The Gospel and New Age Spiritualism

We are continuing in the series entitled “What’s the Difference;” a study to hold up the New Testament Gospel of Jesus and then compare it to other religions and religious thoughts.

On the first Sunday of this series, Pastor Frank walked us through the Gospel – “Jesus Plus Nothing.” This study was the basis for all sermons in this series. If you missed it, catch this message from January 10 via the website at http://www.woodbridgecommunitychurch.org/sermons/.

-In the subsequent weeks we learned about the differences between the Gospel and Islam, Mormonism, Religious Traditions and Judaism.

-In upcoming weeks, the series will present the difference between the Gospel and both Jehovah’s Witness and Hinduism/Buddhism.

-This week Pastor Frank continues in the series, speaking on the difference between the Christian Gospel and New Age Spiritualism.

Verses used: Galatians 5:13-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 1:13, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-2, Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Samuel 6:23.

Key verse: Galatians 5:13-25

13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Sermon Notes:

In new age theology you are god.
In Christian theology God is God.
In new age spiritually it is all about you.
In New Testament spiritually it is about Jesus.
New Testament spiritually is about you being reconciled to God and walking with Him in a spiritual relationship.
In new age spiritually they meditate for the purpose of attaining higher states of deified consciousness and to manipulate the forces in the universe to get what they want.
In New Testament spiritually you study and meditate on the Scriptures to know and understand God so that you can walk with Him in a deeper way.
Worship in song is spiritual.
Praise brings an awareness of His presence and power.
Some questions to consider this week:

1. What is one thing that stands out to you from the message on Sunday?

2. In new age spiritually you are a deity and the religion focuses on you and what you want. Why is this a good or a bad thing? Explain.

3. As a Christian, how do you experience N.T. spiritually?

4. Have you ever meditated on the scriptures? What are some of your favorite scriptures to meditate on and why?

5. Share the difference and significance between “emptying” your mind and “filling” your mind with the Word of God.

6. How does worship and praise impact your relationship to God? What are some of your favorite praise songs and why?

7. Which spiritual fruit found in Galatians 5 is blossoming in your life? Which would you like to see more?

8. Since our own efforts and achievements aren’t the way to God, discuss the gift of what Christ did for us on the cross.

9. How can we be “stirring in” the sermon’s verses into our lives this week?

Thought to consider this week:

Jesus loves you and serves you.

But life is not about you.

It is about Him.

Galatians 2:20-

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.