For most of my Christian walk, principles have guided the way I live. This is a good strategy to follow, especially if our values are derived from the Bible. However, I am beginning to learn that living on principle is not enough. There must be revelation or, as Bill Johnson said in today's sermon, "presence". To remain only on the level of principle reduces our faith to religion whereas abiding in the presence of God elevates us to live in a divine relationship. Our Heavenly Father longs for his children to live out Kingdom principles but not at the expense of loving fellowship. For example, Jesus commissioned us to go into all the world to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). The principle is that we are to be focused and actively engaged in sharing the good news to all people. However, when the apostle Paul wanted to preach the gospel in Asia, God said no (cf. Acts 16). In "When Heaven Invades Earth", Johnson notes that what God had said for all believers appeared to be in conflict with what God was saying to Paul.
Required reading for 1st year students
God never contradicts His word but He is willing to contradict our understanding of His word. Though we may know the will of God from Scripture (principle), we still need the Holy Spirit (presence) to help us with the interpretation, application, and empowerment to accurately carry out His will [pp 49-50]. My prayer now is for my family to live beyond principle- to a place of holy presence with Jesus. I believe when we strive for this, the wisdom, power, and spiritual fruit we have been longing after will be manifest.
"So faith comes from hearing,
and hearing by the word of Christ."
Romans 10:17 (NASB)
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