This article first appeared as a blogpost on the rfpa website and was written by rev. Free uk delivery on book orders dispatched by amazon over. Whitney will help you understand and practice the most important spiritual disciplines. Here are book recommendations on spiritual disciplines. Like all whitneys books, this one is saturated in both spiritual disciplines within the church is similar in structure and tone to spiritual disciplines for the christian life. Spiritual disciplines biblical truths about prayer a. The transforming life series is based on a curriculum developed at dallas theological seminary for its spiritual formation program, under the guidance of the center for christian leadership. Others follow rigid patterns and become legalistic in their practice. Scripture intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, service, silence and solitude, fasting, stewardship, learning and journaling, but so. In this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as. Disciplines for the disciple the discipline of meditation introduction 1. They help to bring the believer into a mental, emotional, and spiritual state of higher awareness of god, his nature, and his kingdom.
Extremely helpful book with the foundation being 1 timothy 4. Spiritual disciplines for the christian life by donald s. Sometimes, individuals know that they should practice spiritual disciplines, yet they resist. Six new books on spiritual formation on sale at hearts. Spiritual disciplines for the christian life kindle. In spiritual disciplines within the church, seminary professor, author, and former pastor don whitney shows how the local church can build a sense of community and turn church people from. In the spiritual disciplines handbook adele calhoun gives us directions for our journey toward intimacy with christ. Personally, i think the evangelical church as a whole lacks in the important discipline of spiritual discernment. Dallas willard, in the spirit of the disciplines, and richard foster, in celebration of discipline, have compiled a list of spiritual disciplines and practices they believe were modeled in the life of christ. Spiritual disciplines are among the three biblical change agents given to us to help us become christlike. Recommending the discipline of spiritual discernment to the men who lead our small groups was an easy thing to do. This conversation is especially relevant here at the beginning of 20 with so many new biblereading and prayer plans in the offing.
Conclusioneach of the 12 spiritual disciplines that foster recognizes helps to combat the sinful nature and our naturalistic world view. Disciplines for the disciple the discipline of meditation. Buy spiritual disciplines for the christian life pilgrimage growth guide by whitney, donald s. Since the 1980s there has been a growing recognition in evangelical seminaries that spiritual development, or rather, the absence of favorable results among most. So we decided to group some related disciplines and address others individually. There are thousands of definitions of spiritual formation, but heres what i mean by it. This book has helped me rediscover disciplines that i had forgotten, or at the least neglected, and to adopt new ones. The impact of writers such as henri nouwen, richard foster, dallas willard, and kathleen norris spurred a newfound interest in the spiritual disciplines and spirituality in general.
We also decided that covering the disciplines in categories predetermined by one of the books mentioned above would mean not being able to discuss scripture and particular disciplines in great depth. While the word discipline may make us want to run and hide, the author shows how desires and discipline work together to lead us to the transformation were longing forthe transformation only christ can bring. Thurman explores five major dimensions of the spiritual life. Gratefully, don whitneys new edition of spiritual disciplines for the christian life has removed all references to sermon tapes and subscription services.
Long considered a classic, this book is now in its longawaited second edition, and it is better than ever. I download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Spiritual disciplines are often viewed primarily as a means to draw us closer to god. This book takes the same concept of spiritual discipline and applies it to a local church setting. Get one with print big enough to read so it does not punish your eyes. A gospelcentered spirituality is a sola scriptura spirituality.
Comparison of spiritual disciplines, 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous, and the oxford group principles this is a comparison of some of the most popular ways people use specific behaviors or attitudes that they normally would not use, for the sake of their spiritual development. Spiritual disciplines and christian ministry beverly vos 4 au crucible 2. Dallas willards book followed several years later called the spirit of the disciplines, a why and rationale for the disciplines. Youll be encouraged to have honest conversations about the challenges of practicing these disciplines, and through engaging, thoughtprovoking activities, youll begin to view them as privileges rather than chores. In her book, spiritual disciplines handbook, adele calhoun provides materials involving use of. These are the powerpoint slides i am using to teach spiritual disciplines on sunday mornings at brown trail. In a world committed to selfseeking and the thirst for individual rights, it is hard to create a genuine community based on self sacrifice and mutual commitment, but that is just what the church must do. First, practice the right disciplines those personal and interpersonal spiritual disciplines found in the bible. Ask a pastor to list spiritual disciplines that are critical for christian growth and reading the bible and meditating on its truths may be first mentioned. As a biblical counselor ive read and recommended his little book on pornography to many men. Last sunday i asked if going to church is a spiritual discipline. I am often asked if, and in what ways, donald whitney differs from those who are promoting mysticism and the ancient practices of roman catholicism in evangelical circles.
Whitney, 9780891097594, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Foster is the author of several bestselling books, including celebration of discipline, streams of living water, life with god, and prayer, which was christianity todays book of the year and the winner of the gold medallion award from the evangelical christian publishers association. That is, few know the author, the publisher isnt particularly renowned, the national press most likely isnt going to do stories. Don whitney, spiritual disciplines for the christian life revised and updated. I describe them several ways 6 aspects of that description. First published in 1991, the book has finally been expanded and updated in a second edition. The spiritual disciplines of the christian life are activities that arise out of this commitment and purpose, and thus activities that aim at the glory of god and growth in holiness.
Although watchfulness is not as familiar as spiritual disciplines like meditation, prayer, and fasting, it is just as necessary for a healthy spiritual life. While these practices do deepen and enrich our vertical relationship with god, kyle david bennett argues that they were originally designed to positively impact our horizontal relationshipswith neighbors, strangers, enemies, friends, family, animals, and even the earth. Spiritual disciplines for the christian life by donald whitney. Whitney addresses reading your bible, meditating on scripture, prayer. The spiritual disciplines are those practices found in scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in the gospel of jesus christ. A biblical, theological, and historical study of gods covenants ebook web page by dr j ligon duncan iii. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading spiritual disciplines for the christian life. Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising.
We have been limiting ourselves so far to the home. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to god, to become more godly in character and behavior b. Some of the books listed on this resource page suggest the above possibilities in addition to other 5 listed. The best books on spiritual formation the gates are open. We christians, for the most part, are very familiar with the spiritual disciplines that are a natural part of the christian life. If you travel to canadas thousand islands region you can visit boldt castle, or what is left of it. Left to our own desires, we will always choose the ways of the world. They are habits of devotion, habits of experiential christianity that have been practiced by gods people since biblical times. The activity involved with becoming more intimate with god through disciplines, practices and knowledge, with the goal of becoming more christlike in my 41 years as a christfollower, i have read many books that sought to help me in this. Foster is the author of several bestselling books, including celebration of discipline, streams of living water. Each chapter gives an explanation and biblical basis for spiritual disciplines such as bible intake, prayer, meditation, memorization, worship, solitude, journaling a favorite.
Spiritual disciplines shepherds gate renewal ministry. This book has been the inspiration i needed to do what i should have been doing all along. Adele has provided a treasure trove of spiritual disciplines that will nourish your soul, striking a delicate balance between accessibility and. Disciplines for the disciple introduction to spiritual. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. For individual practice, the most important personal spiritual disciplines are first, the intake of scripture, and second, prayer. These disciplines are typically organized into two categories. Transformation occurs as heartfelt desire to grow in christlikeness joins with intentional practice of the disciplines.
Drawn from a rich heritage, spiritual disciplines for the christian life will guide you through a carefully selected array of disciplines. Selected readings on the twelve spiritual disciplines richard j. Since gods word does not actually use the term spiritual disciplines what one lists as a discipline is up to ones own discretion. Learning spiritual discipline in this plan, you and your. Nathan finn joins us today to offer his five favorite books on spiritual disciplines. Just last month he joined us at the desiring god offices, and we had the opportunity to talk briefly about the christian spiritual disciplines or means of grace, as jerry prefers. As i wrote to discover the answer, my opinion shifted from no to it could be.
In 1900 george boldt, millionaire owner of the waldorf astoria hotel in new york city, decided to build a castle for his wife, a replica of a castle one might see in europes rhineland. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. And of its exposition from scripture ebook web page by james buchanan. Look around until you find a good one, and then learn to love it. Scripture exhorts all christians to be watchful, regardless of their station and season in life. A spiritual discipline is, when practiced faithfully and regularly, a habit or regular pattern in your life that repeatedly brings you back to god and opens you up to what god is saying to you. Isaiah is another great book to help you and lift you. Spiritual disciplines for the christian life kindle edition by whitney, donald s.
Nathan serves as director of the center for spiritual formation and evangelical spirituality at southeastern baptist theological seminary, where he teaches courses in church history and historical theology. Another one i recommend widely is donald whitneys spiritual disciplines for the christian life. Spiritual disciplines for the christian life pilgrimage. But reading as a spiritual discipline is more focused on explicitly christian literature, reformed literaturein short, biblical literature. Now and then, there is that rare person who finds the healthy balance in nurtur. Top ten spiritual disciplines study to shew thyself. When you feel you want to do it, go on to romans and hebrews and some of the deeper theological books. Spiritual disciplines we fight a constant battle within that pulls our focus, time, energy, and resources toward ourselves. Ryan barnhill, pastor of peace prc in lansing, il spiritual disciplines of the christian life. The quiet radiance and certainty that illuminated howard thurmans faith shine like a beacon through every page of disciplines of the spirit. By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them, spiritual disciplines for the christian life will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to. Prayer is our way of personally relating and connecting to him. Tozer devotional cultivating spiritual disciplines. Some two thousand years ago, the imprisoned apostle paul wrote to timothy, the cloke that i left at troas with carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
1429 646 1235 661 744 217 255 37 983 417 1327 827 1134 1340 744 680 971 309 1153 1179 1197 344 826 874 865 1635 170 139 628 1433 331 123 1176 107 1316 885 1275