The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life

The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life PDF Author: Larry Mehaffey
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1449735061
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
In attempting to more effectively communicate the principles of spiritual life to those who sincerely desire a deeper reality in their walk with Christ, I have discovered that most people appreciate practical and straightforward instructions, and this is especially true when it involves the mystical nature of spiritual life. Although spiritual life is not meritoriously attained through natural means or human effort, there are several Practical Steps that can be taken to help facilitate the practice of spiritual disciplines. The combination of these Practical Steps with the spiritual disciplines themselves will work to promote a dynamic life of faith that will effectively bring the believer into a productive and rewarding relationship with God. Man is an intentional creation of divine wisdom explicitly designed to fulfill a sacred purpose: Agape love requires a soul to empty the wealth of its humanity upon the altar of God as a willing sacrifice If determination is to live up to its potential in promoting the spiritual life , it must be united with some very fundamental practical steps Heaven should not be a culture shock to the consciousness of the believer; it should be a gradual final step into the glorious reality of a spiritual life whose progress began at conversion Divine pleasure must be the goal of human effort, not divine favor The genuineness of what we actually believe is nowhere so obviously exposed as in our daily schedules It does not take overtly carnal acts to corrupt the days of a mans life, for inattention and idleness produce the same result as evil actions or wicked intentions Liberty must always precede service if either are to be authentic It is our great love for the Father, not our initial desire for salvation, that motivates and liberates the sincere believer to live a life of chosen obedience to God

The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life

The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life PDF Author: Larry Mehaffey
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1449735061
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 184

Get Book Here

Book Description
In attempting to more effectively communicate the principles of spiritual life to those who sincerely desire a deeper reality in their walk with Christ, I have discovered that most people appreciate practical and straightforward instructions, and this is especially true when it involves the mystical nature of spiritual life. Although spiritual life is not meritoriously attained through natural means or human effort, there are several Practical Steps that can be taken to help facilitate the practice of spiritual disciplines. The combination of these Practical Steps with the spiritual disciplines themselves will work to promote a dynamic life of faith that will effectively bring the believer into a productive and rewarding relationship with God. Man is an intentional creation of divine wisdom explicitly designed to fulfill a sacred purpose: Agape love requires a soul to empty the wealth of its humanity upon the altar of God as a willing sacrifice If determination is to live up to its potential in promoting the spiritual life , it must be united with some very fundamental practical steps Heaven should not be a culture shock to the consciousness of the believer; it should be a gradual final step into the glorious reality of a spiritual life whose progress began at conversion Divine pleasure must be the goal of human effort, not divine favor The genuineness of what we actually believe is nowhere so obviously exposed as in our daily schedules It does not take overtly carnal acts to corrupt the days of a mans life, for inattention and idleness produce the same result as evil actions or wicked intentions Liberty must always precede service if either are to be authentic It is our great love for the Father, not our initial desire for salvation, that motivates and liberates the sincere believer to live a life of chosen obedience to God

Sacred Rhythms

Sacred Rhythms PDF Author: Ruth Haley Barton
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830878297
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of spiritual disciplines, Ruth Haley Barton takes you more deeply into understanding seven key spiritual disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life.

The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life

The Practical Steps to the Deeper Spiritual Life PDF Author: Larry Mehaffey
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 144973507X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
In attempting to more effectively communicate the principles of spiritual life to those who sincerely desire a deeper reality in their walk with Christ, I have discovered that most people appreciate practical and straightforward instructions, and this is especially true when it involves the mystical nature of spiritual life. Although spiritual life is not meritoriously attained through natural means or human effort, there are several "Practical Steps" that can be taken to help facilitate the practice of spiritual disciplines. The combination of these "Practical Steps" with the spiritual disciplines themselves will work to promote a dynamic life of faith that will effectively bring the believer into a productive and rewarding relationship with God. "Man is an intentional creation of divine wisdom explicitly designed to fulfill a sacred purpose" "Agape love requires a soul to empty the wealth of its humanity upon the altar of God as a willing sacrifice" "If determination is to live up to its potential in promoting the spiritual life ..., it must be united with some very fundamental practical steps" "Heaven should not be a "culture shock" to the consciousness of the believer; it should be a gradual final step into the glorious reality of a spiritual life whose progress began at conversion" "Divine pleasure must be the goal of human effort, not divine favor" "The genuineness of what we actually believe is nowhere so obviously exposed as in our daily schedules" "It does not take overtly carnal acts to corrupt the days of a man's life, for inattention and idleness produce the same result as evil actions or wicked intentions" "Liberty must always precede service if either are to be authentic" "It is our great love for the Father, not our initial desire for salvation, that motivates and liberates the sincere believer to live a life of chosen obedience to God"

Introduction to the Spiritual Life

Introduction to the Spiritual Life PDF Author: Brant Pitre
Publisher: Image
ISBN: 0525572767
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 337

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Book Description
A compelling exploration of the biblical foundations, contemplative practices, and spiritual path of Jesus himself—from the bestselling author of The Case for Jesus “What happens when a biblical theologian explores classic spirituality? This book. Pitre’s students have asked, Why have we never heard this before? The reader wonders the same.”—Dr. David Fagerberg, author of Liturgical Mysticism The path of following Jesus is an ancient and storied spiritual tradition. Yet many believers are not familiar with the three major forms of prayer and the three stages of spiritual growth that exist to bring them closer to God. In his most personal book yet, Brant Pitre, PhD, draws on the riches of the Bible, the words of Jesus, and the writings of mystics across the centuries to shed light on the mystery—and wonder—of the spiritual life. Starting with the age-old belief that the path of prayer is not only informative but transformative, Dr. Pitre explores • the scriptural roots of the major forms of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation • the purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages of spiritual growth • the spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving • the Jewish roots of the Lord’s Prayer • Lectio Divina: how to pray with the Bible • seven vices and their seven opposing virtues • the battle of prayer: how to deal with difficulty and distractions • the “dark night of the soul” in the Scriptures Full of sacred truths, contemplative insights, and practical steps, Introduction to the Spiritual Life is a biblical road map of the spiritual landscape that enables us to follow Jesus as our primary guide.

From Here to There

From Here to There PDF Author: Dennis Lee
Publisher: Xulon Press
ISBN: 1498442994
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 195

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Book Description
When you look in the mirror, what do you see: a person who truly believes he/she is on the right path, or one struggling daily to find a sense of identity? More importantly, how do you see God as you seek the purpose for your life: as your back pocket Lord, or as your personal guide? For some, they may feel they are on the right path but have drifted away from discerning and understanding God’s will for them. This inspired pastor and author Dennis Lee to establish a meaningful resource for readers wanting to grow in their relationship with God, in his new Christian discipleship book; From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation, part of his Spiritual Formation series. As an “A through Z roadmap on discipleship,” Dennis offers readers a biblically-sound guide to familiarize readers to biblical principles of what it’s like to be a follower of Jesus Christ, being found in His likeness. Each chapter clarifies this developing relationship with God, established when you accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and furthered through changing how you approach living this life in Christ. Pastor Lee takes the reader along this narrow road described by Jesus, looking at a Christian’s true identity when pursuing God’s presence and becoming aligned with His will. To make sure his readers’ stay upon this path, Lee looks at Satan’s potholes that damages a person’s spiritual transformation, as well as God’s speed bumps to help believers slow down and not miss God’s promises for their lives. It’s a journey to the ultimate destination of Heaven with God, and this guide will help you make the necessary changes and take the required steps to stay upon God’s path.

How to Live a Holy Life

How to Live a Holy Life PDF Author: Charles Ebert Orr
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 121

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Book Description
"How to Live a Holy Life" by Charles Ebert Orr is a self-help and devotional book that was written to help Christians live a more Godly life. Starting with an example of the type of life to use as a model, Orr goes on to discuss the different ways one can be closer to their faith. Using the bible, using heaven, using the Commandments, and more are all discussed and through well-thought-out arguments, the book allows readers to slowly gather the tools they need to live according to their values.

Pursuing God's Will Together

Pursuing God's Will Together PDF Author: Ruth Haley Barton
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830869786
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
Church boards and other Christian leadership teams have long relied on models adapted from the business world. Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center, helps teams transition to a much more fitting model—the spiritual community that practices discernment together.

Attached to God

Attached to God PDF Author: Krispin Mayfield
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310363802
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Why does God feel so far away? The reason--and the solution--is in your attachment style. We all experience moments when God's love and presence are tangible. But we also experience feeling utterly abandoned by God. Why? The answer is found when you take a deep look at the other important relationships in your life and understand your attachment style. Through his years working in trauma recovery programs, extensive research into attachment science, and personal experiences with spiritual striving and abuse, licensed therapist Krispin Mayfield has learned to answer the question: Why do I feel so far from God? When you understand your attachment style you gain a whole new paradigm for a secure and loving relationship with God. You'll gain insights about: How you relate to others--both your strengths and weaknesses The practical exercises you can use to grow a secure spiritual attachment to God How to move forward on the spirituality spectrum and experience the Divine connection we all were created for You'll learn to identify and remove mixed messages about closeness with God that you may have heard in church or from well-meaning Christians. With freedom from the past, you can then chart a new path toward intimate connection with the God of the universe.

Keep in Step with the Spirit (second edition)

Keep in Step with the Spirit (second edition) PDF Author: J I Packer
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN: 1789740584
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 334

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Book Description
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and enables us to grow and endure in our relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Often the most misunderstood member of the Trinity, the person of the Spirit continues to attract attention today amidst church revivals and renewals. In this new edition of his classic Keep in Step with the Spirit, J. I. Packer seeks to help Christians reaffirm the biblical call to holiness and the Spirit s role in keeping our covenant with God. Packer guides us through the riches and depth of the Spirit s work, assesses versions of holiness and the charismatic life, and shows how Christ must always be at the centre of true Spirit-led ministry. A new chapter explores Christian assurance. With abiding relevance and significance, Keep in Step with the Spirit sets forth vital knowledge for healthy and joyous Christian living, through understanding and experience of God the Holy Spirit. Here is a book for every serious believer to read and re-read.

Real-Life Discipleship

Real-Life Discipleship PDF Author: Jim Putman
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 1617472689
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Is your church making disciples . . . who make disciples . . . who make disciples? Real-Life Discipleship explains what should happen in the life of every Christian and in every small group so that the church becomes an army of believers dedicated to seeing the world saved. With the overriding goal to train disciples who know how to make more disciples, this book offers proven tools and strategies from Real Life Ministries, one of America’s fastest-growing churches. In this book, you will learn: How to create churches that succeed and grow How to intentionally disciple believers in every stage of their spiritual development How to find and develop leaders in your church This book also contains these helpful features: A summary and profile of each stage of spiritual growth Recommended resources for disciple-makers Spiritual facts A presentation of the gospel Discover what the Bible says about true and effective discipleship with these strategies and practices in this great church resource.