For the past thirteen weeks in Bible study and worship, we have focused on twelve spiritual disciplines that have helped Christians grow and become more effective followers of Jesus since the advent of the Christian era. Are these disciplines relevant for living the Christian life in the 21st century? Unquestionably! I cannot imagine how someone could live the Christian life without adopting a majority of these disciplines:
- Meditation: Finding a quiet solitary place to listen for God’s voice. (Philippians 2:1-11)
- Prayer: Engaging in honest, ongoing conversation with God. (Luke 11:1)
- Fasting: Voluntarily abstaining from a normal function, such as eating, for the sake of intense spiritual inquiry or transformation. (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Study: Growing and maturing through “the renewing of your mind” so that you can discover and experience God’s direction for your life. (Romans 12:1-2)
- Simplicity: Noticing and embracing the simple gifts in life and honoring God with your attitude and your actions. (Luke 12:15)
- Stewardship: Honoring God in the way you manage all of the resources and responsibilities placed in your care. (Malachi 3: 6-12)
- Submission: Becoming a good and faithful follower of those who lead us, so that we truly work toward the common good. (Mark 8:34-35)
- Service: Using our best spiritual gifts and personal passions to serve God by serving others, especially the “least of these” in our community. (Matthew 20: 25-28)
- Confession: Regularly admitting our sin and our need for God in order to experience forgiveness, healing, and growth. (I John 1:8-9 )
- Worship: Gathering with the community of faith to celebrate and respond to the initiatives of God in our life and in our world. (John 4:19-26)
- Guidance: Discovering the leadership of the Spirit corporately and individually. (Acts 15:22-35)
- Celebration: Festively engaging in praise and thanksgiving for God’s grace and for God’s good gifts. (John 15:9-11, Philippians 4:4)
As we continue to practice these spiritual disciplines, we begin a new series this Sunday called “Celebrating Life: Learning to Live Life God’s Way.” Join us for worship and Bible study this Palm Sunday as we talk about “Giving a Grand Welcome.”
On Sunday evening, you are invited to Pleitz Chapel where we will share in a Holy Week Communion. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated in two sessions: 5:00-5:30 and 6:00-6:30. Come as you are and bring the whole family to one of these opportunities.
