Reflection for Thursday August 18th 2011

Paul wanted to create living models of the message he received, not just theories or theologies. He seemed to consistently have a priority for what I call mission, message, and mutuality, the three “Ms,” over any sense of buildings, centralized control, or institutions. He frequently describes his work as creating living households, temples, and written letters (II Corinthians 3:2) that manifest the inner message. It was a very organic notion of church, built from within by people who personally know the Christ experience, and exhibit various charismatic gifts to prove it.

Such a notion of Christianity comes from a high level of inner awareness and actual experience, which admittedly many are not yet capable of. In the Gospels, this distinction is made by referring to a primary baptism of water and the actual baptism of the Spirit (Matthew 3:11). This created an experience-based religion as opposed to mere external belief systems and ritual practices. If we take many of Paul’s messages we have a desire to chew on them and taste them—and test them—at an inner level, because we suspect his words come from a high level of consciousness, deep awareness, and inner authority. Ironically, we have no clear account of Paul certainly being baptized with water (Acts 9:19 and 22:16), but it is rather clear he is baptized fully in the Holy Spirit. I have met such real “Christians” myself many times; they may have no official membership or sacraments, but they are glowing with spiritual gifts.