A.R. Bernard – Recap
03.08.10
Pastor A.R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY visited us this Sunday to expound upon the concept of growth, which Pastor Tim has been ministering on for the past few weeks. First, we must remember that growth cannot occur in isolation, but only in community. It will require focus, structure and character.
Life is lived on levels and in stages. Never assume that you have fully arrived – there are no plateaus, only resting places. You must maintain a relentless drive for progress, because there is always another level of growth awaiting you.
Your character is paramount to growth. Sometimes talent will take you to levels that only character can sustain. The Greek word for “character” means “to engrave.” What habits and mindsets are engraved in your character? What marks you? Or more importantly, what or whose image does your character reflect?
Jesus’ growth was holistic: spiritual, physical, social, emotional, intellectual. Such growth requires focus and structure. A well-structured life includes: a clearly articulated worldview, core values and core purposes. An absence of a worldview is an absence of focus. You cannot separate critical thinking from your faith. It is a reasoned trust that engages the mind, will and emotions. When it comes to values, they differ from your actual value system. Values are the things you prize and stand for. A value system is the order in which you arrange them. After all, God is a God of order. Two people can have the same values, and yet have different value systems, which is where conflict occurs. What things do you value most, and what priority do they have in your life? These soul issues must be taken care of before growth can occur.
MEMORIZATION:
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
