Passionate Spirituality 5 - Christology

PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY – CHRISTOLOGY

Luke 9:28-36

Intro: How do we get those “Mountain Top” experiences where our passion is fully engaged with Jesus?

“There are many things in life that will catch your eye but only a few that will catch your heart -pursue those.” Passion is when something catches your heart.

Passion Follows The Confession Of Faith:

Peter’s confession, in Luke 9:20 changes something. Who is Jesus? It is only when Peter has made this discovery that Jesus moves on to a new phase of mission. Have you made it yet? Jesus is the one sent from the father to reconcile the world – and you - to himself. He lived, died and rose again and sent his Spirit to lead us – you - into all truth. He is the Christ of God and He is alive today. Yes? There can be no passion without this relationship. Jesus has to catch your heart.

Passion Comes To Those Who Are With Jesus.

“He took Peter, James and John with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.” 9:28

The baby is up and following the parent straight away. It has to hold on. It gets under her feet. It must keep up – or die.

Jesus' leading, Dedicated time & place, Praying.

Follow the promptings of the Spirit. They may be gentle.

To be with “the Christ of God” Luke 8:20

Passion Outstrips Understanding: “He didn't know what he was saying” 9:33

Jesus Moves in Heavenly realms – Moses & Elijah.

He is the completion of both ~Law and Prophets.

You may not get it all – but you must know that He is alive & with you.

Then you can be an apprentice and learn His ways by doing.

Passion Is So That We Will Listen To Him.

“This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him” 9:35

Above all they learn that Jesus wants to speak to them – so they must listen.

We can be wary of listening – or presuming to hear God: Prince Charles suffered at Gordonstoun because of his Big Ears. We can be afraid of sticking out, being lampooned, setting ourselves up for a fall, or hearing something we don't want to hear. But its not optional.

This experience is not the end. It is not even the high point. Listening is.

We must expect to hear Jesus and be affected by our meeting with him.

The Son Is To Be listened To. Heard. Obeyed. Followed. Served. Loved.

This is where the rubber hits the road

Passionate Spirituality is not what happens on the mountain top. It's what happens when you come down and when the rubber hits the road. That's when you feel it. That's when things are changed. That's when you hear, in the heat of action, the Lord speak to you.

Conclusion: Passionate Spirituality depends on us first answering the question: “Who is Jesus” (= Christology) – its at the heart of our faith and therefore our spirituality. He is to be our passion.

As you ponder this story, ponder also that God’s son comes for you, and to you. You are part of this new covenant to be changed by Him”transformed into His likeness with ever increasing Glory” 2 Cor 3:18. You too are part of His mission to Transform Communities. Let us pray that this is not only something for which we wait, but also also for which we look and work towards today to reflect His Glory. Now. Let the rubber hit the road!