Why Renovation? Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ~ 1Corinthians 3:16-17 Renovation is the process of working with Christ to repair the emotional damage our souls have suffered, and to remove the trash of worldly thinking that has accumulated over the years so that we may live victorious lives in Christ. What this book will teach you to do: Remove the causes of ongoing emotional pain that manifest in feelings of worthlessness, rejection, bitterness, trust issues, addictions, self-hatred, anger, fear, hopelessness and depression. Remove beliefs, values, attitudes, vows, and agreements with things opposed to God and His characteristics of love, mercy and holiness that result in sin. These things, having been set in motion at some point in our lives, continue to bear fruit today, even though we belong to Christ. Like Paul, we find ourselves doing the very things we hate. So the workmen labored, and the repair work progressed in their hands, and they restored the house of God according to its specifications and strengthened it. ~ 2Chronicles 24:13
As Christians, we know that we are new creations in Jesus. So we try to act differently, hoping this will make us more like Him. But changing our outward behavior doesn’t change our hearts. Only by God’s grace can we be transformed internally. Renovation of the Heart lays a biblical foundation for understanding what best-selling author Dallas Willard calls the “transformation of the spirit”—a divine process that “brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God.” This fresh approach to spiritual growth explains the biblical reasons why Christians need to undergo change in six aspects of life: thought, feeling, will, body, social context, and soul. Willard also outlines a general pattern of transformation in each area, not as a sterile formula but as a practical process that you can follow without the guilt or perfectionism so many Christians wrestle with. Don’t settle for complacency. Accept the challenge Renovation of the Heart offers to become an intentional apprentice of Jesus Christ, changing daily as you walk with Him.
The Soul Renovation program uses Biblical principles to help identify areas in your life that are causing stress, conflict, loneliness, depression, anxiety.... It is designed for small group interaction but can be used on an individual basis. As you learn to consistently apply these principles to your daily life, you will begin to experience healthy self-esteem, connection with others, enjoyment of life, freedom, peace and general well-being. Foundations Have you ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem or "less than" others? Embarrassment or self- consciousness? And because of those feelings, have you ever found yourself isolating from groups or friends you'd really like to connect with? Foundations, the first section in the Soul Renovation workbook, contains the tools which can help start you on the path toward improved, healthy self- esteem and confidence in relating with others. Framework Have you ever experienced resentment and anger toward others, leading to separation from them? Framework gives you Biblical tools to identify the root cause of your anger and to actually resolve the anger-freeing you from the burden of bitterness, fatigue and isolation, and enabling you to reconnect with others. Finishes Have you experienced the fear of criticism, failure, abandonment? Finishes gives you additional tools to incorporate into your daily life. Conscious daily repetition of these principles leads to positive life change. Soul Renovation is a game changer. If you want true healing so that you can be your best self, as a spouse, parent, and understanding friend, Soul Renovation is for you. I am a Christian Counselor and i have gone through this 2 times, I have seen first hand healing in my heart, marriage, and my life. It made me a better parent, and wife. I have since led 4 groups. The dramatic healing that i have seen through this curriculum has been miraculous. Soul Renovation is a must for anyone interested in growing from the inside out! Kenette This book had a tremendous effect on my marriage and in relations with others. The book makes you peel back the layers of your false character and reveals your true identity. Buy the book, do the work! You will be amazed how God sees and loves you. Tarvin Going through the Soul Renovation workbook has brought me much joy and security and several deep and lasting friendships. I began my first time through Soul Renovation with the goal of "fixing" my wife as I thought and felt that she was the source of all our relational/marriage challenges. About halfway through the study I came to realize that most of the problems were due to my personality shortcomings and lack of relationships skills. Working through the process of confessing and cleansing was not easy, but the result has been personal growth, marriage joy, the ability to experience when i am not being all i would like to be and then making quick and proper adjustments. For anyone who desires deep intimacy in marriage, joyous interactions with family, friends and coworkers, I highly recommend fully participating in a Soul Renovation course. Robert Soul renovation changed by life. It helped me walk through a biblical process on how to hear God's voice in my life for healing. It helped reveal areas and patterns that I was accustomed to and with grace showed me how to step into healing with an actual process and biblical instructions. Holiday
Are you longing for life-changing transformation in your relationship with God? Get ready to find fresh illumination for your faith journey in this short and practical guide. Exploring over 60 carefully chosen selections from renowned author Dallas Willard’s bestseller Renovation of the Heart, this book offers powerful brief lessons for character formation. With devotional-sized quotes and rigorous daily experiments, this book will challenge and encourage you to dive deeper than ever before in your relationship with the Creator. Perfect for group or individual study, this guide is for anyone and everyone, no matter the stage of your Christian walk. Working through Dallas Willard’s plan for spiritual renovation of the whole person, this book covers a wide range of topics, such as: What “death to self” looks like The crucial role of good thinking The interplay of will, thoughts, and feelings Being a person of joy and peace The body’s role in spiritual formation Be inspired and strengthened as you enjoy the adventure of these experiments in spiritual transformation and grow an unshakeable faith. “No one has impacted my life like Dallas Willard. But for most of us, it helps to break his thoughts into bite-sized portions and then actually do something with them. So, this is a feast!” —John Ortberg, author and speaker “I see no way to work through this book without being radically changed from the inside out.” —Howard Baker, instructor of Christian formation, chaplain, author of Soul Keeping
Adele Calhoun's Spiritual Disciplines Handbook has become a standard for those who want to expand their knowledge of spiritual practices. Now this beloved resource has been revised throughout and expanded to include thirteen new disciplines along with a new preface by the author, giving us practical guidance in our continuing journey toward intimacy with Christ.
The three steps of salvation in a nutshell are these - becoming a Christian; living the Christian life; and going to heaven. Theologians refer to these three steps as Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. The first and third steps are instantaneous experiences, but the second step (sanctification) is a life long process whereby the Holy Spirit works in the believer's life to bring about practical holiness and transform his character into the likeness of Christ. It is this second step of salvation with which the believer struggles, because it requires putting to death the deeds of the body (saying "no" to our sin nature), and obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit (saying "yes" to God) - this is the essence of spiritual warfare. Sadly, most churches in the West today pretty much ignore the issue of Sanctification, and just focus on Justification - either out of ignorance about what Scripture teaches, or out of fear that living a holy life is essentially "legalism." But living a life of obedience to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with legalism - legalists think they "gain favor with God" by being good, but believers obey Christ out of gratitude because they already "have favor with God!" The "key" to sanctified living is gratitude! The Bible emphatically describes God as being both loving and holy, yet western Christianity primarily focuses on God's love, and says almost nothing at all about His holiness. As such, the central message of most churches is one of love and forgiveness, with scarcely a word being said about holiness and death to sin and self. Satan is thrilled with our one dimensional Christianity, because it essentially leaves believers lukewarm, impotent and ineffectual. This book presents God's blueprint for spiritual development and portrays the "transformational experiences" every believer goes through in life - they include ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and valleys, joy and suffering, victory and defeat - these experiences are the "norm" for every believer; none of us get a painless, trouble-free road to glory. Incidentally, the material presented in this book reflects the teachings of the most respected Christian theologians since the reformation - individuals the evangelical community has long recognized as being "pillars of the faith." To our lamentable regret, however, these teachings no longer have a prominent place in the vast majority of churches in the West. It is time for believers in America today to reconsider the fullness of God's call upon their lives. Donald W. Ekstrand is a retired pastor, adjunct professor, and author. Dr. Ekstrand holds degrees in finance, business education, theology and divinity, and is a graduate of Arizona State University, Talbot School of Theology, and Western Seminary. He has served as pastor, teacher, ministry consultant, and executive administrator for more than 40 years. Don and his wife, Barbara, have two grown daughters and reside in Phoenix, Arizona
The world as we know it is full of transgression. People travel in many directions to cope with the difficulties behind the obstacles in their lives. In the end, the satisfaction they intended on receiving is lost in the wind. These obstacles are unavoidable, but how we push through them can paint the picture of our future. The Renovation Project introduces a formula that the soul needs to solve many problems that everyday obstacles bring. Gentrification is the key to letting go of all things that have been a hindrance to us and those around us. In this book, I give an example of a torn-down home, why renovation would be best, how renovation is possible, and how to maintain our renovated homes. In this case, our home is our souls. Enjoy! The Renovation Project has a scoop of both developmental psychology and spiritual awareness for individuals seeking guidance and wisdom.
This book will help you reflect on the spiritual significance of each element of the human person—heart, mind, body, social life, and soul—so that God can transform you. Includes discussion questions.
Complete the Cycle of Grace How sweet the sound–it saved a wretch like you. It’s amazing. But has God’s grace changed you? Is it changing others through you? Richard Blackaby explores what may be causing you to miss out on an abundant life of grace, and how simply knowing about it is a far cry from embracing a grace-filled lifestyle. Once you fully experience and grasp its essence, you can’t help but “practice” God’s undeserved favor by passing it on to everyone around you. Grace shares a close relationship with love, is never static, and is always searching for those willing to receive it. This book focuses on pointed and practical life application so that you can attain the power of gracious living today! Let God’s Grace Flow Through You God’s grace is so boundless, so contrary to human nature, and so unconditionally given that you will never understand it… …until you give it away. Get ready to be washed in pure joy, renewed by a fresh sense of gratitude for the rich, undeserved favor God continually bestows upon you. Dr. Richard Blackaby explores what it means to make God’s grace a lifestyle and how it will become personal, practical, and recognizable in your life. You’ll discover: What genuine grace is and what it is not The power of life words and the devastation of death words The secret to establishing a grace-filled home How to recognize grace-giving opportunities Ways to extend grace when you don’t think you can Unable to deny His unconditional love, or even to keep it to yourself, soon grace will have a face. And the reflection in your mirror will tell its story. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound It’s a living, breathing testament to the depth of God’s love. You don’t deserve it, but you’ve got it. So, what are you doing with God’s amazing grace? Many Christians sing of its sweet sound, but fail to extend it to others–missing the point entirely. Putting a Face on Grace provides practical ways you can become a conduit of God’s grace to those around you. Dr. Richard Blackaby’s personal stories will have you nodding in agreement, laughing with empathetic understanding, and eagerly embracing a new life worth passing on. You will become the essential element that keeps God’s life-giving grace flowing. And if you think you’re unworthy of such an honor, that’s good. That’s grace… Story Behind the Book Much has been said about God’s grace. Observing it, defining it, soaking it in. But little has been said about bringing it full circle, to the point where we freely receive and give it on a daily basis. This is what lifestyle grace is all about. Richard Blackaby’s book hits a market in need, and “reinvents” grace for us all–exploding our understanding of this tremendous gift and bringing it into a new, tangible dimension.
In this practical workbook Stephen A. Macchia looks to St. Benedict as a guide for discovering your rule of life. It takes time and effort; you must listen to God and discern what he wants you to be and do for his glory. But through the disciplines of Scripture, prayer and reflection with a small group you will journey toward Christlikeness.
