HOW TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD: THE MEANS OF GRACE

WHERE ARE WE GOING? Fred Craddock Robert Wuthnow Sam Van Eman Rodney Clapp: What do we do with our freedom? Only God can set us free: Free from all that keeps us from life, and free to live a new life

WHY CHRISTIANS SETTLE FOR LESS TWO MISUNDERSTANDINGS: “Bar code faith” (Dallas Willard) Being good enough faith Both focus on the life to come, not this life

WESLEY’S ALTERNATIVE: …there is a better religion to be attained, a religion worthy of God who gave it. And this we conceived to be no other than love: the love of God and all mankind; the loving God with all our heart and soul and strength, as having first loved us, as the fountain of all the good we have received, and of all we ever hope to enjoy; and the loving every soul which God hath made…as our own soul.

WHY MEANS OF GRACE? They keep us focused: on God on our neighbor

WORKS OF PIETY Keep our focus on God PRAYER SCRIPTURE AND SERMON CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION THE LORD’S SUPPER

WORKS OF MERCY Keep us focused on serving our neighbor

RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRE: Being in touch with others (Presence) Recognizing the uniqueness of others (Identity) A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD REQUIRES: PRESENCE: being in contact with and open to God IDENTITY: knowing who God is

WRONG TURN # 1: FORMALISM Reduces Christianity to a set of duties The underlying danger: Dissipation The cure for dissipation: Faith How can faith be nurtured?

DISCIPLINE Spiritual disciplines keep our focus on God and our neighbor They keep us open to God’s presence

How do we keep this discipline? WESLEY’S THREE RULES 1. Do no harm 2. Do good to the bodies and souls of others (works of mercy) 3. Attend the ordinances of God (works of piety) How do we keep this discipline?

CLASS MEETING A weekly meeting of 10-12 persons Held one accountable for keeping the discipline Was an occasion for Christian conversation (conference) Fellowship grew as a by-product of accountable discipleship

WRONG TURN # 2: ENTHUSIASM Was concerned with having feelings The underlying danger: Self-deception The cure for self-deception: Means of Grace Works of piety tell us who God is Works of mercy tell us who our neighbor is

THE MEANS OF GRACE: THE BIG PICTURE METHODIST MOVEMENT CHURCH Nurtures Faith Classes/Bands Discipline Extemporaneous prayer Fasting Scripture Preaching Lord’s Supper Prayers of the Church Opens us to God’s Presence Tells us who God is God’s Identity