One hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. [Tozer]
Last Sunday we talked about our daily lives, thoughts, emotions, responses, and actions being tuned to The Standard of Christ written in the Standard if the Holy Scriptures. And how if the entire Body tunes themselves to that Standard, then we all, by definition, are in unity. The unity of the Body is not driven by the horizontal relationships, but by the vertical relationship. The "tuning" of our entire being to the Standard represents the perfection of our private religion (Tozer). Paul admonishes us in Philippians to "press" toward the goal of the "high calling." Our responsibility as true follower of Christ is to not be satisfied with coasting in cruise control in my spiritual walk, but to press! And not press toward a mediocre, miniscule "low" goal, but to a high calling. The Scripture teaches that there should be a constant, continual pressing toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures. All done by/with the power of the fulness of the Godhead that currently lives with true followers of Christ.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not studying the Scriptures daily.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not engaging in purposeful prayer daily.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not living a life of daily worship.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not living a holy life.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not meeting together in worshipful fellowship on a constant basis.
- It is impossible to constantly, continually press toward Christlikeness and uninhibited, unconditional obedience to the Scriptures - while not sharing Christ with those we come in contact with.
Continuing with the message from last week, I was extremely convicted about my spiritual walk and growth. What am I doing for Christ based on how long I've been walking with the Lord. Am I a 36 year old stuck in the spiritual 4th grade? And I a 36 year old not only stuck in the spiritual 4th grade, but comfortable being in the spiritual 4th grade? Well, in an effort to not be comfortable anymore as well as being obedient to the very specific command from scripture, I kinda stepped outside myself and began my quest to step into Himself.
On the way to Arizona I sat beside this older white couple. Of course I had my "do not disturb" headphones on and was chill most of the flight. The wife kept leaning over to me asking questions violating Rule #806 (If-ith a passenger haseth on-eth headphone-eths thou shalt not talketh to himeth). The Holy Spirit then told me, "you've been praying for this, now get to work." Since they were from Dallas (found this out during one of her leaning info sessions) I decided to go with how I visit Tony Evans church whenever I come to Dallas, then ask what church they go to and look for an opportunity to share Christ.
It turned into about a 40 minute convo. They hadn't heard of Tony Evans and didn't go to church themselves, though being raised catholic (but not a devout catholic she told me). We talked about the struggles in her family, child abuse, alcoholics, drug addiction. I shared about how I was raising my family with the truths of the Word of God in this crazy world we live in. I was able to share Christ with them and planted a seed (or maybe watered it) for someone else to water and then hopefully harvest. You could tell she really didn't want to go down any specific paths, but I expressed Jesus, the Word, and how if they aren't the foundation then failure is the only outcome.
I thank God for the opportunity to share Him with others. I pray that I will be more willing and sensitive to the Spirit of God in obedience to Him.
Listen to the message from last service (below):
Part 8 - Our Responsibility, Our Focus - Part 2 (September 11th 2016)
Listen to the message from last service (below):
Part 8 - Our Responsibility, Our Focus - Part 2 (September 11th 2016)
