The Deeper Life in Christ

stmatthew · #1 09-16-2007, 03:17 PM

I had this on my mind today. I would say that for some, the Deeper Life in Christ is a mystical place that very few can attain. Some suppose that it is a place of sinlessness, or a place that only preachers are allowed to go. Others just brush it off as not necessary for them, or just are not interested in a more substantial relationship with Christ. AW Tozer wrote:

To speak of the "deeper life" is not to speak of anything deeper than simple New Testament religion. Rather it is to insist that believers explore the depths of the Christian evangel for those riches it surely contains but which we are as surely missing. The "deeper life" is deeper only because the average Christian life is tragically shallow.

Are we Apostolics really shallow? We seem to have it all lined up when it comes to doctrine, and all the do's and don'ts. But do we thrive in our relationship with the Master? How often do we really take time to delve into uncharted territory in Christ, and in prayer go to levels we have not previously visited in the Holy Ghost? We are the PEOPLE OF THE NAME, and yet many do not know what it means to intercede in prayer out of a burden for souls. We spend time every day making sure we entertain ourselves, but very often cannot find much quality time to spend in the secret chamber with the lover of our souls.

So in this day when the world extends and offers so much "food" from its kitchen, who among us is willing to take a step in the opposite direction, and find that quite time with Christ? And once you get there, what will you do? How will you fight through all of the influences and responsibilities that life has laid upon your shoulders? You do realize that it will not just flow in like a stream, but it will require work as you slowly chisel the dam that holds back the flood of living waters from heaven.

What an opportunity sits in front of the church! This is a time to find the meaning of life, and live the dream. It is a time for fulfillment, and satisfaction. A time that will be like a drink of cool water on a hot, dry day. A time when you will settle down at the end of the day with a satisfaction, and a fullness of knowledge that you are living within Gods perfect plan. Do you desire such a place? The Psalmist said it best when he simply said, "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures".

I am interested in what others classify as the "Deeper Life". What do you feel it is?

Michael The Disciple · #2 09-16-2007, 03:44 PM

Deeper life=Being satisfied with Jesus alone.

Michael The Disciple · #3 09-16-2007, 07:48 PM

No comments? A people longing for Jesus would want to know about the deeper life right?

stmatthew · #4 09-16-2007, 07:55 PM

So much for the cry for threads with substance. And believe you me, I know that this thread is not that deep whatsoever, as its author is not that deep. But I guess most would rather discuss standards.

Felicity · #5 09-16-2007, 07:57 PM

Deeper life = obedience

mizpeh · #6 09-16-2007, 08:02 PM

A deeper life in Christ is less of me and more of Him.

To be able to say with Paul, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain and it is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me.

A deeper life in Christ is a denial of self, what I want and replace it with what God wants for me.

Felicity · #7 09-16-2007, 08:04 PM

Deeper life also comes with a baptism/infilling of Holy Ghost anointing. For me that's when my "deeper life" in Him began. It affected every part of my walk with God starting with prayer.

Rhoni · #8 09-16-2007, 08:07 PM

Deeper in Christ to me is spending time alone with Christ in worship and intercessory prayer. The practice of the spiritual disciplines of meditation, prayer, reading/studying the word, fasting, and spending evey waking moment listening to gospel music and thinking/breathing Christ. The closest I ever felt to God was in the deepest time of trouble which drove me to my knees because I couldn't stand, walk, or breathe without Him.

Lately I have been praying that I can have this closeness with Christ in the good times also. I don't want to have to be going through something to run to HIM. I want to run to him at all times.

Sincerely, Rhoni

Tina · #9 09-17-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

So much for the cry for threads with substance. And believe you me, I know that this thread is not that deep whatsoever, as its author is not that deep. But I guess most would rather discuss standards.

I didn't see the post before now, because last night, I stayed offline--- and declared it family prayer & devotional time from 6:30-7:30pm. Everyone was in bed by 8pm. I got up more rested than I have been in a very long time. I also started off the day with an hour of prayer & devotional time instead of 30 minutes. It's amazing the difference it's made in my day.

You aren't the only one God's dealing with about having a deeper walk with him.

I'm giving up my evening online time after supper-- when I normally sit here in the office to relax... to prayer and devotional time with the family. We had sort of gotten slack in that... and God convicted me over it.

We all need a deeper walk with God.

mfblume · #10 09-17-2007, 01:09 PM

I see deeper life as coming into a full awareness of our co-deaths and burials and crucifixions with Christ, and living like the Bible describes we are.