Thoughts from Pastor Dave: November 8, 2004
Last issue we left Carl shortly after he made a commitment to membership in God’s family. With that decision, Carl takes on a new identity: we can now call him Carl the Christian. Just like any living being, Carl is called to grow in his new commitment to God. In order for Carl to accept this commitment to maturity, there are new things that he must discover.
- Carl needs to discover the role of the Holy Spirit in his life.
- Carl needs to learn how to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5.22-26.
- Carl needs to learn how to align his life with God’s direction through the Seven Realities of Experiencing God.
- Carl needs to begin the practice of spiritual discipline to grow in spiritual depth.
As Carl matures in his walk with Christ, he takes on the characteristics of Christ and senses a call to minister alongside of God. As Carl answers this call, again new insight is necessary.
- Carl needs to understand how God shapes peoples hearts as he prepares them for ministry.
- Carl needs to discover the spiritual gifts which God has given him for ministry.
- And Carl needs to exercise his spiritual gifts in on the job training until he discovers his joyful place of service in the body of Christ
While Carl is experimenting with the ministry that God is equipping him for, Carl will become aware of the need to reach out to those around him: he will sense a leading to join in Jesus’ Great Commission. To answer this new call, Carl needs additional spiritual skills. These include:
- How to give a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- The importance of his personal story as he shares his personal story of new life in Christ.
- An understanding of the five styles of evangelism.
- Finally, Carl needs practice in leading people to Christ.
With these new spiritual skills, Carl brings Carol to Grace Baptist Church as she responds to God’s call in her life.
For His Glory,
Pastor Dave
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