The Full Gospel
"When I was an unexposed -to-Catholicism Evangelical, I lived as though life were about spreading the Gospel (i.e., instructions on how to become saved). Now, as an exposed-to-Catholicism Christian, I realize that life is about the Gospel (i.e., that God is Love). Living out the Gospel (vs. a focus on merely spreading it) will entail painful work until my life is complete. Before I sought rest and comfort in this life (since I had already checked off the "Saved" box). Now I seek to make my calling and election sure by satisfying my convictions to do Kingdom Work."
Thos from Ecumenicity
Many of us can relate to this comment by our non-Catholic brother. We thought the gospel was something to preach and "close the sale." Now being Catholic, I have gained an appreciation for the fuller definition and application of what the gospel is and what it demands of us. When I was a young teenage Christian (outside the Church) we looked for "full gospel" churches to fellowship with. Little did I realize at the time, that good old Notre Dame Church which I left was a Full Gospel Church!
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 8:18 AM
8 Comments:
I like St. Joan of Arc's replay when asked if she was in the state of grace: "If I am not, may God put me there! And if I am, may God so keep me!"
Though ironically an Evangelicals question "Are you saved" shows a lack of understanding of scripture and salvation as a process and not a one time event. This is why St. Joan of Arc's is the perfect answer.
Jeff,
I love that quote, thanks! Or rather, I love the underlying condition of the heart (attitude). 'Assurance of salvation' should really be an assurance of the sufficiency of God's grace. That's not over-stating the case, and not encouraging a lazy faith-life.
Peace in Christ,
Thos.
Of course, the best way to spread the Gospel is to live the Gospel, fully.
"Little did I realize at the time, that good old Notre Dame Church which I left was a Full Gospel Church!"
My thoughts exactly, TJ. Thanks for the post and now that I'm in the combox, thanks to JM for the St Joan of Arc quote. It is perfect. I was thinking about this not long ago and how much more FULL everything is in the CC, it's not just a quote from scripture that I used to hope I'd live and kept 'praying for.' (mostly materialistic as a evangelical) "...have life and have it more abundantly" That seemed to be mostly referring to materialistic gains, some physical health and 'things'...but THEN I got knocked off my highhorse and woke up looking at the Dome across the Tiber! Holy Mother Church Batman! She's been there all the time! As I've heard it said:
I was saved, I'm being saved, and I hope to be saved. THAT is assurance. Assurance can't cross the line or it becomes presumption, which is sadly how some of those who lack understanding 'come off.' Only trust in the grace of our God as I "work out my salvation" is what will help me live out the Mass...the FULLNESS of the GOSPEL.
I would and have responded as Paul responds.
"We hope, in Love."
Ephesians 2, John 15
We are being saved as and if we remain in Christ. Love how the Church helps us to do this through Christ himself meeting us in and through the sacraments.
I am a former Cavary Chapel worship leader that will be crossing the Tiber this Easter. I heard you on Journey Home thank you for going on the show you really encouraged me
Dear Hokule'a:
We are honored to have been of assistance. We are so excited to be home in the Church we just want everyone to at least hear about the possibility, if they never considered it.
Welcome Home and keep me informed of your journey along the way.
God bless I will pray for you.
Post a Comment
Home