
Being “spiritual’ is the perfect vehicle for the self-help tendencies inside every human being. Without solid, objective truths, each person can determine how they want to feel and what they want to achieve. The reality is, however, such pursuits do not bring people closer to Christ.
Jesus did not say, “Make disciples by teaching people to be ‘spiritual.’” Instead, he declared, “make disciples…by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you.” (Matthew 28:20a) Jesus affirms that there is objective, absolute truth that nurtures the soul, and that truth is found only in the Bible.
Experience-based spirituality offers, roller-coaster-like, a temporary rush of feeling. But such subjective spirituality is an empty shell. With its objective, unchanging truth, the Word of God saves souls. The Law convicts hearts of sin. The Gospel shows the Savior and brings people to faith in that Savior. “The Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
The penetrating power of the Word of God extends to more than setting us right for life in heaven. It is valuable for life right now: It is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
At the core of Christ’s Great Commission (spoken just before his Ascension, which we celebrate tomorrow) is the command to teach everything presented to us in his Word. Everything. Picking and choosing personal preferences are unacceptable. The Bible is not a buffet. The Scriptures are not a smorgasbord.
Teach. Train. Instruct. Educate. Model the faith of the Scriptures. These are the actions God uses to deliver his grace to people by the means of his powerful Word. Conversely, those who are disciples need to continue to be taught, to listen, and to learn.
Only the Spirit-filled Word of God creates true, lasting spirituality focused on Jesus and his grace.
Keep growing in Christ,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
1) Trinity is planning to return to in-person worship on Sunday, May 31st & Monday, June 1st. Service times will be as follows:
- Sunday, 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, 6:30 p.m.
A detailed letter concerning this will be posted on Trinity’s website (www.trinityminocqua.org), Facebook page, and via email to all the email addresses we have in the church office. Expect the information to be available today (Wed., 5/20) Please read it carefully and completely. It contains information about registering for worship services (to keep the number under 50) as well as the precautions we’re taking to ensure safety.
2) Remember April’s 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge? Remember my wish for a Blessings Jar in which we could collectively place slips of paper enumerating the many blessings for which we are thankful? Soon, we’ll be returning for in-person worship. There is a Blessings Jar in the Welcome Center, so bring in those slips of paper when you are able!