The following are notes directly from the context of this book with a mingling of my opinions and thoughts while I processed what I read. It is my interpretation. You may get something totally different out of this book.
CARRY ME HALFWAY
Many of us live spiritually under developed but we were created for a life full of:
- purpose
- authenticity
- justice
Many times we prepare for a task God called us to, yet when we get to the halfway point, we let our fears or the input of others, who might mean well, to stop us. Either way, we should rely one God to empower us to fulfill what we set out to do.
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He promised He was also able to perform.
Romans 4:20-21
We all strive to learn, grow and mature.
Jesus said: Love God. Love others.
We are called to be apprentices of Jesus and do the things He did.
- Love God
- Love others
- Help other do the same
Spiritual Maturity Stages (teleios)
- Primary faith is childlike and has basic understanding of theology.
- Literal faith is when a more logical and coherent understanding of faith emerges.
- Relational faith is when a person identified as a follower of Christ through their relationship in the Christian community.
- Passionate faith is when a person takes personal ownership of what they believe and a desire for a God given purpose emerges.
- Authentic faith is when a person shows willingness to accept paradox, contradictions of differing perspectives and increased tolerance and grace toward others.
- Collective faith is when a person becomes more concerned for justice and common good and less concerned with self preservation and personal piety.
The Relational Faith stage has reminded me of times I felt betrayed not just by church members but loved ones. I think I have healed some, but I am still untrusting and troubled when it comes to relationship with most people.
Jesus please judge by Your cross the pain that is still real and my right to be afraid of being hurt. Please forgive me for still harboring this fear and pain. Please help me forgive the people who hurt me and I hurt. Please help me forgive myself. Please show me what You want me to do and help me to rely on Your strength and what You have fostered in me. Thank You Jesus.
Righteousness “tzadeqah” is not just having personal virtues, memorizing scripture or praying a lot.
“In the Bible, tzadeqah refers to day-to-day living in which a person conducts all relationships in family and society with fairness, generosity and equity… tzadeqah is primary about being in a right relationship with God, the righteous life that results is profoundly social.” Tim Keller
We need to embrace telling and showing our faith with others.
The more our hearts seek justice the closer we are to the heart of God. Justice is God’s love language.
Most Christians are satisfied to stay at stage 3 – halfway there.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
Luke 1:52-55
Primary faith, Literal faith and Relational faith leads to Passionate faith, Authentic faith and Collective faith.
The next generation church seeks:
- A quest for purpose (Passionate faith)
- A desire for authenticity (Authentic faith)
- A passion for justice (Collective faith)
Suggested Reading:
- “Generous Justice” by Tim Keller
- “The Good And Beautiful Life” by James Bryant Smith
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
Amen
The Lord is with you always.
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