Spiritual Disciplines

Don Whitney in his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, describes spiritual disciplines as "The spiritual disciplines are those practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are habits of devotion, habits of experiential Christianity that have been practiced by God’s people since

biblical time."


In an effort to be a people who are not just hearers of the word but also doers, in conjunction with our sermon series Tools For Life, we are providing as many helpful resources as we can to guide you in pursuing the spiritual disciplines. While we know these disciplines do not save us nor change our standing with God, we do believe that these things are a gift to us to help us focus on and engage with our God.


A Few Books on Spiritual Disciplines

The books listed on this page can be ordered from our friends Roscoe Books


Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Don Whitney

The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard


Engaging Scripture

Online Commentaries and Bible Study Websites

Pastor Tim's Sermon Notes about Bible Intake


How to do an Inductive Bible Study


Bible Reading Resources

Prayer

Models of Prayer


Pastor Tim's Sermon Notes about Prayer Week 1


How Do I Pray the Bible?


Books on Prayer

  • Prayer by Timothy Keller
  • Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
  • A Simple Way to Pray by Martin Luther
  • Prayer: Does it make any difference? by Philip Yancey

Worship

"True worship is done in Spirit and in Truth. Worship is both heart and head."


Tips for Worship

-Keep a list of things you can enjoy and worship God about. 

-Incorporate worship into your normal life. (What do you already do, what are you passionate about, that can point you toward God?)

-Journal

-Create something

-Gather together for Sunday services (Be early, be prepared to experience God)


Pastor Tim's Sermon Notes


Books on Worship

  • Worship by the Book -D.A. Carson
  • Christ Centered Worship -Bryan Chapell
  • Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts -Harold Best



Corporate Worship/Communion

We are made for community. We are made to gather together.


Pastor Tim's Sermon Notes


Prepare yourself to take communion. (Questions to ask yourself before taking communion)

  -Why am I taking communion? (What's your heart behind going to the table?)

  -Am I withholding forgiveness from someone? 

  -Am I holding on to anger or hate?

  -Is there sin I should confess?

-Be reconciled to one another first, then worship.