Category: All Articles

Arrival Theology

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Theology

–September of 2003

Arrival Theology

One of the great legacies handed down to the Church by the father of Methodism was a passionate pursuit of God resulting in personal holiness. Wesley taught that salvation was a journey marked by crisis (moments of actualization) – in particular two crises, regeneration and entire sanctification.   Wesley stressed a real conversion experience.  He was instrumental in reviving and renewing the Church’s teaching on full sanctification as a second work of grace attainable now by faith.  This was his doctrine of Christian Perfection.  Nevertheless, he insisted that every crisis was preceded and followed by the gradual and constant work of the Holy Spirit.  To Wesley, the pursuit and transformation never ended.

Wesley’s renewed emphasis on these crises experiences lead to great revival and thousands of transformed lives.  However, this same emphasis also created a problem.  He addressed the situation formally at the general conference of 1770 when he wrote: “Does not talking, with proper caution, of a justified or sanctified state, tend to mislead men; most naturally, leading them to trust in what was done in one moment?  Whereas, we are every moment pleasing or displeasing to God, according to our works; according to the whole of our present inward temper and outward behavior.”  Wesley was seeking to warn those who were falling victim to what might be called “arrival theology”.  This false sense of “having it made” was breeding a spiritual pride in the ranks of Methodism and undermining further spiritual growth.

We face the same problem today.  Darius Salter in his excellent book, Prophetical Priestly Ministry, says that arrival theology comes from thinking that, “Entrance into the Christian fold is more akin to arrival than it is to the beginning of a pursuit.”  Salter goes on to say that “Strangling the church’s health is the belief that one’s past spiritual experience guarantees today’s Christian vitality.  Though only a few within evangelicalism’s broad spectrum of theology overtly espouse eternal security, most have adopted it.  The result is a sterile faith that knows little of the thirst that is absolutely essential to find spiritual nourishment.”

The Bible clearly teaches that men’s lives can be radically and instantly changed through regeneration and entire sanctification, but it never teaches that those are stopping points.  Our spiritual life is indeed a lifetime journey.  Regeneration and entire sanctification are critical crossroads on that journey, but neither experience will put us on a plateau of self-congratulatory ease. Salvation will both satisfy and intensify your spiritual hunger. Keeping this tension is your spiritual journey will place you in the company of the great saints.  It will certainly be key to your ultimate arrival in heaven.

Parents, Listen Up!!

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Education

–Summer of 2003

Parents, Listen Up!!

A major consulting firm says that there are approximately 370,000 Christian seniors in America.  Of that number only sixteen percent (60,000) will attend a Christian/Bible college this fall.  Of those who do attend, 98 percent will maintain their faith and stay in church.  The remaining 84 % will attend a secular university or Jr. College near home.  Of those that do, 52 % will lose their faith and drop out of church.  Why wouldn’t Christian High School seniors and their parents overwhelmingly seek to attend a Christian College?

Another recent study shows that there are approximately 3000 churches that identify with the conservative values of a College like GBS or its peer colleges and institutes. (There are still others that would not fully identify with GBS but would still want the values based education it offers.)  An observation was made in this study that denominations tend to send at least 1 student for every 2 churches to the denominational College.  There is some parallel also between Church groups and Colleges they identify with. This means that there is a potential student pool for GBS and its peer colleges of approximately 1500 to 1800 students.  Yet enrollment records show a little under 50% of that number attend.  Why?

Our own survey shows that the key influence in a student coming to GBS is their parents (and it should be). However, our recruitment feedback also shows that the one reason college bound seniors go to secular schools is also because of parents.  Why?

We have been given many reasons.  The most consistent is money. Money on the front end:  Junior colleges are close to home and cheap, secular universities are close and cheap, and scholarships abound in these state funded school.  And money after graduation: “I want my kids to have it better than I did, and ministry doesn’t pay enough!”  Parents pushing their kids for upward mobility is the number one reason for Christian young people pursuing secular training and jobs.

Another reason is status.  They want their child to graduate from a college with national recognition.  Another reason is some parents don’t think their child is mature enough to be away from home and fear the loss of control over their lives.

I have also heard the reasons why some parents are willing to send their son and daughter hundreds of miles from home to our Campus. Let me list some of those.  They want them to get settled spiritually. They appreciate the academic excellence and ministry opportunity.  They see the value of resident life in the maturing process.  They want them around other kids who share their values and faith so as to have appropriate choices for a life partner.  It also places them in an atmosphere where they can make themselves available for full-time Christian ministry if God so calls them.

This is true for many parents who know that their child will only be here for a couple of years and then move on to a college that offers a career field we do not and could not offer.  They do not see it as wasted time, but as one of the best investments they can make in the future of a child they want to see maintain their faith and be an effective Christian servant no matter what calling they follow in life.

Nothing is more important to parents than their children. Nothing is more important to the Christian parent than the spiritual welfare of their children.  If that is so, then why not do whatever it takes to get them in that 98% group that keep the faith and bless God’s Kingdom!

Wal-Mart Theology

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Culture, Theology

–May of 2003

Wal-Mart Theology

I think it’s fair to say that the church has at times affected the prevailing political and economic philosophies of the day in a very positive way.  I also think it’s fair to say that the prevailing political and economic philosophies have at times adversely affected the church.  One such example is what I call the churches adoption of a “Wal-Mart theology”.

The late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, changed the economic philosophy of the market place with his “Wal-Mart approach” to merchandising.  He built a multi-billion dollar business around three basic premises.  1. Give the customer what they want. 2. Give it to them cheaper than anybody else.  3. Build loyalty with feigned friendliness and surface relationships.

It is an approach that has clearly affected the church. The church now offers a menu of activities, worship styles, and preaching that has something for everyone.  Unsaved, carnal churchgoers can get their weekly fix of “spiritual life” without ever being made uncomfortable.  The talk show style preacher has ousted the thundering prophet.  His suave humor and well-honed ability to “almost say something” has made churchgoers all across America feel good about being in church.  Give them what they want is verse one of the new creed!

Pollsters are scratching their head over the fact that people are going back to church in record numbers, yet the morality of our country is still on the decline.  This is a direct result of churches that have discounted the price of what it means to be a Christian.  Instead of stressing a repentance from sin and a call to radical holiness, they offer a crown without a cross, faith without faithfulness, and a spiritual life that doesn’t have to be a separated life.  It’s no longer the narrow way but the cheapest way that is a part of today’s church.

How has the Church been affected by the third premise?  We’ve adopted the Wal-Mart greeter’s philosophy.  We smile, shake hands, and move on.  Churches are filled with people who have nothing but superficial relationships with their fellow attendees (if they know them at all). The whole concept of community and accountability that’s supposed to be a part of the church isn’t there.  The words of Jesus in Matthew 25 that, “I was a stranger and you took me in”, point out the fact that the Church must reach out in true love and friendship pulling others in to the inner circle of their own lives.  The Christian must build bridges to other human beings and offer themselves to a needy, hurting world.  You can’t do that with out being willing to get intimately involved in someone else’s life.

Isaac Watts had never heard of Wal-Mart Theology when he penned these words, “Am I a soldier of the Cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His name?   Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?  Sure I must fight if I would reign, increase my courage, Lord.  I’ll bear the toil endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”   No disrespect, Mr. Sam, but Isaac’s got it right!

Evaluating My Relationship Portfolio

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Education, Ministry

–April of 2003

Evaluating My Relationship Portfolio

People who work closely with the stock market have been carefully evaluating their investments over the last few years.  They want a balanced portfolio that will yield both short-term and long-terms gains.    I have been evaluating my investments as well.  Not those in the stock market, but those I make in peoples lives. I want to make sure I’m investing in those relationships that matter most.  (For those who are following, this is my third New Year’s Resolution.)

Life makes tremendous demands on our time and energy.  If we aren’t extremely careful, we will invest a significant amount of time in things that mean the least to us and have the smallest impact for long-term good.  At age 46, I’m realizing how quickly time is slipping away and how few years I have left to invest the talents God has given me. That forces me to be more discriminating in how I invest my time and in whom I invest it.

First of all I want to invest my time and energy in those people who want the investment I can make in them.  People who are passionate about improvement, have a teachable spirit, and have allowed me to develop the kind of relationship with them that makes it possible for me to be a blessing.  To those that are older, I want to be a source of consolation in loneliness, strength in weakness and encouragement in the dark moments of life.   To those that are younger, I want to be what Paul was to Timothy and Barnabas was to John Mark.  To those that are my peers, I want to be a “friend that sticketh closer than a brother”.

I also want to invest in my larger family.  I want to be a good son, son-in-law, brother and uncle. I want to make a serious contribution to the well being of each member of my family.  It’s so easy to take them for granted or just make them a part of holidays and funerals.  I want to give a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a warm embrace and any other means of support available to me to give.  This will take time, but it is time I want to give!

A large part of the stewardship of my time will be given to my sons.  I’m their father, and I refuse to neglect that role.  They will have my time, my heart, my prayers, my counsel, my support, and my ear.  I will proof term papers, talk sports, or sit on the edge of the bed and talk half the night if it builds bridges and makes them better.  I’ll teach, preach and nag (if necessary) until certain values and traits are theirs.  I’ll see to it that they educate their minds, discipline their bodies, value hard work, love their country, respect their elders, act with manners, and treat their mother like a queen (or face the consequences).  This will require and has required a huge amount of time, but I’m going to give it to them.  They’re mine, they deserve my best, and I will not let them down.

A special portion of my time will go to my wife.   Ruth and I have shared so much life in the past 24 years of marriage.  We’ve experienced an abundance of love and happiness.  Together we’ve poured an unbelievable amount of time into the lives of our children and plan to continue doing so until God calls us home.   Together we have pastored, promoted, and presided over various aspects of God’s work.  We have shared sorrow, stress, and misunderstandings.  We haven’t always agreed, but we’ve always been committed to loving and going on.  Ruth has allowed me to invest a huge amount of time in others without complaint.  Yet, I want to invest more of myself in her– more quality time.  I want to invest in our marriage, so we are planning to attend a marriage seminar.  I want her life to be filled with more bright spots, so I’m going to invest in more special moments.  I want a greater degree of “soul connection,” so I’m going to invest in more time to listen and pray with her. Our relationship matters and I want my commitment to it to reflect its importance.

Sooner than I realize, I will answer to God for my stewardship.  When I report on my investment in people, I want to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Spirituality

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Theology

–March of 2003

Spirituality

In last year’s winter issue I shared my list of New Year’s Resolutions and pledged to write an article on each one.  The second of those resolutions was a commitment to enlarge my understanding of spirituality.  My findings are offered to you in this article.  So that you can understand what I mean by spirituality, let me offer you a working definition that Klaus Isslar gives in his book, Wasting Time with God.

Christian spirituality involves a deepening trust and friendship with God for those who are in Christ Jesus.  More specifically, it is an ever growing, experientially dynamic relationship with our Trinitarian God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–through the agency of the indwelling spirit of God.

The Bible assumes it to be self-evident that we can know God intimately.

Leaping out from almost every page of scripture is a God who affects us and is affected by us.  The Old Testament reveals a God that speaks, pleads, loves, works and manifests himself to His people.  He walks with Adam and Eve in the garden, eats with Abraham by his tent, and argues with Moses on the mountaintop.  The gospels give us a front row seat as the eternal Son wraps the garments of human flesh about him, steps onto the stage of life and interacts with man.  Yet, to many, the idea of being intimate with God is still mystical and illusive.  A certain distance remains in their relationship.

 How can we develop spirituality?

Dallas Willard in his book, Renovation of the Heart, says, “The perceived distance and difficulty of entering fully into the divine world and its life is due entirely to our failure to understand that “the way in” is the way of pervasive inner transformation and to our failure to take the small steps that quietly and certainly lead to it.”  The following is what I perceive to be those essential steps.

 Spiritual formation is a deliberate choice.

Like any friendship, you must work at developing friendship with God.  It has to be a priority in your life. The psalmist David passionately wanted to know God above all else. He described his pursuit of God with worlds like: longing, yearning, thirsting and hungering. Jacob’s passion for God kept him wrestling with God all through the night.  To the Apostle Paul nothing mattered more; it was the first priority, total focus and ultimate goal of his life. (Matt. 5:6, Phil. 3:10, James 4:8)

 Spiritual formation is a team effort.

Spiritual development happens experientially as we walk with Jesus Christ.  He invites us to step into the “yoke of training” with Him.  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…” (Matt. 11:28-30)

Furthermore, we need not be limited by our own experiences to deepen our knowledge of God.  Much can be learned through the stories and experiences of other believers.  Thus, to know God more fully can only come about within a growing and God-knowing community of saints. (Heb. 10:24-25)

 Spiritual formation takes time.

Holy character is developed in a crock-pot not a microwave.  Most of my readers will have to have a change in lifestyle before they ever know God more deeply.  To spend time in reflection, meditation and solitude is a waste of time to most American Christians and in our Western culture wasting time is a sin.  But if we want to model the public life of Jesus then we must follow the pattern of his private life (Luke 5:15-16).

 Spiritual formation requires authenticity.

The Saints of Scripture were honest with God about their feelings.  Abraham was allowed to question and challenge God over the destruction of Sodom.  David made accusations to God of unfairness, betrayal and abandonment.  Jeremiah confronted God with the charge of being tricked.  God can handle that kind of honesty and in fact encourages it.  True intimacy is built on disclosure and openness.

Spiritual formation engages the mind.

One of the freedoms we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon. A mind that is filled with holy influences will be a mind that is strong in retaining the knowledge of God.  Read good books!  Discuss and debate what you’ve learned.  Keep your mind on the stretch for spiritual development.   There have been many great saints who had no formal education, but there were and are no great saints who have not educated their minds in the deep things of God. (Romans 12:1)

 Spiritual formation needs our emotions.

J.I. Packer wrote, “ We must not lose sight of the fact that knowing God is an emotional relationship, as well as an intellectual and volitional one, and could not indeed be a deep relation between persons were it no so.”

  Spiritual formation uses all the means of grace.

The capacity to remember and abide in God’s presence comes only through steady training.  The classic spiritual disciplines provide that training.  Saints through the ages have used the following disciplines to develop spirituality in their lives: meditation, communication, fasting, journaling/reflection, prayer, accountability, and practicing the presence of God.

 How do we know if we are making progress?

Successful spiritual formation in Christ will be evidenced in our lives.  We will be enabled to walk increasingly in the wholeness, holiness, and power of the Kingdom of God. Yet a vital part, maybe the most vital part, of spiritual formation is not seen but sensed.  Sensed not in our successes but in the keen awareness of what is yet to be done. A man who is being spiritually transformed is like a man carrying a lantern before him on a long, or not so long, pole: the light is in front of him, always lighting up fresh ground and always encouraging him to walk further.

Developing spiritual intimacy with God is a lifelong and eternity-long adventure.  One that is well worth the journey!