There
are four stages of Christian growth
(I got this from St. Augustine who got it from the Apostle Paul).
I’ll explain them by way of an analogy with how most of us grow up.
1. Without
the Law: somewhere
around two years old (terrible twos) I get the idea
that I can do anything I want and in fact I do exactly that!
that I can do anything I want and in fact I do exactly that!
2. Under the Law:
But then comes the horrible realization that there are rules.
As I
grow into the teen years it’s clear to me that my parents’ rules are bad for my HQ
(happiness quotient).
grow into the teen years it’s clear to me that my parents’ rules are bad for my HQ
(happiness quotient).
3.
Under Grace (sort of):
the day
then comes that I see that the rules are good, but I
still battle with them. It’s a back and forth struggle between obedience and
disobedience, guilt and peace, effort and giving up and getting back up again.
Although it seems like the lot of the Christian, it’s not the greatest way to live.
still battle with them. It’s a back and forth struggle between obedience and
disobedience, guilt and peace, effort and giving up and getting back up again.
Although it seems like the lot of the Christian, it’s not the greatest way to live.
4.
Under Peace of Grace:
The day comes when my soul rests in the knowledge that
God is all in all and Grace trumps all. The lion and the lamb lie down together. I get I it that I’m a sinner, but I get it all the more that God’s Grace trumps my mess. I find a
peace that trumps my fitful striving.
God is all in all and Grace trumps all. The lion and the lamb lie down together. I get I it that I’m a sinner, but I get it all the more that God’s Grace trumps my mess. I find a
peace that trumps my fitful striving.
Deeper,
this Fall’s series of messages from Galatians beginning September 7, is
about helping each of us to get to stage four in our spiritual growth.
But it is important to “ingest” what you will be
learning! Below
are three group studies you can begin with a few friends.
One
Way Love
Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World.
Check out this video
study here
Galatians: Living
in line with the Gospel of Grace by Tim Keller who might right now be the
most profound and practical teacher of God’s Grace in America.
Check out this great bible
study here
**Just
email Mark at mark@clcfamily.net
or me at pastorjeff@clcfamily.net
and we’ll help
you get started!
you get started!
Or
simply attend
Paul’s Letter to the Romans, a class taught by Pastor Jeff.
7:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesdays beginning September 17 (t’s the Apostle
Paul’s “Deeper” teaching of what he taught in Galatians.
Galatians, Grace, Law and Les Miserables in a Café style setting hosted
by the “D & D” home group and Pastor Jeff.
It will be held at the church in the 2nd Floor aud.
We’ll have a brief teaching from Galatians, a video clip of the movie
and table discussions.
All
of the above is available to anyone, no need to be a church member!!!!
For
more:
follow on Twitter @jefflampl
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