The problem with learning to love as God loves is that agape love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not learned: it is acquired. The things of God are received by humility toward God. The Spirit doesn’t allow His role in lifting or exalting us to be assumed by anyone else (cf. James 4: 5-10; 1Peter 5:5-7). This humility is a personal entrustment or consecration directly to God. It is not sacramental in the sense that it requires a ceremony in a Catholic Church; therefore, it can be done outside of the organization of the Church as long as it is done according to the instructions in Scripture. Being that Scripture was compiled by the apostolic churches in the fourth century for handing down God’s Divine Revelation, and not just the Roman Church, it probably should be understandable that those who follow the instructions in Scripture would benefit from them even though they are not members of a church with apostolic succession. They are using the same Book.
I was at the Diocesan Youth Conference in Richmond this weekend and I can tell you - there is an awakening happening in the hearts of many.
Well said!
Spot on Gary! I totally agree with you. You have said it so well, I certainly can't add anything. Well done!!!!
I always look forward to your articles. This was a great article, and you made things very clear, and respectful. Thank you.
I just hope that as a result of this movement of the Spirit, Catholics and Protestants become unified to fulfill Jesus petition prayer in John 17.
The problem with learning to love as God loves is that agape love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not learned: it is acquired. The things of God are received by humility toward God. The Spirit doesn’t allow His role in lifting or exalting us to be assumed by anyone else (cf. James 4: 5-10; 1Peter 5:5-7). This humility is a personal entrustment or consecration directly to God. It is not sacramental in the sense that it requires a ceremony in a Catholic Church; therefore, it can be done outside of the organization of the Church as long as it is done according to the instructions in Scripture. Being that Scripture was compiled by the apostolic churches in the fourth century for handing down God’s Divine Revelation, and not just the Roman Church, it probably should be understandable that those who follow the instructions in Scripture would benefit from them even though they are not members of a church with apostolic succession. They are using the same Book.