Virtual Spirituality
By: Mac. Outline Rearranged by M. Allen
FILING
INFORMATION:
2000047
Subject: attitudes/growth
Preached Originally: 08/13/00 – Rapid City, SD
Introduction:
A.
One of the new
Aspects of technology still being improved on is virtual reality.
1. It = a way to enter an almost real/3D environment w/o really doing so.
2.
Bumped, killed,
but not hurt.
B.
It = presently a
game, a fantasy, a make believe reality that is unreal.
C.
Some Christians
seek to serve God in the same way – we might call it virtual
spirituality.
D.
Tonight we will
talk about what virtual spirituality is – and how we can make sure we
serve God from the heart & w/no shallow/hollow service.
I. Virtual Spirituality is:
A.
Play spirituality
– we believe it but we’re making up our own rules.
1. Examples of Israelites in Judges 21:25…. these folks determining what right/wrong as they go.
a)
Same true today?
2. What about in the church today?
a)
Demanding baptism
and excusing attitude….
b)
Decrying creeds
and pressing opinions…
c)
Talk of
evangelizing the world – but won’t invite neighbors to worship?
B. Hypocritical spirituality – know God’s will & reject – purposely rebellion, actors.
1. Mt. 23:3, 5, 23, 27 – some live like the Pharisee’s in being hypocritical.
2.
Living 2
lives? Speaking 2 languages? Js. 3:10-12
C. Hollow Spirituality - going through the motions – w/o motivation….
1.
Ephesian church
– Acts 19:8-10 – evangelistic
a)
Eph. 1:15 –
faithful, loving, growing
b)
Rev. 2:4-5
fallen, left first love…
2. Hollow spirituality contributes to:
a)
Discouragement,
apathy, seizing false motivation….
1)
Like
excitement/emotionalism
2)
Numbers
3)
“Doctrinal”
disputes.
II. How do we take off the helmet?
A. 2 Tim.
3:16-17 – put the word in our heart!
1.
See also Psa.
119:11
2.
Responsibility is
one the student & the teacher!
3.
See also Acts 17:204
B. Put
Christ in our heart!
1.
WWJD not so bad…
2.
You only KNOW the
part of the Scripture you DO.
D.
Put HEART in our
actions!
1.
H apply,
2.
E expectant
3.
A appreciative
4.
R eel
5.
T together
III. Is your Spirituality virtual or real?
A. See Eph. 1:18-19
B. If you’ve
not yet obeyed, but you know you should – make it real today!
C. I N V
I T A T I O N