FireBrand (10-03-2018), Jonathan david (10-03-2018)
Getting back to the topic, the Spiritual Formation is another aspect that I see as an effort to develop the spiritual side of man. It pays attention to the relational/devotional, rather than doctrinal aspects.
I think it's a way that some mainline churches would use as a boarding point for operating in the spiritual realm and gifts, without having to deal with the expected repercussions of saying "we're going Charismatic." :)
Yet, my conservative brother in law led an insurrection against a church that was going in the SF direction, causing a nasty split. Totally uncalled for.
Anyway, here is a decent article on SF in Christianity Today. I like the reference to Tozer.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/bi...ingformed.html
A.J. (10-05-2018)
Where I’m pastoring at the moment, many come from mainline denom framework and familiarity. Some were here 20yrs ago when the former leaders took it into the “Jesus-lite” theology and practice. That 20yrs of slumber set them up for the devil to have his way, they became innoculated with sermonettes and social piety. It was nearly destroyed. Then came the new guy.
What you described above in the “relationship” is an awakening. This is where we are, a church that was dying and now being made alive. I cant preach and lead with a pentecostal construct but rather have needed to bring them into a bible encounter. An encounter with the Glorious One brings relationship. Relationship brings authority. Authority brings power. Our church suffered a tremendous, catastrophic POWER FAILURE. The pentecostals are now rejoicing in what they see and hear, the others are being awakened by the presence of God.
I’m not contributing much in this thread but am thoroughly enjoying and soaking up the conversation.
Thanks guys!
FireBrand (10-05-2018), Jonathan david (10-05-2018)
Excerpt:
The five facets of spiritual formation, then, are: reflective reading, active repentance, total stewardship, penetrating prayer, and community accountability. As we consider specific practices that aid in formation, it is essential to be prepared to surrender time. Spiritual formation cannot be found in a "Five Minutes to Improved Spirituality" product. Be prepared to change the pattern of your life to practice the purposes of God.
A.J. (10-05-2018), scottae316 (10-28-2018)
A.J. (10-05-2018), Jonathan david (10-05-2018), scottae316 (10-28-2018)
Contemplative Prayer is something that has been practiced by people for centuries. Someof the “mystic Saints” practiced it. It involves quitting your mind and focusing on the Lord. It can often lead to a “word” from the Lord or a deep peace and refreshed and empowered spiritual experience. I have done it in the past and found communion with the Lord in a special way. Yes, IMHO Christians can and should practice contemplative prayer. It is one of several “spiritual disciplines” that are lost in modern Christianity. This thread for me is a nudge possibly.
A.J. (10-29-2018), Jonathan david (10-28-2018)
Some of the misunderstanding of contemplative prayer has to do with the phraseology of where our mind fits into the equation.
Some mistakenly think that CP means we "abandon our minds" so that now the devil can easily step in and invade. A more proper way of putting it is that we "quiet" our minds so we can be sensitive to hear the Spirit.
A.J. (10-29-2018), fuego (10-28-2018), scottae316 (10-28-2018)