There is, let’s say, a difference between knowing about God and knowing God firsthand. It’s possible to have a lot of theology under your belt, to have a good bit of God-theory, and still not know God in your bones. Turns out, this difference matters. I’m reminded of Andrew Shamy’s final encouragements at past Venn Summer Conferences:
We don’t need more shallow people in this world. We don’t need more shallow people in the church. We need deep people. People who go deep into God, into Scripture, into his life, into all we’ve thought about and explored this week—who let these be what sustains them in life and causes their growth…. There’s nothing wrong with being intelligent or gifted; we need these gifts. But the real need is people of depth. Become people of depth. Grow deep roots in God. Strive after him as your first and greatest love.
In this Lenten, Autumn edition of Common Ground, we’re exploring: Why go on the deeper journey with God? Why seek to make Jesus Christ central to your life? What would it mean—for your work, for your household, for your future, your community—to press on to know God not just as a proposition, but as a living reality?
This is one of the themes animating Drift No More by Dan Sheed, and we’re stoked to be able to republish here as our lead article Chapter 2 of this brand new book. In “Tethered to Christ, gripping with two hands”, Dan explores how “Christ beckons us to discover… a new way to be human.” There’s a good deal to Dan and this project, including a massive heart for the Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand—so we’ve made a short interview with him to fill out the picture. Paul Williams, CEO of Bible Society UK, extends Dan’s encouragement and challenge in “Press On to Know Jesus”. In a meditation drawn (like Drift No More) from the Letter to the Hebrews, Paul cuts to the chase: God is calling us to go on a deeper journey with him; accepting that call will change everything.
That’s the testimony of teacher and leader Dr Pauline Simonsen, who features in our Field Notes interview. Pauline is Dean of Emmaus Bible College, and a Spiritual Director. In this beautiful, heart-expanding conversation, she talks with John Dennison about leadership and disappointment, about praying relinquishment, and experiencing the real presence of Jesus. To this we’ve added “Where we’re at with Jesus”, a compilation of stunningly honest reflections from three people about their life with Christ, and their longing for more. Like them—like so many before us—may we have courage and heart to go on the deeper journey with God.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dr. John Dennison,
Editor, Common Ground
