Getting, Doing, Being.
A Fresh Perspective on the Story of the Prodigal Son Shows Us How We Might Grow in Grace
by
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The image of that memory is still rather vivid. I was a young associate pastor of a church in Bangor, Maine. Noted Bible teacher and author, Judson Cornwall, was with us for a series of meetings in 1976 or 1977. I had heard of him and seen him on Christian television, but had never met him until then. We were heading down the hallway of one of the educational wings toward the sanctuary when it happened.
I’m not sure what prompted me to share with him something that had been on my mind. Maybe it was simply an overflow of the excitement of a fresh revelation I felt the Lord had given me. Perhaps I was looking for some affirmation that what had come to me was really of God. It might even be that in my immaturity I was seeking some recognition that I was an up and coming servant of the Lord. Whatever my motivation, Judson Cornwall’s response would prove to be pertinent and invaluable.
“I feel like God recently showed me that believers tend to pass through three stages of the Christian life: getting, doing, and being,” I blurted out. To my surprise his reply came with no hesitation. “Want an illustration of that?” he inquired. I was happy for his input, especially since it seemed it would validate my sense that I truly had heard from the Lord on the matter. Once more he spoke without pausing for even a moment. “The prodigal son,” he declared. Instantly I realized that I had been the recipient of a blessed insight from a true man of God. My understanding on the matter had been confirmed by one of the most beloved stories in all of Scripture.
Four decades later I found myself writing this book on those common stages of the Christian life pictured in the aforementioned parable of the prodigal son. My respect for the man who guided me to that Biblical demonstration of this principle has remained steadfast over the years. Vast as the gap between his godly character and my own spirituality was, in the little time spent sitting under his teaching and the brief moments experienced in his private counsel way back then, I developed a deep affinity for him. His spiritual influence lingers even though he passed into eternity in 2005.
Similarly, my appreciation for the truths of God’s Word has withstood the scrutiny of the better part of a lifetime. Though there are still many things I don’t understand, my study of the “book of books” has confirmed the veracity of it’s fundamental teachings, and continued to reveal fresh insights into the nature of the Lord and His loving plans for His children. “Getting, doing, and being” are still relevant to our spiritual maturity. Although the details of the prodigal’s narrative will differ from those of our own stories, it’s essential path will be similar enough for us to gain knowledge which will help us learn and grow.
The body of work that follows is an outgrowth of the teaching ministry to which God has called me. Though the primary purpose of the things He has shown me has been to draw me closer to Him and transform me step by step into the image of His Son, Jesus, He’s also meant for me to pass these truths along to my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s my prayer that the divine principles expounded in this book will find a lodging place in your heart, and a vibrant expression in your life
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About the Book
Although the Christian life begins with a single act of faith and repentance, that birthplace was never meant to become a nest where we remain undisturbed for the rest of our days. We were “born again” to a new life, intended to grow into adulthood. We should be developing and exercising our spiritual wings over a lifetime, concluding with a glorious flight to heaven. Many believers, however, stagnate in spiritual immaturity. Getting, Doing, Being defines three common stages of our growth and urges us to enter into this discipleship training, experiencing the delight of learning just who we are in Christ.
“My favorite story to teach and preach is that of the Prodigal Son. More than any other text in thirty-six years of pastoring, this young man’s story has captivated my attention. And just when I thought I knew all there was to know about this pericopé of Scripture, Sam Mason hands me a copy of Getting, Doing, Being.
“Insightful, challenging and inspiring, all who read will love this newest book from Sam Mason, a great writer, a true Christian gentleman, a gift from God to His church”
—Darrell W. Waller, Senior Pastor of Winchester Church of God, Winchester, Virginia.
About the Author
At a young age, Sam Mason felt the call of God to communicate Bible truths. At 13 he began ministering through gospel music, singing with a quartet in churches and other venues. Upon graduation from high school he attended what is now Northpoint Bible College. Over the years his calling has led him to pastor, preach, teach, sing, counsel, and minister through radio and television.
More recently Sam has found himself authoring books expounding the principles he’s been discovering over a lifetime of study and prayer. His desire is that his writings will challenge and inspire readers to enthusiastically pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord.