Time for Spiritual Growth

So far the preaching sessions have been top-notch! The sessions are held in a smallish auditorium called The Wigwam and it is in keeping with the log cabin theme. The teens are obviously enjoying the singing and song selections, as is evidenced by their great singing voices. It's so encouraging to hear all these teens sing praise to God together. Pastor Steve Hafler did a 2-session lesson on "What is the Gospel?" Here are a few excerpts from his notes:
     -Many pretend to possess faith. That is, their Christian life is basically an act they perform in public at specific times each week. It often helps when trying to define something to first define what it is not.
     -The Gospel is not a system, a program or a series of steps. It is not a 3 step wizard and "presto" you are zapped into being a kingdom citizen.
     -Salvation is not a form or a form prayer. Just reciting certain words in a certain order cannot save.
     -The Gospel is not moral-ism. People who may appear to be Christians may not be.
     -The Gospel is a Person, not a plan
     -The Gospels in the Bible recount the life and ministry of Christ.
     -But what about Him is most important? To what do the Gospel accounts point to? Where to they go? How do they end? What is their focus? All 4 Gospels end with an extended focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
     -John 21:25 "Now thre are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."
     -The Gospel is affective and active--it affects the mind, will, and emotions. 1 Thess 1:5
     -Is the Gospel seen in your actions?
     -Is the Gospel lived out in your life?
     -Would those closest to you--those who see and hear you in the privacy of your home be able to testify that you truly do love Jesus (not by any external indicator, but by the fragrance of your life)?