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There is no way into what Behmen calls the Supersensual Life - where God's revelation will be directly given within us and Divine power will flow through us - except through the Way of the Cross. There is no Christianity apart from the Cross, and not just as a belief - as a Way of Living.
And who is invited to this directness of Divine Inspiration, in living Word and Power, both within? You. Everyone. Indeed, the Church's future is not reliant mainly upon clergypersons, but upon the humble service of many largely anonymous persons among the laity who live the Cross in gentle, quiet ways.
And who - or, what - is the Church? Not a denomination. Not a building. Not a group - or one made of many similar groups - led by clerics, traditions, and policies. One could claim, and logically, after reading the New Testament, that the Church is a Body living under the Cross - and this may or may not have anything at all to do with a particular church or denomination of churches.
Therefore, unless a group defines itself as living under the Cross, it might continue the form of religion; yet, it will not enjoy the immediacy of the Inward Word or the Power to shape all things into the humbled vessel Christ wills both His followers and churches to be.
The Supersensual life, the Life of the Living Christ, is present for all persons, for God is present to all persons. We each, and each body of professing Christians, can enjoy the liberty of direct inspiration and amazing power, both arising from the Wonderful Cross.
QUIETLY RESPONDING
Go into Silence. Say a prayer, inviting the Spirit of God to manifest in you, to speak to you, and empower you according to God's Desire. Imagine a scene in which you bow before the Cross - this could be any replica of the Cross, or an imaged likeness of the Cross of Golgotha. You see Jesus on the Cross, if you wish, or simply envision the Cross. Kneeling before the Cross, see your head lifted toward it. Pray a prayer of surrender. Ask for Grace and Guidance. Pray that only God's Will be done in and through you. Feel free to present specific needs, affirming your giving each one to the Spirit of Christ.
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*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian K. Wilcox, of SW Florida. Brian is pastor at Christ Community United Methodist Church, Harbour Heights, FL, and Senior Chaplain for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda, FL.
*Brian welcomes responses to his writings or submission of prayer requests at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Contact the above email to book Brian for Spiritual Direction, retreats, or workshops. You can order his book An Ache for Union at major book dealers.
*The etymology of "pious" is from Online Etymology Dictionary. © 2001 Douglas Harper.
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