© 2020 st. martin’s episcopal church, houston, tx

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................. i

June 9: Grace and Beyond .......................................................................... 1

June 16: Sin, Repentance and Conversion: Part I ....................................... 5

June 23: Sin, Repentance and Conversion: Part II ...................................... 7

June 30: Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord .................................................. 10

July 7: The Holy Spirit .............................................................................. 12

July 14: Sanctification ............................................................................... 14

July 21: Discipline of Heart and Soul ....................................................... 17

July 28: Evangelism and Mission ............................................................. 19

August 4: The Journey of Prayer .............................................................. 22

August 11: Closing Reflections and Thoughts on Death and Life ............ 27

i

Dear Friends,

Thank you for “signing on.” While I would love for us to be together as we think through these key elements in our Christian life, the current season of COVID-19 has pushed that possibility down the road a bit. Yet, given the unusual circumstances, we are doing our best to work with what we have and, toward that end, I want to share these next 10 weeks with you as we look at how we understand theology, and how we put it into practice as Christians.

Here is how this will work. Each week, on Wednesday evening starting Sep. 16 at 7 p.m., I will offer a brief teaching–about sermon length. This will be pre-recorded and remain on our website for future viewing, but there is something about knowing we are all “dialing in together” that makes it all the more special, so join us at this time when you can. This booklet contains brief outlines and study questions for you to consider as you reflect on the lessons. Here is the schedule:

June 9 Grace and BeyondJune 16 Sin, Repentance and Conversion: Part IJune 23 Sin, Repentance and Conversion: Part IIJune 30 Jesus Christ as Savior and LordJuly 7 The Holy SpiritJuly 14 SanctificationJuly 21 Discipline of Heart and SoulJuly 28 Evangelism and MissionAug. 4 The Journey of PrayerAug. 11 Closing Reflections and Thoughts on Death and Life

In addition to reflections on these topics, I will close each section with some reflections on a Christian discipline (prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, etc.) and I will invite you to pick up one or more of these disciplines as we move further into the series together.

On the Wednesday night of the teaching, we will have a platform through which you can send questions. I will review, pick a few and begin the following week’s study by answering (to the best of my ability) those questions!

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It is not perfect, but as my mentor John Claypool used to say, “Something does not have to be perfect, to be good!” So, well, I hope it is at least good!

I have suggested in our fall “Parish Life” booklet that you might want to purchase three books as companions along the way. I will occasionally quote from these books, but they are helpful resources as we look more intently at these various topics as well. The books are Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Basic Christianity by John Stott and Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. All are easily available through Amazon or Christian Book Distributors.

In addition, of course, you will want a Bible handy. I will quote Scripture a great deal, but will not include the texts in your outlines. If you are not accustomed to working with your Bible, the references will help you familiarize yourself with various books and verses. If you do not have a modern language Bible, I strongly recommend The New International Version, The New Revised Standard Version or The New Jerusalem Bible. And if you can, get a study Bible version which includes footnotes, maps, references and other information that is worth your while!

Now a word about the title of this little course, “Growing in Grace.” We all know it, one of the key verses that unlocked the Protestant Reformation; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast...” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV) Yet is it possible, as Paul suggested to the Corinthians, to slip into a place where we followers of Jesus have received God’s grace in vain? (II Corinthians 6:1) In embracing a theology grounded only in the word grace, could we, as Paul warned the Romans not to do, fall into the error of believing that just because we are, in fact, made righteous by God’s gracious favor, we can “go on sinning?” Paul’s resounding answer to that is “By no means!” (Romans 6:1)

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So how are Christians, who have experienced the grace of God in Christ, suppose to “live” in that grace? Indeed, we were saved by grace, but for what? According to Paul, “...to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do...” (Ephesians 2:10) We were saved by grace, but, as Peter points out, the call upon every Christ-follower is to “grow in grace.” (II Peter 3:18) Indeed, as James wrote, “What good is it...if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (2:14) As the author of Hebrews speaks, there is no renunciation of the wise counsel, “Make every effort to live in peace with all...and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (12:14)

One of the ways (and there are many!) we “grow in grace” as Peter counseled is to dive more deeply into our beliefs and to practice with greater regularity those spiritual disciplines we see modeled in the life of Jesus, the Apostles, and the early Church Fathers and Mothers.

So, toward that end, I invite you to join me for ten weeks this summer to “grow in grace.” Let’s dive in together!

Faithfully,

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.Rector

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Week IGrace and Beyond

Introduction

Ephesians 2:9-10

“The doctrine of justification by faith–a biblical truth, and a blessed relief from sterile legalism and unavailing self-effort–has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such manner s actually to bar men [sic] from the knowledge of God. The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego. Christ may be “received” without creating any special love for Him in the spirit of the receiver. The man is [sic] is “saved,” but he is not hungry or thirsty after God. In fact, he is specifically taught to be satisfied and encouraged to be content with little... We have been snared in the coils of a false logic which insists that if we have found Him, we need no more seek Him”1

“To be a child of God is a wonderful privilege, but it also involves obligations. Peter implied this when he wrote, ‘Like newborn babies, carve pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,’ (I Peter 2:2) Our great privilege as children of God is relationship; our great responsibility is growth. Everybody loves children, but nobody in their right mind wants them to stay in the nursery. The tragedy, however, is that many Christians, genuine born again in Christ, never grow up. Others evn suffer from spiritual infantile regression. Our heavenly Father’s purpose, on the other hand, is that ‘babies in Christ’ should become mature in Christ. Our birth must be followed by growth. The once-for-all crisis of justification (our acceptance before God) must lead 1 A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Abbotsford, Wisconsin: Aneko Press, 2015), p. 2&6).

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to the continuing process of sanctification (our growth in holiness, what Peter means by ‘growing up in our salvation’).”2

Amazing Grace, John Newton

The Beginning of Grace

Hebrew = hen, Greek = charis

Some New Testament References:

John 1:14, 16-17

Romans 5:21

I Corinthians 1:4

Ephesians 2:8-10

History of the Doctrine

The Substance of Grace

The Work of God–Alone. God is not the object of grace, we are!

The Question of Works

2 John Stott, Being a Christian (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2016), pp. 17-18).

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The Core of Christianity

An Example: John Wesley

Christianity is…?

Conclusion

Grace is the free gift of God to underserving and unmerited recipients!

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Week IGrace and Beyond

Some Reflection Questions

In one sentence, state your definition of “grace.”

After reflecting on the lecture on grace, list a few (perhaps three) new insights you might have about grace.

Knowing you are “saved by grace,” where in your own life and actions do you see yourself trying to “earn” grace? How would Paul respond to that?

What might it mean to you to “grow in grace?”

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Week II

Sin, Repentance and Conversion, Part I

Introduction

The Spiritual Law of Nature

A Look Into the Mirror!

Holy Seeking

Good or Evil?

In touch with our unholiness

Conclusion

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Week II

Sin, Repentance and Conversion, Part I


In no more than a sentence or two, write your understanding of the word:

Sin

Repentance

Conversion

What do you understand “the fall of man” to mean?

Do you believe humans to be (a) basically good, (b) basically evil, (c) good but infected with evil or (d) evil with occasional evidence of goodness? Give your answer and then explain it.

Augustine said that all evil is basically “spoiled goodness.” In light of the doctrine of original sin, how might have Augustine hit the nail on the head?

What new insights, if any, have you gained about sin? Repentance?

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Week III

Sin, Repentance and Conversion, Part II

Introduction

“Be Holy, but how!” (Leviticus 11:44)

The Problem of Sin

“sinful nature” versus “sinful manifestations”

The Call to Be Different…

How to repent?

A “turning”

The Ultimate Call…

Conversion (cf. John 3:1-17)

Conclusion

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Week III

Sin, Repentance and Conversion, Part II


“… this ministry of reconciliation is itself in two stages. It begins as proclamation that God was in Christ reconciling that he made Christ to be sin for us. It continues with an appeal to people to ‘be reconciled to God.’ That is, ‘avail yourselves of the offered terms of reconciliation with God.’ (Matthew 5:24) Or simply ‘receive it.’ (Romans 5:1)... We must keep these things distinct… God finished the work of reconciliation at the cross, yet it is still necessary for sinners to repent and believe and so ‘be reconciled to God.’ It is not enough to expand a thoroughly orthodox doctrine of reconciliation if we never beg people to come to Christ… the rule should be ‘no appeal without proclamation and no proclamation without an appeal…”

From The Cross of ChristJohn Stott, p. 198

What do you take Stott’s assertion to mean here?

What is your understanding of “the sinful nature?”

Would you differentiate between “levels” of sinful acts? How does Paul’s words to the Romans, “all sin and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) speak to our differentiating “sins?”

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Have you ever experienced a conversion? If so, how? Take some time to think this through. Perhaps ‘write out’ your spiritual moment or moment(s) of epiphany.

After hearing this talk, how would you define the following?

Sin? Repentance? Conversion?

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Week IV

Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was among you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified…”

I Corinthians 2:2

Introduction

Jesus as Savior

The One who saves me from “my” sin…Humans at their worst… but God at His best!

Jesus as Lord

Philippians 2:5-11Intellectual OwnershipMoral OwnershipVocational OwnershipSocial OwnershipPolitical OwnershipGlobal Ownership

Conclusion

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Week IV

Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

Some Reflection Questions…

Have you ever been physically “saved” from danger? How did that experience change you?

Do you every feel the need to be “saved” from sin and guilt?

Knowing that Jesus has provided that kind of “salvation,” how does that speak to a need to be “saved” spiritually?

How do you understand Jesus as your Savior?

It has been said that a person “is” what he/she thinks about all day long. What “most” occupies your thoughts? How might Jesus’ Lordship speak to your daily life?

Knowing that Jesus seeks to be Lord over not just “some” of your life, but “all” of your life, are there things you may need to lay at His feet? Things that need to be submitted to His Lordship in your life? What might those be?

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Week V

The Holy Spirit

Introduction

Acts 2:1-4, 12-13

“Who” is the Holy Spirit?

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:2-2-4a

A “sound,” a “sight” and an “action”

The Relevance of the Holy Spirit

The “Breath” of God

Ruach and pneuma

The “Fire” of God

The “Strangeness” of God

Evidence of the Holy Spirit: A Word about Gifts and Fruits

The Gifts of The Holy Spirit, I Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31 and 13:1-13

The Fruits of The Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:16-26

Conclusion

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Week V

The Holy Spirit


In your own words, describe the Holy Spirit.

How do you call on, rely on, the Holy Spirit?

Have you ever studied about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? The Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

Have you ever experienced the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

How do you see the “fruits” of the Holy Spirit manifesting themselves in your daily life?

Perhaps take a moment to review the “gifts” and “fruits” of the Holy Spirit from the Scriptural citations used, and list those you have seen manifest in your own life.

What, if any, new insights do you have about the Holy Spirit?

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Week VI

Sanctification

Introduction

What is God like? A snoop or a friend?

Remember: Grace, not works! Ephesians 2:8a, 9b

The Rich Young Ruler, Matthew 19:16-21

God does not desire sacrifice, Hebrews 10:5, Psalm 40:6, Psalm 51:16

There is but one sacrifice, Hebrews 10:14

Some Key Disciplines

Entering the Desert – “Retreating…” Luke 5:16

Confession and Repentance – I Thessalonians 5:22

Prayer – I Thessalonians 5:17

Study of the Scriptures – II Timothy 3:16 and Matthew 22:23ff

Practice of Good Deeds – Serving Others – Mark 12:21 and James 2:22

Finding a Spiritual Mentor – Matthew 4:18

Other disciplines: fasting, solitude, self-denial, simplicity…

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Conclusion

“A Christian is one who does the deeds of Jesus, thinks the thoughts of Jesus and prays the prayers of Jesus.”

Augustine of Hippo

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Week VI

Sanctification


Do you know what it means to be “sanctified?”

In one sentence, define “sanctification.”

How does one become “holy?”

Do you feel “holy?”

Are there ways you can deepen your experience of a “holy” life? How? List those.

Explain, in your words, the meaning and purpose of “spiritual disciplines.”

What disciplines have you practiced or currently practice? What others might you like to practice?

What, if any, new insights do you have about sanctification?

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Week VII

Discipline of Heart and Soul

Introduction

Living in the “process”

Living out the “Tension”

Invasion by the Holy Spirit

Falling “in love” with God – yielding to Him with heart and soul

Holy Dying

Conclusion

Waiting in the “dim” light to see “face to face”

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Week VII

Discipline of Heart and Soul


Jesus taught to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” (Mark 12:30a) What does this mean to you?

David wrote, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) What does this mean to you?

In what ways do you love the Lord with “all your heart?” With “all your soul?”

What changes might you make in your spiritual practices as a result of this lecture?

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Week VIII

Evangelism and Mission

Introduction

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine…”

Matthew 5:15, 16

Evangelism

The “Decade of Evangelism”

“Evangelism is the presentation of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in such ways that persons may be led to Him as Savior, and follow Him as Lord within the fellowship of His Church.”

Archbishop William Temple, d. 1944

Answering the call to Evangelism

Where are the problems?

Where do we go from here?

Two “levels” of evangelism?

“…go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:20

“…and teaching them to obey…”Matthew 28:20

Hope for the future?

Taking OUR place!

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Mission

What is the Church to do?

“Real Mission: The Service Begins when the Worship is Over!”

You are called to Mission! So… Well…?

Conclusion

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Week VIII

Evangelism and Mission


In your own words, define “evangelism.”

Define “mission.”

Define “vocation.”

Jesus commanded the apostles, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:18) What does this mean to you? How do you live this out in your own life?

What is your “job?” Do you see this as part of the work of the body of Christ?

What is your “vocation” as a child of God?

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Week IX

The Journey of Prayer

Introduction

Gallup estimates 90% of Americans pray. We all pray! Times of ‘want’ and ‘times of crisis.’ Yet what is prayer?

“Prayer is the important activity in our lives. It is the main way in which we develop a relationship with our Father in heaven.” (Nicky Gumbel)

Jesus “on Prayer”

Jesus did not “suggest” prayer; He assumed it!

“...and when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6)

“We must never wait until we ‘feel’ like praying before we pray. Prayer is like any other work; we may not ‘feel’ like working, but once we have been at it for a bit, we begin to feel like working!”

Richard FosterCelebration of Discipline, p. 45

We need to pray because Jesus prayed, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

Prayer is an absolute necessity. Think of communication in friendship and marriage. So prayer is to our spiritual relationship.

“Prayer–secret, fervent, believing prayer–lies at the root of all personal godliness.” (William Carey)

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“To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.” (Richard Foster)

“I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer...” (Martin Luther)

“God does nothing but in answer to prayer.” (John Wesley,who backed up his conviction by devoting two hours daily to prayer!)

“To pray is to descend with the mind into the heart, and there to stand before the face of the Lord, ever-present, all seeing, within you.” (Theophan the Recluse)

When to Pray

When it works!

Pay attention to posture–comfort and discomfort are sometimes required!

Elements of Prayer

A sense of humor! Be on guard against your false piety!

“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” (C.S. Lewis)

“Be joyful always.” (I Thessalonians 5:16)

Sincerity and Honesty (Matthew 5:5-13)

No babbling!

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The Pieces of Prayer – SACTS

“Silence”

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Adoration”

“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people... Praise be to God!”

Psalm 68:35

“Confession”

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our but also for the sins of the whole world.”

I John 1:8-2:2

“Thanksgiving”

“...give thanks in call circumstances...”

I Thessalonians 5:18

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“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Matthew 7:7-8

On “Asking and Receiving:” Potential Stumbling Blocks to Prayer?

Sin

Motivation

God’s will “...according to His will.” (I John 5:14)

God’s “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait!”

Praying–despite not understanding

Conclusion

“Satan laughs at our words.Mocks at our toil.But trembles when we pray!”

Samuel Chadwick, d. 1932

“Giving God the Pieces”

“Breath Prayer”

“To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.”

Richard Foster

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Week IX

The Journey of Prayer


When do you pray?

From the reflection on prayer, what, if any, changes might you make in your own prayer life?

How comfortable are you “asking” God for what you really want?

Knowing God desires to answer your prayers, how does that help you in your asking?

What is the most pressing want you have right now? Have you prayed about it?

What happens when we don’t communicate with those we love? What happens when we don’t communicate with God?

How does prayer “bridge” the gap between you and God?

What, if anything, might you change about your prayer life as a result of this reflection?

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Week X

Reflections on Life after Death

Introduction

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

I Corinthians 13:12

Glimpses of the Future

Matthew 17:1-13 and Mark 9:2-13

John 20:10ff

John 20:24ff

John 21:12ff

What it won’t be

Sorry…we won’t be angels!

Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:7 and 13:2

Thankfully, we won’t be reincarnated!

Hebrews 9:27

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It is in the Father’s Hands

“...everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”

John 3:15

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

Matthew 25:34

New Books by The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr.A portion of proceeds goes to support Outreach Ministries at St. Martin’s

Bits of Heaven A Summer Companion$16.95 | Available Now | 9781640652712 “In this wonderful, refreshing, and powerful book, an experienced Rector holds your hand and takes you through the eternal truths that can shape and enhance a life. With humor and anecdote, he helps you understand the gift of faith. As you plan your summer, this is a must read addition. With this book, Russ Levenson is becoming the fi nest writer of devotional texts in the Episcopal Church today.”

– The Very Reverend Ian Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary

Finding Shelter An Autumn Companion$16.95 | Available Now | 9781640652699 “Whenever Russ speaks or writes, I listen or read. He has the heart of a pastor and the skill of a poet. So grateful for him and this book.”

– Max Lucado, Senior Minister of Oak Hills Church, San Antonio and Bestselling Author

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– The Very Reverend Dr. Ian Markham, Dean and President, Virginia Theological Seminary

A Path to Wholeness A Lenten Companion$16.95 | November 2020 | 9781640653177“Dr. Levenson does not duck the tough questions as some preachers tend to do, neither does he offer simplistic solutions to the moral demands that come our way day after day. Instead, he reminds us why being a Christian is the most wonderful thing in the whole world.”

— The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Dr. George L. Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury

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