that His Spirit was working in me while several of His servants were working on me. After hearing the Gospel & rejecting it several times, I surrendered in August of '78. (I know I don't look or act that old.)
***How do you set your hope fully on grace?***
By failing at my own works & generally realizing what a mess I am on my own.
That's it.
Peace,
Bob
Sorry about the delay in my comment, I'll get a rhythm going with this whole thing soon.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Becky and Bob. With the more intimate environment comes more transparency, more dependency, and ultimately more relevancy.
One the essentials for me is a much deeper dive into Scripture than the boat typically allows. That depth is achieved through interaction in the text among the followers. I had a great chat this week with Dr. Jack Allen from Austin Hope Church, a simple church network in Texas. He made a great point; the traditional church setting annoys strong characters with strong opinions because they can't talk. I think that's why we struggle to evangelize intellectuals because it appears we don't value their contribution to the learning and growing experience. The most common teaching model in the boat is one of being taught what to think, rather than being taught how to think. It is one of the cultural barricades that hinders seekers from Jesus. Simple church provides an environment in which followers are encouraged to contribute to the depth of the expedition into God's Word. It can and will be a revolution amongst intellectuals, and anyone else who is tired of being "talked at."
My testimony regarding God's radical restart on my life is available at www.innovationministries.com/about.
I believe setting your hope fully on grace is achieved by accepting the Lord's challenge to engage in what He has planned for you. It will be an adventure where you are in WAY over your head; attempting things that will crash and burn if God doesn't show up to carry you through it, and living your life with the absolute certainty that He will.
Geaux Get 'Em! - Greg