16: A New Guidance
Routine (Anglicans) and charismatics (Pentecostals) are both part of the church. What is really confusing is a charismatic Anglican, and that is what Paul was.
PAUL AND HIS PLANS. Paul’s plans were very fluid and he was even accused of being fickle (reading between the lines in 2 Corinthians). But, he had 3 guiding lights.
CHURCHES NEED TO BE SCRIPTURE-LED. It is not enough to be moved by the Spirit, if it isn’t Biblically sounds, it is not right.
CHURCHES NEED TO BE SPIRIT-LED. People get nervous about people who claim to have a message from the Holy Spirit. “I want to ask you four questions that force us to ask if we really do believe God still speaks:
- Is the Spirit still at work? Yes or No?
- Are we listening to the Spirit? Yes or No?
- What is the Spirit saying? Be honest.
- Do you fear the Spirit’s guidance? (I could have started here.)”
“So here’s the question: Can we possibly believe God speaks to us and also that God asks us to respond in prayer and then not think God speaks back?”
GOD STILL SPEAKS. An incredible story of how God spoke to a group of imim’s in Egypt.
CHURCHES NEED TO BE MISSION-LED. Paul sounds like a chameleon when he says, “I have become all things to all people …” but he was focused on him mission and that is what was required to bring the gospel to people.
CHURCHES NEED TO BE ORDINARY-LED. The church has to plan in an ordinary way. Total spontaneity is rootlessness.
There are four words that describe God’s guidance: Scripture, Spirit, mission, and plans.
TASS. The story of an Arab man who came to Jesus that exemplifies all four words.
Quotes from: Scot McKnight. “A Fellowship of Differents.” iBooks. https://itun.es/us/9W9u1.l