The Matchless Quest

Matchless Quest

Christian transformation takes place from the inside out. As we yield our lives to our Maker, Christ is formed increasingly in us. And as we become more like him on the inside, our actions change too.

We partner with God in this growth process, but the power to change lies with God rather than with us. Counting on our own self-effort tends us to lead more along a circular path than on an upward, liberating climb. Angela’s painting speaks to me of the liberty God gives when the shackles of self-effort are broken and Christ’s glory begins to shine through us.

In these pages I add my voice to that of many others to encourage you on the Matchless Quest of growing in the likeness of Christ.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18

Workshops

Drawing Near

This course is rooted in contemplative spirituality which prioritizes developing intimacy with God and the longing for a deeper, more vital Christian experience. It is centred around classic spiritual practices which have been practiced throughout church history by people in pursuit of God. More

The Matchless Quest Workshop

This workshop aims to inspire a hunger for pursuing God with consistency and depth, and provides tools to draw upon in this pursuit. Its inspiring and practical tone endeavours to stimulate lasting change in the participants’ approaches to meeting with God. The desired result is personal growth, but it doesn’t end there. As we grow in Christlikeness, our lives overflow to others, and the invitation to join the Matchless Quest goes on. More

Books and Links

  • Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Haley Barton The subtitle reads: Arranging our LIves for Spiritual Transformation. Barton writes from her own experience of moving from fast-paced drivenness toward rhythms which are compatible with hearing God’s voice.
  • Streams of Living Water - Richard Foster Foster succinctly describes the six great traditions of Christian spiritual practice. He profiles biblical and contemporary people who embody each tradition. And he goes beyond theory to giving suggestions on how to explore each tradition. A perceptive and practical book for the growing Christian.
  • The Work of His Hands - Ken Gire With stunning imagery, Gire brings us eye level with the beauty and mastery of Michelangelo’s prize work, La Pieta. From its painstaking creation to its restoration, he draws parallels with God’s work in his children, who are the work of his hands.
  • Living the Better Life newsletter
    The Purpose Driven Life site has a monthly online newsletters with articles geared toward growth.
  • www.renovare.org
    Richard Foster’s website provides a good introduction to the spiritual traditions covered in his above-listed book.

Deeper Devotion

Deeper Devotion is dedicated to helping individuals and churches go deeper with God. It brings together spiritual formation and worship arts, two areas which are vital to Christian life and community. The meditations and articles are offered here to encourage you spiritually. Workshop descriptions present equipping opportunities for your community. More

Articles

The Gaze of the Soul

Eugene Peterson (in Subversive Spirituality) has a unique take on the Transfiguration. He sees it as an invitation to the reader to gaze on Jesus, to marvel at his beauty. I’m fascinated by the light this perspective shines on the area of spiritual formation.

The Transfiguration experience contained three elements that set it apart in all of history.

First it revealed Jesus’ glory. His face shone and his clothing was radiant. For a moment the veil of his humanity which had been shrouding his true identity was lifted. After this glimpse of Jesus’ glory, Peter, James and John were convinced beyond a doubt that he was no mere human teacher, but was the Son of God.

Secondly Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. We know nothing of what was exchanged in their conversation, but the presence of these two particular figures speaks volumes. The Old Testament has significant things to say about the coming of Elijah and about a prophet who would be like Moses. Their appearance at this crucial time in history proclaims Jesus to be the focus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and hopes. He is the point of the whole story. (For more, download or listen to my sermon [20-08-2006] on the event.)

Thirdly the Father’s voice confirmed Jesus definitively as the Son of God. Jesus had just begun to teach his disciples that he must suffer and die, and this affirmation told them that Jesus had not lost his marbles. The Father affirmed that this seemingly incomprehensible plan was of God. They were to listen to what he was telling them. To really listen.

Being eye-witnesses of this event made a huge impact on Peter, James and John. Peter wrote: “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (2 Peter 1:16-17) The disciples were invited into a glorious event, and their writing invites us to come alongside of them to gaze on Jesus’ majesty.

But what does this have to do with our spiritual formation? Some pretty remarkable life-transformation happens when we choose to habitually gaze on Jesus. Here are a few:

1. Our capacity for adoration grows. Learning to adore Jesus consistently requires disengaging ourselves from the Read the rest of this entry »

Additional Articles

The Matchless Quest