Again the next day after John stood,
and two of his disciples: and looking upon
Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the
Lamb of God! and the two disciples heard
him speak, and they followed Jesus.
1John 1:35-37
Experiential Christians religious life and their character is more about the exceptional moments of life and less about what is done in the ordinary times, times when there is nothing exceptional, or tremendous, an exciting time. Attitude is a good measure of the worth of a person, his/her attitude to the ordinary things of life, those times when they are not in the spotlight. Experiential Christianity allows for people to have euphoric times not just times of quiet joy. Experiential Christians see Jesus and know something about Him, but they do not do as those two disciples of John did: they followed Jesus. Now, they could have said: "I am a follower of John the Baptist," and I only follow what John the Baptist taught; so why should I "change horses in the middle of the stream?" Experiential Christianity and liberal Christianity are the same, two words that explain this type of Christian. It is easy to follow "good" sounding words, words that tickle the ears. It is easy to get caught up in the moment by music, not just music, but music that is "foot stomping," or played loud and long, with musicians that dress wild, and like some drug infested worldly musician dancing wildly about the stage. Experiential liberal Christianity is easy to follow.
Jesus was harsh in His words as to what it means to be a follower of Him. It is a painful business to be an Authentic Christian, to get in stride with God. Authentic Christianity is spiritual but not spiritual that is not warranted in Scripture. It is difficult to learn to walk with God to get into the harness with Him. The difficulty loses is difficulty when a person gets in stride with God for over time that changes a person from the inside/out, their character and the character of God manifests itself in a person' life. Man, if they are to Authentic Christians, to hold Authentic Christian Faith must not lose sight of God, their personal relationship with God. Authentic Christians allow the power of God to be manifested in their lives. Experiential or liberal Christians attempt to show the power of God through motions, actions that are similar to the world' culture, through such heresy as being "slain in the spirit," or speaking in gibberish rubbish. This type of Christian has designed God to be what they believe God to be rather than allow Scripture to reveal God to them. Liberal Christians, those looking for some supernatural experience work from their own standpoint, rather from the standpoint of God.
Yes, we must study, we must be rational, we must be reasoning, but more than all that: we must learn spiritual truth by doing what God has revealed as how to live and have His approval. Authentic Christians get into stride with God, not themselves. This will take time, how much? As much as it takes, but to shorten this time follow Jesus and do this every moment of every day: that is: live life but do it according to God's commands, not man's. Do you want purpose and vision? Well, it is yours if you build upon your relationship with Jesus and less on man made doctrines that cannot be aligned with the truth of Scripture. No matter how many "proof" Scriptures are used, does a doctrine align with Scripture alone?
You do not have to look for purpose or vision for God will give all that to you if you hold fast to Authentic Christian Faith.
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee
is might; He will save, He will rejoice
over thee with joy; He will rest in His love,
He will joy over thee with singing.
I will gather them that are sorrowful for the
solemn assembly, who are of Thee,
to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
Zephaniah 3:17-18
God repairs broken hearts and gives purpose
Richard L. Crumb
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