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Spiritual Disciplines and Practices. CS 510. If spirituality is a journey, decide on a path . . . If Christian spirituality is the chosen path, life will be characterized by . . . The One on whom the mind is set The One on whom the eyes are focused The Author and Perfecter of the faith
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If Christian spirituality is the chosen path, life will be characterized by . . . The One on whom the mind is set The One on whom the eyes are focused The Author and Perfecter of the faith Becoming a disciple of Jesus
In order to become a disciple of Jesus, one must consider the realities of spirituality
Christian spirituality defined • Spirituality – human interaction with God through Jesus Christ • Study or “Read” – at the level of academic discipline • Formulation of a Teaching or “Reflect” – a way of understanding the dynamics of how relationship with God works • Live it out or “Respond” – The practices lived out in relationship with God
The “subsets” as defined by Evan Howard • Spiritual Formation – the means by which growth is fostered in the Christian life • Mysticism – the exploration and conscious experience of the divine presence • Spiritual Theology – the science of the development of Christian maturity
Is there a connection between spirituality and discipleship?
Dallas Willard said that a follower of the Christ must be wholly devoted in his or her innermost being to discipleship Christian Spirituality Discipleship
What does discipleship involve? Wholeness
Spirit is the “center”–the heart or will Sign of health: unbodily personal reality and power
Feelings and thoughts come from the mind Sign of health: growing ability to manage self
The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit—individually and corporately Sign of health: proper maintenance of the functional, God-given “machine”
Individuals participate in a variety of relationships and systems Sign of health: individuals involved as healthy participants in community
Transformation of the whole person, active with Christ in the process of spiritual formation Signs of health: movement away from idolatry (using God for my purposes), toward spirituality (submitting self to God for God’s purposes).
Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect . . .
Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect . . .
Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect . . .
What are the concerns of discipleship?
What are the “issues”? • Grace and works – grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. • Perfectionism – disciples may fail but they move away from planning to fail. • Good news - a gospel that deals with sin and a ticket to heaven or a gospel that leads to new and abundant life now. • No quick fix - inescapability of serious process over time.
How would you define the word “discipline”? Name the 12 classic spiritual disciplines. Name disciplines that may not be found in the list of classic spiritual disciplines.
Where does the process of discipleship begin? With me…