Spiritual Disciplines
"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:14-15)
Pastor Cliff's Blog
"Practicing Resurrection"
Click here to read and follow Pastor Cliff's blog. "Practicing Resurrection" details his reflections on the mystery of
following Jesus: our participation in the life-transforming process that only God can accomplish in and through us.
Verse of the Day
Cultivating Jesus' Life through Discipleship
"All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should." (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)
Learning to follow Jesus faithfully is a life-long process, not a one-time event. The Biblical expectation is that believers will grow and mature in their faith, and that we will participate with the Holy Spirit's work of inside-out transformation. Throughout the ages, Christians have found this process aided by the use of certain tools, exercises or "spiritual disciplines," that help re-train and shape our
minds, bodies, and desires to conform more readily to that of Jesus' Life in us.
We encourage the regular use of these exercises, not as an end in themselves, but as
intentional acts of cultivating our lives in the way of Jesus. Here are some spiritual disciplines mentioned throughout the Bible
which we commend to every follower of Jesus:
- Study and Prayer
- Silence and Solitude
- Secrecy and Sacrifice
- Fasting and Frugality
- Service and Submission
- Worship and Celebration
- Fellowship and Confession
