First, I must thank Arthur Wallis, author of the books “Living God’s Way” and “On To Maturity” for providing such simple yet useful information. He has gone on to his reward, yet his work is still producing disciples. His texts have been so valuable and time saving; I have used them as the outline for many of the following teaching sessions. [{"back to basic"} lessons with BB - (#)]
Why is there a need for another teaching manual, especially one on the very basics of Christianity? The answer is strikingly simple. Every house needs a foundation if it is to be lastingly stable. I became a Christian in 1960. Sadly, in the intervening 50 years (many as a pastor and teacher), I noticed a pattern among too many of my Christian friends. I observed many of them testifying of having been born again for twenty five to thirty five years, yet maturity seems to have eluded them. They continually speak of “back when.” They give testimonies of victories that are not current, but twenty and thirty years old. In their service to God, worship never advanced.
Their level and type of worship is not their own, but that of their particular denomination or group. Since many worship services are scheduled and not spontaneous, the leading of the Holy Spirit is severely limited. There exists in the life of many believers an inability to handle the Word of God. Few can lead anyone to Christ by using the scriptures; they must call the pastor. A prayer life and consistent Bible study is non-existent. This does not add up to maturity. Instead of thirty years experience, they have one-year of experience thirty times.
The Western Church has taught the doctrine of behavioral modification for so long that many members no longer believe or know what the Bible actually says. Instead of depending on fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit, many present-day believers simply embraced the doctrine of their denomination or their particular group. Believers received, without question, any message that gave instructions about acceptable behavior. “How to” messages became the norm from too many pulpits and from too many Christian television shows: “how to be positive in your talk and think good thoughts,” “how to get wealth, budget your money, eat healthy, and spend wisely, “how to raise and discipline your children” and so on. Believers received instructions in methods of worship, including the proper actions - when to stand, sit, raise hands, sing songs (usually the louder the better. Loud is good only if it is anointed.)
In the sacred worship of our God, leaders have become cheerleaders. With minds so filled with how to dress, methods of worship, how to repent, how to talk, how to give, how to pray, how to attend services, etc., many can no longer hear the voice of God. They only know what their church teaches.
I will be quick to say that there is a need for organization, rules, and clear lines of authority. The visible church on earth cannot be a free-for-all, where every one does their own thing; there must be proper discipleship.
Leaders must have a goal of training the heart of the individual, not making a clone of the leader. Discipleship must train the heart to hear God and act in faith on that revelation. Leaders must understand that they serve as a representative of God Himself. What leaders want must be what God wants. The Holy Spirit must have the right-of-way. Committees appointed to handle tough and intricate problems must stand aside when their existence curtails the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Believers must be taught to know Jesus - by spending time with Him, by reading His word and by waiting upon the Lord. Knowing the deep mysteries of revelations or being able to predict coming events in prophetic word does not necessarily equate to being perfect or mature in the Lord (those words mean the same). Being mature is being able to eat on your own, not just waiting to be spoon-fed the Holy Scriptures by someone else. Being mature is becoming the one who feeds himself as well as others. Maturity is reading the Bible and hearing from God on one’s own. It is simply allowing God’s revelation to flow from Him to you.
In the teaching that follows, I stress that one must begin by clearing the mind, making it like a clean chalkboard with nothing written thereon. Then, prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to grant “revelation” that is from God.
Note how Paul prayed for the church.
Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV) 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints
Ephesians 1:18 (NASB) 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
The intent of this teaching is not to insinuate that what has been taught to you thus far is not truth; nor is it to make you feel that your manner of worship needs to change. Rather, it is to provide an understanding that EVERYTHING must come from a heart of FAITH. If we have no better reason than “that’s the way it’s always been done,” how destitute we have allowed ourselves to become. Faith is alive – living, moving, producing – it is not tradition that bears no life of the Spirit.
You have been exposed to God’s word. God has given you understanding of his will for your life, and you are serving God with personal understanding. This is true faith.
Romans 14:23 (NKJV) 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
“Father clear my mind of all understanding that is not of you. Help me renew my mind so I can rightly divide the word of truth. Amen.”
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