Take It to the Next Level

Oops this is my article for Saturday, but I didn't get it posted until late tonight, (after midnight). Well, It's been a long day, and I've been getting ready for a trip in to Tupelo, Mississippi. Anyway, we had a great service Sunday. The praise and worship was a real blessing, and I enjoyed preaching my Sunday message, "Take It to the Next Level."


What is the next level? I guess that depends on what's important to you. If you're into video games, the next level might be the new X-box 360, or a new version of an old game like Pong. The new X-box made no small splash on the Christmas scene this past year. If you're into multi-level marketing then might be thinking of sales volume. As I thought about the expression, "taking it to the next level," I came across everything from video games, to business articles, extreme sports, and space suits. Still I felt that God wanted us to think about the next level in terms of our spiritual growth. 2 Peter 3:18 makes it clear that spiritual growth isn't optional.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Usilujte o duchovní růst a hlubší poznání Pána Ježíše Krista.
Jemu patří všechna sláva již nyní i na věčnosti! Petr
(2.list Petrův 3:18)*

It doesn't say, "maybe you should think about spiritual growth," nor "perhaps you consider growing in the spirit." Peter writes more in the form of a strong command, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord." Today, I want to encourage you to pursue the next level in your spiritual growth.

As an example I would like to call your attention to a certain Jew in the book of Acts, named Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, who we read about in Acts 18:24-28.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,
came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough
knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in
the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and
taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the
baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their
home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged
him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving,
he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he
vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the
Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Mezitím přišel do Efezu žid z Alexandrie jménem Apollos.
Byl to výborný řečník a znalec Starého zákona.
Byl pokřtěn po způsobu Jana Křtitele,
znal leccos z Ježíšova učení a nadšeně a přiléhavě mluvil
o Ježíšovi. Tak vystoupil bez bázně i v efezské synagóze.
Tam ho uslyšeli Priscila a Akvila, pozvali ho k
sobě a důkladněji mu vysvětlili Kristovo evangelium.
Apollos se pak rozhodl jít dále do Řecka a zvěstovat
Ježíše. Efezští křesťané mu to schvalovali a dali mu pě
kný doporučující dopis. Svým výjimečným obdarováním
prokázal platné služby věřícím v Řecku. Zvláště vynikal
v debatách se židy, kterým dokazoval ze Starého zákona,
že Ježíš je Mesiáš. (Skutky apoštolské 18:24-28)*

This passage gives us a picture of Who God wants to take to the next level, How He wants to do that, and Why! Apollos is described as a man who is mighty in the Scriptures, while still be instructed in the way, and being fervent in spirit. I believe that he represents whoever wants to grow in the Spirit. That means that if you have a passion for God's Word then you are a candidate to take it to the next level spiritually. Secondly I think it is so important that Apollos learns the way more perfectly because of his relationship with Priscilla and Aquilla. God want you to be vitally involved with others to bring you into all of his wonderful plan for your life. I don't believe you get to the next level by being a spiritual hermit! Lastly, Why does God want to take us to the next level? Your sphere of infuence can have such an impact on others! If you submit to growing in Christ, and let him take you to the next level, then your life will have an awesome impact on the lives of others. Hey, Let's take this relationship with God to the next level! There is so much He want to do to bless your life. Next level, here we come!

*Scripture verses in Czech for my friend Ludvik Machala