"LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE.    MATT. 5:14-16

SPIRITUALITY

What is spirituality? What is it to be spiritual? Is spirituality primarily an inner experience, a closed communion with God? Is it different from personal devotion, or dedication? Is it something like "practicing the presence of the Lord" while going through day to day activities? Are there spiritual activities that identify one as spiritual? Are there certain disciplines that are essential to being spiritual? Or, is spirituality more an attitude than an activity?

 It should be obvious that each of us should desire to think and speak biblically regarding the matter of spirituality. And the Scriptures furnish us with numbers of word pictures and illustrations of this matter of spirituality. There are a number of verbs used in Scripture that provide insight into the spiritual life. Spiritual persons are depicted as followers of Christ, as abiding in Him, and in His word. Followers of Christ not only walk in the footsteps of Jesus, they also walk in the light. They also walk as children of light. They are depicted as obeying from the heart, yielding ready obedience, and bringing their bodies as living sacrifices unto God, even glorifying God in their bodies and in their spirits. They seek the Lord, they submit to His will, they stand clothed in the armor He provides. They deny themselves and take up their cross daily. They walk by faith, live according to the Spirit, buffet their bodies, and humble themselves before the Lord.

The imagery of all of this is multifaceted, indicating the many hues of light brought to bear and reflected in the life of the believer. Spirituality is a process of interaction, growth, progress, and power which is the

Think On The Things...

nature of the relationship of the believer with the Savior. It is a response, an on-going response to God. It is a vital relationship between God and man.

And, it is vital to remember that this relationship is possible only

because God has taken the initiative. God has provided the Savior, salvation, sonship, relationship. It is by His love and grace that we are privileged to know of His love, His care, His provision. It is by His call that we are able to seek and to know Him. It is His invitation that calls us to "seek Him."

It is God that has given us the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but in the way the Father has provided, the way of Jesus, the author of eternal salvation.

--Ron Bryant

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IT IS OUR CONSTANT RESOLVE TO BE A TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST--SOUND IN TEACHING, UPRIGHT IN CHARACTER, DEVOTIONAL IN WORSHIP, AGGRESSIVE IN WORK, SACRIFICIAL IN SPIRIT, A ND FRIENDLY BY NATURE. TO THIS END WE DILIGENTLY APPLY OURSELVES AND PRAY OUR FATHER'S BLESSINGS UPON US IN WISDOM AND COURAGE.

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Spiritual Paralysis

Infantile paralysis was the number one public health enemy some years ago. Polio, as it is commonly called today, affects the body in such a way that some parts become immobile and remain in an underdeveloped state. Thanks to Jonas Salk and the Salk vaccine, polio is not the health threat in America that it once was.

But infantile paralysis is not a disease limited only to the realm of the physical. Unfortunately, there is an epidemic of infantile paralysis in the spiritual realm today. There is an appalling plague of spiritual under­development.

The church of Jesus Christ has been accused of many excesses, but one it has never been charged with is that of having too much spiritual maturity. In fact, just the opposite is true.

A nursery is an essential facility but who would want their baby to remain a baby always? Many Christians have spent their entire spiritual lives in a spiritual bassinet. Their problem is not that they cannot grow, but that they will not grow. I wonder if it would register with them if someone said to them, "Grow Up!"

What are some of the symptoms of spiritual under-development? Well, the list could be quite lengthy, I suppose, but the following will suffice: immature persons are easily upset and anger easily when they don't get their way. They will not confront the person with whom they disagree. They have a craving for unhealthy things, a lack of discernment, and are unstable, irritable and impatient, to list but a few symptoms.

For stunted growth and deformed Christians there is no vaccine that can be injected with needle and syringe. There is, however, a prescrip­tion that works without fail. It is called "revival." God's remedy for spiritual paralysis is:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

There are many things which could be said about spiritual infantiles, but only one thing to say to them: GROW UP! At least that's what Peter said, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." (II Peter 3:18)

--Douglas F. Parsons

(There are always Christian ways to carry out every instruction which God gives. Our lives are blessed when we find and use them. HDC)

Current news and needs are in The Messenger each week at the building.

Rejoicing Again: On August 3 Patricia Spagnola was immersed into Jesus for the forgiveness of her sins. Patty is the niece of Nancy Montaquila with whom she has been studying the Scriptures. We welcome Patty (and her family who have been coming to worship with her) to the fellowship of the Lord's church.

Gander Brook: Our church family was heavily involved at camp during Senior Weeks, Weeks 5 6 running from July 26 to Aug. 9. There were so many at camp that we hope we have not missed anyone. Week 5 brought both Susan (Head Cook) and Joshua Jenczyk to work in the kitchen. Campers included Jordan and Alec Bissonnette, Brandon Conlin, Kim Daly, Logan Draleau, Briana and Christi Jenczyk, and Rachael and Sarah Kulik. Week

6 had Gordan Daly (Bible Teacher), Linda Daly (Nurse), with campers Jordan and Alec Bissonnette, Brandon Conlin, Kim and Cyndi Daly with Cyndi's friend, Amy, Tyler Dupuis, Rachael and Sarah Kulik, and Mike Wilkinson. Laurel Jenczyk and Pierre Martin rounded out their 6 weeks as cabin counselors. We at Leominster also claim the James Clark family who served the summer as Assistant Directing family. All reports are it was a rewarding summer for all in every way, including spiritually.

Vacation Bible School: August was a wonderfully busy month. Besides all of those involved at camp there was preparation and the activities of VBS

held August 10-13. In addition to the work of Vivian Vargeletis in Coordin­ating it all, some 30-35 were involved in various capacities. More than a few were multi-taskers. Tribe leaders included two Father-Daughter teams, Bill Bissonnette/Rhonda Phillips and Bill Laurel Jenczyk; and two couples, Gary Anne Gendron and Gordon a Linda Daly. On Sunday evening there were 32 student/learners and that number stayed pretty consistent the next 3 nights. Sherman Carter was storyteller/Bible lesson sage on Sunday and Pierre Martin took over for Mon.,Tues., Wed. The building was transformed again this year into a recreated Jerusalem setting. A GREAT learning time!

One Year: August completed the first year of ministry with us for Aaron a Chelsea. A rather fruitful year, wouldn't you say?!!