Roots and Wings: Navigating Faith Beyond Charisma

INTRODUCTION

The allure of charismatic preaching and its impact on faith depth.

Reference to Thomas Bergler's "The Juvenilization of American Christianity.”

Scripture: John 6:26-27 — The true motive for seeking Jesus.

John 6:26–27 LSB

Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, set His seal.”

These questions and readings are designed to guide you in a week of reflection and growth, encouraging a deeper dive into your faith and how it shapes your understanding and actions in the world.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 LSB

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Solid Foundations

The necessity of maturing from "milk" to "solid food" in our spiritual journey.

Scriptures:

Hebrews 5:12-14 — Encouragement towards maturity in understanding God's Word.

Hebrews 5:12–14 LSB

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern both good and evil.

Matthew 7:24-27 — The wise and foolish builders; the importance of a solid foundation.

Matthew 7:24–27 LSB

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. “And the rain descended, and the rivers came, and the winds blew and fell against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. “And everyone hearing these words of Mine and not doing them, may be compared to a foolish man who built his house on the sand. “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Emphasis on building faith on the solid rock of Scripture, not the shifting sands of emotional appeal.

Reflective Questions:

In what areas of your spiritual journey are you still consuming "milk" instead of "solid food"?

How can you start incorporating more substantial spiritual nourishment into your life?

Reflect on a recent challenging situation.

How did your foundation in God's Word help you navigate it?

If it didn't, what scripture can you turn to now to build a stronger foundation?

Bible Readings:

Hebrews 5:12-14

Matthew 7:24-27

Discerning the Shepherd

The importance of spiritual vigilance and discerning true spiritual leadership.

Scriptures:

Matthew 7:15-20 — Warning against false prophets.

Matthew 7:15–20 LSB

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. “You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Acts 17:10-11 — The Bereans' noble example of examining Scriptures daily.

Acts 17:10–11 LSB

And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

The call to actively engage with teachings and uphold Scripture as the ultimate truth standard.

Proverbs 2:6–7 LSB

For Yahweh gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and discernment. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright, A shield to those who walk in integrity,

Think of a time when you followed a leader or teaching without discernment.

What were the consequences, and how did it affect your faith?

How can you cultivate a Berean-like attitude, eagerly receiving the word while carefully examining the scriptures daily?

Bible Readings:

Matthew 7:15-20

Acts 17:10-11

Heart over Hype

Choosing deep, transformative relationships with God over temporary emotional experiences.

Scriptures:

John 6:26-27 — Seeking eternal life, not temporary satisfaction.

John 6:26–27 LSB

Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, set His seal.”

Mark 10:17-22 — The rich young ruler's challenge; the cost of true discipleship.

Mark 10:17–22 LSB

And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. “You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” And looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 — Paul's reliance on the Spirit's power over persuasive words.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 LSB

And when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with superiority of word or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the witness of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my word and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

The importance of authentic faith and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever pursued spiritual experiences more for emotional highs than for deeper relationships with God?

How can you shift your focus to seeking Him for who He is?

Reflect on Paul's emphasis on the Spirit's power over persuasive words (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

How does this perspective challenge the way you evaluate spiritual teachings and experiences?

Bible Readings:

John 6:26-27Mark 10:17-221 Corinthians 2:1-5

These questions and readings are designed to guide you in a week of reflection and growth, encouraging a deeper dive into your faith and how it shapes your understanding and actions in the world.

CONCLUSION

The call to spiritual maturity, integrity, and authenticity in our faith journey.

The challenge of living out our faith with depth, discernment, and a commitment to Christ.

Closing prayer: Psalm 51:10 — A prayer for a clean heart and a right spirit.

Psalm 51:10 LSB

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Final encouragement: Ephesians 4:15 — Growing up into Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Ephesians 4:15 LSB

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ,

Dear Lord,

Guide us this week to seek Your truth with open hearts and discerning minds. Strengthen our faith on the solid ground of Your Word, and lead us in understanding and love. May we always prioritize our relationship with You, beyond the allure of the moment, growing closer to You each day. Help us to embody Your love and wisdom in all we do.

Amen.