Worship Artist | Pastor | Speaker
God is stirring in cities across the globe. We are part of a global community of active city leaders who believe deeply in the unity of the church. We hold deeply in the power of the Gospel to change lives, cities, and cultures. The 100 Cities Summit will gather a movement of global Christian leaders, committed to advancing the Gospel by unifying the church.
You may hear this often from churchgoers, viewers of Christian TV or those who attend regional Christian conferences:
“I need more ‘meat’!”
“Now that’s a deep Word!”
“So good! So good!”
“I NEED MORE MEAT AUDIENCE”
Depending on the source, these phrases could have a different meaning. Oftentimes, the “I need more meat” audiences are referring to the Scripture passage in 1 Corinthians when the Apostle Paul was addressing the Corinthian church and said:
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NKJV)
In this Scripture, the word “milk” means the basic, elementary teachings of Christianity that are studied by new believers. The “meat” or “solid food” refers to the deeper, spiritual doctrines. In essence, “I need more meat” audience desire deeper insights into spiritual doctrines of the Gospel.
“NOW THAT’S A DEEP WORD” OR “SO GOOD” AUDIENCE
The “Now That’s A Deep Word” or “So Good” audience often respond in recognition that what’s being communicated draws from a deeper well than what is written on the page. For many, when they hear something new or another way of looking at a Scripture, they may find themselves responding immediately with either phrase. This audience serves to affirm the speaker or preacher that they have “done their homework” and provided a fresh take on an ageless passage of Scripture.
GOING DEEPER QUESTION
If you are in need of “more meat” or you find yourself affirming with a “so good”, does it mean that you have made the deliberate choice to go deeper? In my Christian walk, I have found that going deeper is not limited to having more information about the Bible. It’s not limited to have a revelation of God’s Word that was hidden to you before. I offer to you that is requires this and more. Here’s my equation:
INFORMATION + REVELATION + APPLICATION = GOING DEEPER
A basic understanding of God’s Word opens up the opportunity to receive revelation about the text, the author of the Eternal Word and the one (you) reading it. But information and revelation are not enough. I’ve had to ask myself this question in my own relationship before God:
If it’s “so good” then why aren’t these truths being demonstrated in your life? Where is the application?
When the Word of God is not only given an Amen in words but in lifestyle and choices, you will discover that going deeper is not a cliché. It is a conviction. If I want to know the Creator of my soul, the author of my faith and the strength of my life, I make the deliberate, intentional choice daily to go deeper. Studying to learn, praying to understanding, surrendering my will to apply God’s will for my life.
PRAYERFEST: FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
My church, Christ Church, will be hosting a regional prayer gathering called Prayerfest 2017: Making History Through Prayer. Our church family is currently on a 40-Day Prayer Journey to go deeper in God (access the guide here). I want to encourage you to join us on this journey and meet us at Prayerfest on Friday, July 28th at 9 AM (Christ Church West Campus, 140 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ – http://www.Prayerfest.net). Let’s go deeper in God together! – RF
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:2
In 1 John, Jesus is described as the propitiation for our sins. While we often do not use this word in our modern vernacular, it does befit us to explore what this means. Propitiation was a way to satisfy the anger of God whose holy standard was violated by our sin. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered to make amends. But, the Scriptures highlight the fact that Jesus actually embodied the full measure of sacrifice for our violation. Jesus made this sacrifice by dying on the cross for the sins of not only Christians, but also the whole world.
What does this mean for us? There is no sin that you’ve committed that is not covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Remaining in a place of condemnation and shame over past offenses and sins rejects what Jesus gave His life for. God’s heart for you demanded that His Son Jesus be offered to you as a gift for new life. On this day, will you accept the gift of Jesus?
Jesus died for everyone. And His death on the cross extends forgiveness for all those who enter into relationship with Him. If you’re a Christian (Christ-follower), pray that God will continue to reveal to you the depth, width and height of His love. If you’re searching and investigating the truth of Scripture, my prayer for you is that as you read the Bible, the truth of Christ’s sacrifice and its meaning will change your life forever.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, remind me that you offer forgiveness for my sins and faith to live a life that represents You. I humble myself before You, recognizing that I need You to live a fulfilling, fruitful life. During this Holy Week, help me to know You are near and ready to offer restoration for my brokenness. In Jesus Name. Amen.