Have you heard fellow Christians complain that they are not “getting fed” or that the teachings at their church are too shallow or basic, that they want more “depth?”
What do they really mean? What can a pastor, preacher, teacher or even a blogger, do to address these concerns.
Sometimes what they really mean is “I have heard that before.” In response, let me say that the gospel is really simple to state, but apparently difficult to absorb, and a continuing struggle to apply. If you want each new sermon or teaching to reveal biblical facts you didn’t know before, you don’t understand scripture. The whole of scripture could be named the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It’s all about Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. Every time we look at scripture we should come away fixed on Jesus. If that seems like the same old stuff, sorry about that. We don’t need more facts, we need more application of the facts we already have. The solution to every great murder mystery doesn’t come with the revelation of new facts, but with an understanding of the facts we had all along. If you hunger to learn more from the less preached sections of scripture, try reading yourself. Ever Christian should spend some time alone in the word, so that God can speak directly to him.
Sometimes the “deeper” complaint really translates to “I can’t apply this to my life.” Scripture is transforming and every encounter with it should have life changing power. But sometimes we are too self-focused. It’s all about us. We come to a teaching looking for an answer to a specific concern. We need to approach scripture and teachings about scripture looking for the face of God. He is the answer, even when we are asking the wrong question. Jesus is the answer; no matter what the question. Most of the time our “issue” is just a distraction from what we should be focused on. . . God.
So what should we be looking for when we approach scripture either directly or from a teaching.:
- Getting blood soaked. No matter how often we hear it or in how many different ways, we need to continually bathe in the blood of Jesus. The depth of what His death means to us personally needs constant refreshing. It’s a fountain that never dries.
- Reminder of sin and grace. Every encounter with scripture should be a reminder about God’s grace both His forgiveness and His empowerment to be better; but grace has no meaning unless we appreciate just how sinful we are. A newly washed car is only really beautiful when you realize how dirty it was before the washing began.
- Putting works in their place. This idea is slippery. I keep forgetting that nothing I can do will earn me God’s grace, but there should be nothing I’m not willing to do in response to it. A daily reminder isn’t often enough for me. How about you?
- Jesus wants all of me. I can easily fall into the trap of congratulating myself for the tiny parts of me I have given over to Him. There is always another part that needs to be surrendered.
- Remembering that the truth of Jesus is played out in community. I need constant reminders that the inquiry isn’t really “What’s the solution to my need?” It is rather “What am I called to do?” If we are lonely, seek out someone who needs a friend. If we are ill, visit the sick. If we feel lost, explain the gospel to someone. The response to every problem is to look out not in.
Going deeper is not about more knowledge, it’s about more commitment. A follower is deeper than a fan. If you find you are not “being fed” maybe it’s because you’re not hungry enough.
Hunger after Jesus and you will be fed and you will
Be blessed.
Nick.
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