Aug 3, 2010 
If you are born again, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit – this is what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Knowing and living this out will greatly impact your life for Christ.
worshipping God, building up His church, reaching the world
Browsing the archives for the obedience tag
No Comments This summer we will begin partnering with the Soup Kitchen of Wheeling and the YWCA of Wheeling to launch new ministries to children and their families and single moms. There are many opportunities to pray/give/serve/send in these local areas. We are excited for the opportunities God has placed before us to “be salt and light” and “go and make disciples” and look forward to what He has in store for us through this work.
The Practice of Godliness is an excellent book by Jerry Bridges. It is a re-release of his sequel to the first book, The Pursuit of Holiness. In this book he addresses areas to grow in, “to put on” the new self and grow in Christian character. Pastor Bridges establishes three core elements (fear of God, love of God, desire for God = devotion to God) and the nature and need for training, and then briefly overviews each of 12 characteristics of God and His followers. Pastor Bridges’ book is heavily rooted in the Word but in an easy and flowing writing style. It is a practical exposition, encouraging the reader to apply what is developed. The author correctly focuses on internal heart and mind change in order to impact our outward behaviors – “good fruit can only grow from good roots and proper nourishment.” It is not necessary to read these chapters in order; the reader can “skip around” if needed. It would be helpful for the reader to read and study more on the areas of immediate concern. The additional study guide is helpful for further discussion and study. This is an excellent book to read and study through and apply in the life of any believer and follower of Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In our fourth session, The Challenge of Change, we learned that changing behavior and actions is second to what must occur first: a change of heart. Changing our behavior and actions are the leaves; changing the heart is the root of the issue. This changing of the heart is to change our thinking – “you are what you think.” Proverbs 27:19 tells us, “as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.” We must wage spiritual warfare and take every thought captive through the filter of Philippians 4:8-9. We can take control of our thinking and choose to think rightly and Biblically.
It is war we are waging! Be in control of your thinking! Exercise the power you have to turn off wrong thinking and turn on right thinking. Genesis 1:28 tells us to “subdue all the earth”, which includes our minds and thoughts.
It is hard discipline to train ourselves to think rightly. We are to put on right thinking, of God, His Son, His Spirit, the cross – every moment. Let us grow and press on to maturity, let us choose life over death.
In our second session, we reviewed the vigorous and vigilant effort it takes to train and discipline our bodies and minds for the glory of God. Training to think and act rightly takes continuous work and effort! Thankfully, God has given us a spirit of self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) and it is one of the fruits of the Spirit working within us.
It’s interesting how many times Paul refers to running a race and the image of an athlete as he describes our growth in Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to “throw off what entangles us” and “persevere and run the race.” It is our passion for Christ that fuels this determination. We are not meander aimlessly with no direction or purpose – we are to be moving forward and getting farther along every day. We press on (Philippians 3:13-14), not slide or drift!
A disciple must be disciplined, through the work of God, the church, and himself. We are to be killing sin and buffet our bodies daily. Your body and mind will do what you tell them to – practice self-control!
Praise God for His correction and rebuke and guidance that come from His Spirit and Word and church.
Dear Tiger Woods,
I saw you make your speech at the press conference today. You seemed sincere and moved – I understand this was a hard thing to do and it is a difficult time for you and your family.
With much concern and love, I must tell you you are looking for answers down the wrong path. You will not find forgiveness or peace or empowerment in Buddhism. To me, I heard a lot about “gaining respect” and “trying your best” to live up to the ideals of Buddhism, seeking rest and peace and a state of non-want. This is not the best way to overcome your issues. No amount of psychology therapy will help you either. You will fail again.
The only place to find forgiveness and empowerment is in Christ. You have sinned against God and your family and all your fans. You have broken God’s rules and there must be justice served. This justice is served through Christ’s atonement on the cross. “He who knew no sin became sin for you” and you can be forgiven of your sin in the eyes of God. “Christ died for you while you were His enemy” but “God loved you so much He gave His son’s life for you, so that you may be forgiven and have eternal life.”
If you are born again and acknowledge your sin and receive Christ as Lord and Savior, you will be on the true path of recovery. God will give you His Holy Spirit to live inside you and empower you and enable you to overcome your issues. I urge you to confess to the living, creator God of the Bible and walk in new life, “become a new creature in Christ Jesus.”
God bless you and make Himself known to you during this hard time
Pastor Leigh
“The Glory of the Lord” is from Ezekiel 1 and it begins a year-long sermon series from Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1 we see God’s glory and consider our response to His glory.
This is my sermon on holiness from Zechariah 5:1-11, September 20, 2009.
I quoted Jerry Bridges from his Pursuit of Holiness. I like his picture of the farmer who is dependent upon God for his crop yet he must work at the task of having the crop – this is the same as our holiness, both that we are dependent on God and yet we are responsible for working it out as well.
I find myself discouraged today, with ministry mostly. Searching for help, I came across the article from John Piper at this link.
Very refreshing and helpful.
God bless you.
Victory over sin and sanctification and growth and the marathon race that is the Christian life…
I have found this book by C.J. Mahaney to be very helpful in my personal struggles and in counseling others.
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