Now that circumstances have placed me as a hermit in my home in a new city where I don't know anyone (plus the absence of a vehicle), I find myself watching and listening to Calvary teachers quite regularly on YouTube. In fact, I've come to see myself as an online member of Gary Hamrick's Cornerstone Chapel. I've also listened to a lot of Skip Heitzig's teaching in Albuquerque.
I agree with what you are saying. However, I see a basic place where all the Calvary pastors are dealing with a lack of training.
First, they're not taught how to set up a conversational relationship with the Lord. In fact, they regularly say that the Lord doesn't talk to people these days.
Second, though they acknowledge that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a biblical Truth, there is no experiential experience in what that means and in how the Holy Spirit enables us to live much more fully engaged lives in the Spirit.
As a result, their sermons commonly have intellectual merit. However, they rarely have the anointed insight which comes from the Holy Spirit as John shared in 1 John 2:27. Receiving that spiritual help is a practical simple procedure once you've been taught how it works.
Teaching scripture without the help of the author commonly causes intellectual error and trouble that goes far beyond a simple lack of impact.
The spectator religion we are all afflicted with gives no chance for questions and dialog, so the people are forced to take the sermon as the only thing being offered. It's a major problem.
David, I would love for you to guest post on my stack! It was this article that ignited my motivation to write about the modern church, and you've touched on some critical points that deserve further exploration. The question then becomes: where do we draw the line in defining what we consider church? It’s certainly a paradigm shift for many.
You’ve made an excellent observation about the distinction between mere knowledge and a lived experience of faith, which often gets overshadowed by the transactional nature of modern church services. The challenge of spectator religion you mentioned is indeed significant. When preaching becomes a monologue, it can stifle the vital questions, discussions, and insights necessary for a deeper understanding of faith.
I hope you continue exploring these questions and seek connections that will provide both intellectual engagement and a genuine experience of living fully in the Spirit. Conversations like this have the potential to inspire meaningful change and growth, both personally and collectively.
Thank you for being part of this important dialogue, and I genuinely look forward to your guest post! (if your up to it... )
Now that circumstances have placed me as a hermit in my home in a new city where I don't know anyone (plus the absence of a vehicle), I find myself watching and listening to Calvary teachers quite regularly on YouTube. In fact, I've come to see myself as an online member of Gary Hamrick's Cornerstone Chapel. I've also listened to a lot of Skip Heitzig's teaching in Albuquerque.
I agree with what you are saying. However, I see a basic place where all the Calvary pastors are dealing with a lack of training.
First, they're not taught how to set up a conversational relationship with the Lord. In fact, they regularly say that the Lord doesn't talk to people these days.
Second, though they acknowledge that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a biblical Truth, there is no experiential experience in what that means and in how the Holy Spirit enables us to live much more fully engaged lives in the Spirit.
As a result, their sermons commonly have intellectual merit. However, they rarely have the anointed insight which comes from the Holy Spirit as John shared in 1 John 2:27. Receiving that spiritual help is a practical simple procedure once you've been taught how it works.
Teaching scripture without the help of the author commonly causes intellectual error and trouble that goes far beyond a simple lack of impact.
The spectator religion we are all afflicted with gives no chance for questions and dialog, so the people are forced to take the sermon as the only thing being offered. It's a major problem.
David, I would love for you to guest post on my stack! It was this article that ignited my motivation to write about the modern church, and you've touched on some critical points that deserve further exploration. The question then becomes: where do we draw the line in defining what we consider church? It’s certainly a paradigm shift for many.
You’ve made an excellent observation about the distinction between mere knowledge and a lived experience of faith, which often gets overshadowed by the transactional nature of modern church services. The challenge of spectator religion you mentioned is indeed significant. When preaching becomes a monologue, it can stifle the vital questions, discussions, and insights necessary for a deeper understanding of faith.
I hope you continue exploring these questions and seek connections that will provide both intellectual engagement and a genuine experience of living fully in the Spirit. Conversations like this have the potential to inspire meaningful change and growth, both personally and collectively.
Thank you for being part of this important dialogue, and I genuinely look forward to your guest post! (if your up to it... )
I have been looking for writers who are balanced and demonstrate the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Thank you.
Much love my friend, thank you :)