Central Truth

The most captivating message is not one delivered with superior wisdom or eloquence, but one delivered with the power of the Holy Spirit wrapped in the weakness of man declaring the life of Jesus Christ.

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Reflections

Twenty years ago I attended a retreat that changed my spiritual journey forever.  I had at that time been crazy about Jesus, but not so crazy about the Bible.  Parts enthralled me, but others I dismissed because they didn't seem inspired by my vision of a loving God. For me, the Bible seemed to generate lots of questions and few answers. 

I remained a true skeptic and depended on myself as the ultimate judge of  truth. I was also a mother of four going back to college to get my degree. I had experienced eloquent and knowledgeable professors.  In fact, I thought it might fit into my plans quite nicely to become Sandy Dossett, PhD.  

Providentially on that weekend retreat, I was paired with a professor who taught English, my chosen subject of study, at a Christian University.  Her knowledge of C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, St. Augustine, and many of my favorite Christian writers was impressive, and she'd even edited a college literature textbook. She had my dream job.

That weekend we did not hear eloquent speakers. We heard everyday Christians share their struggles of faith as they walked with Christ through their daily lives. They were not orators or Bible scholars, but there was something compelling about their stories that were centered on the words of the Bible coming to life in their lives.

As we were discussing the presentations, my new friend sadly admitted "If you asked me what C.S. Lewis thought about prayer or grace, I could tell you, but I don't have anything to share from my personal life." Her words shocked me. Until that moment I was convinced she was everything I wanted to be. Suddenly I saw what a shallow faith she had.  I knew then that no amount of knowledge could ever replace a daily walk with Christ, and I learned that lesson from those who came not with eloquence but  "in weakness and fear and much trembling."  I can't explain it, but after that retreat I laid down my questions and opened my heart to God's word and his Holy Spirit.

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Discussion Questions

1. What was it that convinced you that Jesus was God's son or that the Bible was His word?
2. Share a faith changing experience in your spiritual journey.
3. Can you think of a time when someone shared the gospel message "in weakness and fear and much trembling?" What was his or her testimony?  How did you respond?
4. Have you ever attempted to share your faith in Jesus with someone? If so, what did you share and what was it like? If you haven't, what obstacles have kept you from sharing?

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