I experienced something as a young believer who was passionate about following Jesus that changed the way I saw and experienced the world around me and within me.
Today we would call what happened to me a Biblical immersion (immerse: reflexive verb to become completely occupied with something, giving all your time, energy, or concentration to it). Every day for months I immersed myself in the Word of God reading the Bible and praying for hours about what I had read everyday. This total immersion not only illuminated (transitive and intransitive verb to provide somebody with knowledge or with intellectual or spiritual enlightenment) me but challenged everything I believed, everything I understood and the way I interacted with the world and everyone in it. Every thought, action and belief came under the conviction and illumination of the Holy Spirit. I spent many and hour repenting and grew in grace and truth. This process did not stop but has has continued for many years now and I have come to understand that my World view has continuously been changed and molded as I have submitted myself, my experiences and beliefs to God.
Another significant part of my transformation was the Christ like love and wisdom of my first pastor, his wife and the church they led. Pastor Jim and Julie Maley and the people of what is now the Pueblo Christian Center taught me by example what the Good News of Jesus looked like in everyday life.
My journey as a believer has also been shaped by others in the Kingdom of God who have written books which are important in adding to or understanding of what we are a part of and just how our World-view impacts our usefulness to God. One of the many books that have impacted me is below.
If you want to know more go to the IVP web site http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2780 The primary reason for mentioning this book is the comparison of the transformational results and power of a Biblical immersion in the Word and Spirit of God and the contrasting de-transformational results of a life which is not filled with the truth and power of God.
When Jesus came He spent three plus years proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Many could not or would not allow their world-view to be changed by the truth and power He proclaimed through a life that did the will of the Father and that was empowered by the Holy Spirit. One of the most fascinating Biblical accounts of Jesus' impact on people is the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Lk 24:13-18
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they
talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took
place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Their hearts burned within them! The fire of God not only illuminates it also burns away the impure and all that is not of God. Will you allow God to immerse you in His Word and Spirit, allowing His Spirit to illuminate and burn away all that is not of Him?Your World View will Change to His World View even as Moses' was changed when he spent 40 days and nights in the presence of God!
The light of His glory will not fade, but it will transform us as we immerse ourselves in His Word and Spirit continuously!
Artwork by John Bell http://www.jrbell.com/cgi-bin/iotw.cgi/img
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