Take Sanctuary
Series, “Being Spiritual without being Religious” – Part 6
Pastor Jeff Christopherson
October 24, 2004
Start with Authenticity…
Preserve my Personality…
Investigate the Ground Zero of Faith…
Recognize my Net Worth…
Invest Myself…
Take Sanctuary…
Experience a faith connected in positive relationships.
3 attitudes that ensure religious isolation...
1. Become a ‘Superficial Person.’
“But if we walk in the light, God Himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another.” 1 John 1:7 (Message)
2. Aspire to be a ‘Super-Spiritual Person.’
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom. Do you think God sits in a box seat?” Matthew 6:5 (Message)
3. Pretend to be a ‘Superior Person.’
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.” Matthew 7:1-2 (Message)
complimenting the incomplete ‘me’…
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (mutual effort); If one falls down, his friend can help up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up (mutual support). Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone (mutual encouragement)? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (mutual strength).” Eccles 4:9-12
four key considerations:
1. Even as a Christ follower, you’re going to have some major problems – but God will use these problems to grow your character. When you became a Christian, you did not instantly develop Christ-like character. That takes time, effort, and usually troubles – so expect a lot of struggle.
2. When heartache and hardships enter your life, don’t make any rash conclusions about yourself or God. While your circumstances could be a result of your own bad choices, remember that everyone you know (including your pastor) has sinned. Your troubles could also be from living in a fallen world where bad things really do happen to some very good people.
3. When you have a problem, don’t pretend that you don’t. The very worst thing that you can do is pretend. Healthy Christians want to meet your needs (just like you want to meet other people’s honest needs.) If you pretend, how will they know that you have any? You can only grow increasingly phony. When no one pretends, we can all face reality together. Your Home Church is designed for the realities of life.
4. If you have to pretend, or if you feel great shame over some big problem, at least show up. Come as you are, broken or bruised. Just come! Be here with us and allow God to remove your shame and give you hope as we struggle together.
When am I contributing to an authentic spiritual community?
“Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdeline. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:25-27
1. when I recognize that I am incomplete…
“Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother…” John 19:25a
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all of its parts are many, they form one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
2. when I welcome the friendship of those who have a different perspective…
“Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdeline.” John 19:25b
three great friendships we need:
a) I need someone who has received much grace.
...and Mary Magdeline.
b) I need someone who has received much correction.
... His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas…
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed Him and cared for His needs. Many other women who had come up with Him to Jerusalem were also there.” Mark 15:40-41
c) I need someone who has lost much.
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother…
when am I contributing to an authentic spiritual community?
1. when I recognize that I am incomplete…
2. when I welcome the friendship of those who have a different perspective…
3. when I allow others into my struggles…
“When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27
Acts 26:18 (Message)
“I am sending you off to open the eyes of outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I am sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real life by believing in me.” Acts 26:18 (Message)
Scripture passages from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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Digging Deeper @ Home Church: authentic sanctuary
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1. When was a time in your life when you most needed a friend?
2. Read 1 Samuel 20.
• From verses 1-3, how do you think Jonathon felt upon hearing David’s anguish-filled complaint against his father, King Saul?
• Who does David prefer to trust? Why?
3. Which do you think angers Saul more, David’s absence from the table or Jonathon’s collusion with David?
• By what ‘higher principle’ does Saul justify his anger (vs. 30-31)?
• How can ‘higher principles’ be religious smokescreens for spiritual authenticity?
• What does it take for Jonathon to finally catch on to his father’s true motivations?
• What character quality can we see in Jonathon from the fact that he was so slow to believe the evil intentions of his father? How does his shift in thinking speak to his emotional maturity?
4. In verses 41-41, Jonathon and David make a covenant of friendship.
• Jonathon wept. What emotions might be going through Jonathon?
• David wept the most. Why?
• How is David and Jonathon’s friendship a picture of authentic community?
• Who is your David or Jonathon (same sex friend for accountability and support)? Do you think you need one? Why or why not?
5. Pray specifically for Davids and Jonathons to be found and forged in our lives.
2004, Jeff Christopherson, The Sanctuary
