This is a presentation of a research project on the effect of classical spiritual disciplines on the spiritual and psychological well-being of participants. Eighteen persons studied and practiced thirteen different spiritual disciplines over a period of sixth months. Pretests and posttests measured the resultant change. Foundational chapters survey the literature of the disciplines and discuss the potential benefits and dangers of the spiritual practices considered. Substantial appendices contain the lessons presented on the disciplines themselves, as well as the test instruments used to measure results. A narrative relating the progress of the project from inception to completion is included.
This is a presentation of a research project on the effect of classical spiritual disciplines on the spiritual and psychological well-being of participants. Eighteen persons studied and practiced thirteen different spiritual disciplines over a period of sixth months. Pretests and posttests measured the resultant change. Foundational chapters survey the literature of the disciplines and discuss the potential benefits and dangers of the spiritual practices considered. Substantial appendices contain the lessons presented on the disciplines themselves, as well as the test instruments used to measure results. A narrative relating the progress of the project from inception to completion is included.
Drawn from a rich heritage, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will guide you through a carefully selected array of disciplines. By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to become more like Christ and grow in character and maturity. Now updated and revised to equip a new generation of readers, this anniversary edition features in-depth discussions on each of the key disciplines.
The Workbook on Spiritual Disciplines is a six-week study on spiritual disciplines for the enhancement of the devotional life. It is designed to be used by small groups, especially in the local church setting.Maxie Dunnam believes that discipline is required for the Christian life. But discipline is not to be seen as a religious practice that has merit within itself; it is a means to an end. The end toward which the discipline takes us is to grow spiritually, to mature in our Christian faith and life, to be alive in Christ.
As you study and apply the spiritual disciplines, you will find fresh power and enthusiasm to live like ChristLeave the treadmill of spiritual drudgery behind as you discover how you can be Disciplined for Life.
Rhodes offers a fresh view of connecting to God, one that focuses on quality time and frees people from the rigidity of a devotional life that may feel stifled, grow stagnant, or bring about guilt.
The Spiritual Disciplines Pamphlet explains the classic spiritual disciplines that help us follow Jesus: Scripture reading, prayer, fasting, worship, solitude, and evangelism. The Spiritual Disciplines Pamphlet makes an excellent handout or Bible study on Christian maturity for a small group or Sunday school class. It addresses questions such as: What does it mean to be Jesus' disciples in the twenty-first century? Do spiritual disciplines look different in an electronic age? How can spiritual disciplines be a joy, not a legalistic burden? Includes an explaination and advice on these Spiritual Disciplines: • Bible Reading/Study • Prayer • Fasting • Worship • Service • Solitutude • Discernment • Evangelism Each Spiritual Discipline includes: • Examples from people in the Bible • Tips for getting started • How each discipline helps us to have a Christ-focused life Discussion Questions • Scripture Reading: Read two of the Bible passages from the list on page 5. In your opinion, what is the message of these passages? Read the section on “The Disciplines Today.” Some people love to read the Bible; others see it as a challenge. What ideas might work for those who struggle? • Prayer: Read one of the Psalms listed at the top of page 6 and pick one other Bible passage in that section. What is the writer of the Psalms expressing in his prayer? Is he being honest with God about his emotions and problems? In what way does this change your view of prayer? What attitude should we have? What kinds of prayers should we avoid? Pick one of the ideas in “The Disciplines Today” and share how you might apply it. • Fasting: Choose two of the passages at the top of page 8 to read. Why did these people choose to fast? Now look at the quote. How can we keep our focus on the right thing? Fasting is one of the most neglected of the Spiritual Disciplines, but it is excellent for teaching us self-control. Look at the tips. How might you practice the discipline of fasting? • Worship: People worship in many ways as we can see from the biblical examples at the top of page 9. Which of these suit your personality and circumstances the most? Look at the first point under “The Disciplines Today.” In practical ways, how can we develop the right attitudes? When we worship in a group, the experience is often different from our private times of worship. What are the benefits of each? • Service: Jesus could have forced and bullied everyone into obeying him. Yet he did not. He chose to be a servant. Pick one of the passages from the Biblical Basis section at the top of page 10, and explain how Jesus' leadership is different from the kind of leadership found in the world today. Read the tips on page 10. How will you serve others in a way that imitates Jesus? • Solitude: Many biblical leaders sought to be alone with God. Pick one of the examples on page 11 and note anything of interest to you. If you are the type of person who likes having a lot of noise in your life, how do you practice solitude? What are the benefits of going off by yourself and praying and resting? • Discernment: Look at the examples of biblical discernment at the top of page 12. Read both of the last two bullet points in the Biblical Basis section. What does discernment mean and how does it look today? Some people seem to have the spiritual gift of discernment, but all believers can be more discerning in general. Why is it important to discuss issues with other believers? • Evangelism: Read all of the points at the top of page 13. What did Jesus teach? Look at the tips. What do you see as the most important? It is often easiest and most natural to share your own story with close friends. Do you ever sense an opportunity to discuss spiritual matters? Perfect for discipleship or small groups.
Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Discipline is important in the Christian life, and it is important to understand what you will become. God’s elect will ultimately conform to the image of Christ, and until then, they are to grow toward it. #2 The pursuit of holiness is not what qualifies us to see the Lord. It’s the Lord who qualifies us to see Him. We cannot produce enough righteousness to impress God and gain admittance into heaven. Instead, we can only stand before God in the righteousness that has been earned by another, Jesus Christ. #3 The Bible teaches that Christians should discipline themselves in order to become mature and godly. The only road to Christian maturity and godliness passes through the practice of the Spiritual Disciplines. #4 The Spiritual Disciplines are the habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times. They are the means of blessings for followers of Jesus and a part of their growth in godliness.
What does a real relationship with God look like? What is the biblical vision of true spiritual life? How do we grow in spiritual maturity? How we answer these questions influences the health, potency, and witness of Christians in an increasingly complex and hostile world. Conformed to His Image, Revised Edition answers these questions with clarity and insight, offering a comprehensive, balanced, and applicable guide to spiritual growth. Designed for use in college and seminary courses but also highly appropriate for any serious Christian wanting to grow, this revised edition helps readers build their lives on a fully biblical foundation. It offers a corrective to our tendency to narrow and compartmentalize spiritual growth by exploring twelve facets of authentic Christian spirituality, which include: Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly, and Others Compassionately Paradigm Spirituality: Cultivating an Eternal versus a Temporal Perspective Disciplined Spirituality: Engaging in the Historical Disciplines Exchanged Life Spirituality: Grasping Our True Identity in Christ Motivated Spirituality: A Set of Biblical Incentives Devotional Spirituality: Growing in Relationship with God Holistic Spirituality: Every Component of Life under the Lordship of Christ Process Spirituality: Process versus Product, Being versus Doing Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Walking in the Power of the Spirit Warfare Spirituality: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil Nurturing Spirituality: A Lifestyle of Evangelism and Discipleship Corporate Spirituality: Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship With chapter overviews and objectives, questions for personal application, a glossary, a list of key terms, and helpful appendices, Conformed to His Image, Revised Edition provides a defining text for the student, pastor, and church leader of today and tomorrow. This revised edition includes new recommended resources throughout, more recent examples of subjects discussed, and updated wording to better reflect our postmodern context.
Looking for a church with modern spiritual disciplines? Stop. God has something to say about Bible study, prayer witnessing, church attendance, service, and obedience, but many churches are unknowingly losing what God wants in an effort to become more relevant and increase attendance. Dr. Charles Stanley helps you take another look at what the Bible says concerning the age-old tools presented in the Scriptures and lets you decide if your church is still doing it right.
