In the sermon excerpted below, the pastor also mentioned the truth woven into other faith traditions. I like that phrase as that is one of the reasons I remain in my local church. I see and hear the truth though with a much different emphasis than is traditional. But as he says, "most adults are stalled at a junior high level of their understanding of the Bible, theology, their faith traditions." I may be in an unusual spiritual journey but I am an active seeker.
"We are soon tempted towards stability, safety and predictability. Again, we have to ask that question, what are we looking for?"
"This is so typical of the spiritual journey. This shift from seeking to stasis, to certainty, which too soon becomes stuckness. Tell me you've never heard or read anybody say, The Bible says that, I believe it, therefore that settles it. That is the opposite of being in spiritual motion, of seeking, of being open to discovery which is necessary for spiritual vitality."
"And yet research has shown that most adults are stalled at a junior high level of their understanding of the Bible, theology, their faith traditions. We're parked. Many are the pastors I can tell you who lament to one another, that their church leaders have a slim to none grasp of the basics that we ask of our youth in their confirmation classes."
"Are you still praying? Because if you are praying, you better also be listening. I believe God is still speaking, but we have to ask, Are we listening? Listening to better hear, understand and practice what the spirit is calling us to. Whether we're fresh and starting or old and stuck spiritually, listening is how we keep rolling and in balance spiritually. It may be that the best spiritual practice is, if I can be very blunt, is to shut up and listen. Which is to say to pray."
"May you find that momentum and that balance that feeds you spiritually and carries you into this community of faith, service in the world, and closeness with God. Amen."
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