Six Major Themes
Streams of Living Water
There have been six major streams that have been found in the body of Christ throughout church history. Every denomination, every movement, and every church has been influenced by at least one of these streams/traditions, whether one is aware of it or not. If we are going to be balanced and whole followers of Jesus, we need to have all six of these streams flowing through our lives and churches.
Contemplative: prayer-filled life
...focuses upon intimacy with God and depth of spirituality. This spiritual dimension addresses the longing for a deeper, more vital Christian experience. By God's grace, I will set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading and will seek to practice the presence of God. "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Ps. 42:1-2b).In what ways has God made His presence known to you? What experiences of prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading has God given you? What difficulties or frustrations have you encountered? What joys and delights?
Holiness: virtuous life
...focuses upon personal moral transformation and the power to develop "holy habits." This spiritual dimension addresses the erosion of moral fiber in personal and social life. By God's grace, I will strive mightily against sin and will do deeds of love and mercy. "Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1 Tim. 4:7b-8).
What temptations have you faced? How did you respond? Which spiritual disciplines has God used to lead you further into holiness of heart and life?
Charismatic: spirit-empowered life
...focuses upon the grace gifts of the Spirit. This spiritual dimension addresses the yearning for the immediacy of God's presence among His people. By God's grace, I will welcome the Holy Spirit, exercising the gifts and nurturing the fruit while living in the joy and power of the Spirit. "Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts" (Eph. 5:18b-19).Have you sensed any influence or work of the Holy Spirit? What spiritual gifts has the Spirit enabled you to exercise? What was the outcome? What fruit of the Spirit would you like to see increase in your life? What disciplines might be useful in this effort?
Social Justice: compassionate life
...focuses upon justice and peace in all human relationships and social structures. This spiritual dimension addresses the gospel imperative for equity and compassion among all peoples. By God's grace, I will endeavor to serve others everywhere I can and will work for justice in all human relationships and social structures. "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream" (Amos 5:24).What opportunities has God given you to serve others? How did you respond? Have you encountered any injustice to or oppression of others? Have you been able to work for justice and peace?
Evangelical: word-centered life
...focuses upon the proclamation of the evangel, the good news of the gospel. This spiritual dimension addresses the need for people to see the good news lived and hear the good news proclaimed. By God's grace, I will share my faith with others as God leads and study the Scriptures regularly. "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-27).Has God provided an opportunity for you to share your faith with someone? How did you respond? In what ways have you encountered Christ in your reading of the Scriptures? How has the Bible shaped the way you think and live?
Incarnational: sacramental life
...focuses upon making present and visible the realm of the invisible Spirit. This spiritual dimension addresses the crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life. By God's grace, I will joyfully seek to show forth the presence of God in all that I say, in all that I do, in all that I am. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels" (2 Cor. 4:7).In what ways have you been able to manifest the presence of God through your daily work? How has God fed and strengthened you through the ministry of word and sacrament?
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