Fasting: There is a subtle irony in the concept of fasting, the spiritual discipline of forsaking food or other significant things in order to focus on and spend time with God. In our frenetic, over-stimulated world where everything is so big, convenient, and overblown, the idea of fasting almost always feels like slowing down. When everything is so convenient and accessible, all the time, in any amount, it's really countercultural/counterintuitive, to step away, put down the fork, and stop. Probably more than at any other time in history, our world is in desperate need for the slowing down, the quieting focus of biblically-informed fasting.
Imprint - Week 6 - Prayer
It's possible to build on firm spiritual foundation, one that endures/prevails in the face of storms; struggles, doubts, hardship, persecution, conflict, temptation, and crisis. Jesus' wisdom points to obedience; hearing and embracing/living His teachings. Not only is His wisdom key to rooting our faith, it's key to our transformation. And prayer is the catalyst that enables us to hear Jesus' words and put them into action.
Imprint - Week 5 - Scripture Meditation
No spiritual discipline is more foundational than study and meditation of Scripture. Nothing can substitute for it. There simply is no healthy Christian life apart from Scripture.
Scripture Study & Meditation is giving Scripture your full attention and embracing teaching.
Scripture Meditation leads to “hiding the word in our hearts” [memorization] and expressing the Word in our lives [application/action].
Scripture Study
The life in Christ is about change/transformation. We desire to be changed. God desires to change us. And He has give us His written Word, the Bible, as one of the primary catalyst for that change. No spiritual discipline is more foundational than Scripture study and meditation. There simply is no healthy Christian life apart from Scripture. Meditation and Study are not the same thing: Meditation is devotional [heart], Study is analytical [head]. Meditation will savor a word while study will clarify it. Study provides a framework within which meditation can thrive.
Imprint - Week 3 - The 3D Life
We always try to recreate the Acts 2 dynamic in our churches with well-intentioned programs/small group structures, but these are limited to working from outside in. But Spiritual Disciplines, working from inside out, cultivate spiritual maturity, and change kind of person we are when we show up/enter into fellowship/community.
When changed people gather, a changed church rises up, and a changed world is the result.
Imprint - Week 2 -The Unexpected Path to Freedom
The freedom of spiritual maturity is the freedom to share in God's vision for us and the world and to express Christ's character through our own personality. This freedom is the “reward” that comes from spiritual disciplines, not dabbling. Imagine what is possible? What are we missing out on through lack of discipline? What freedom could be yours? What/who is waiting for you in the life of faith?
Imprint - Week 1 - Shaped By God
If cumulative effect of all your discipleship has failed to change you, you've likely never fully surrendered to God and His will for your life. And perhaps your spiritual habits are weak, ineffective, or non-existent. But the life in Christ wasn't meant to be this way. God's idea is abundant life, dwelling together daily in dynamic relationship. God's hope is for our lives now to resemble/prepare us for life in eternity w/ Him. A transformed heart is possible. The life in Christ is designed to change you. Through the centuries, Christians have practiced certain Spiritual Habits or Disciplines that have facilitated meaningful and vibrant spiritual growth/maturity.