1. Understanding Drawing Near to God
A person with a healthy spirit will invariably produce healthy responses. Conversely, one who is spiritually unwell will exhibit unhealthy responses, even when drawing near to God. Extremes must be avoided. The Roman Catholic Church overemphasizes ecclesiology, while drawing near to God can become excessively individualized.
2. As a Victorious Christian, Do You Have the Right to Stumble?
Those easily corrupted demonstrate a superficial faith. Some are easily wounded by the actions of others. A healthy state is inversely proportional to the degree of offense taken.
3. What is the Root of Stumbling and Offense?
The root cause behind stumbling often stems from self-interest. When problems arise between people, God resides precisely in those relationships. Lay aside external face and strip away one's own pride. Obedience is unconditional. Being supported can make one particularly vulnerable to being wounded. Obedience precedes victory; it is a milestone of freedom. Disobedience causes the church more problems than any other factor. Christianity emphasizes obedience, not reasoning or determining right and wrong. When you treat someone well, they may become arrogant; but when you do not treat them as special, they may become more manageable.
Goal-oriented. The starting point is to be strong and courageous, without fear. Remove legalism: Inwardly, one must be free, and the image of the son increasingly manifested. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me – continually strive to transcend to this height. Achieve being unoffendable, and you will be blessed.
Only disciples possess combat effectiveness, and only those with combat effectiveness can bless others! To build the church, you must build a church with combat effectiveness. There are countless paths that lead to stumbling, but only one path that prevents it. There are countless roads that lead to hell, but only one road that leads to heaven.
Those led will inherit the pastor's character. Life is not offended: Achieve being uninjured. All pastors must learn to shepherd using offense, and all those being shepherded must learn to be shepherded without being offended.