Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines in the Bible refer to practices that cultivate spiritual growth and deepen one’s relationship with God. These disciplines are rooted in biblical teachings and examples, reflecting a commitment to living a life aligned with God’s will. Key practices include prayer, fasting, meditation, study of Scripture, worship, and service. For instance, in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul encourages believers to train themselves for godliness, indicating the intentionality behind these disciplines. Similarly, Jesus exemplifies prayer and solitude in places like Luke 5:16, showing that these practices were essential to His ministry and relationship with the Father.The purpose of spiritual disciplines is transformation and intimacy with God. They help believers to focus on Christ, resist temptation, and grow in grace. In John 15:5, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of remaining connected to Him, which can be achieved through these disciplines. Ultimately, spiritual disciplines are not merely about duty; they are avenues through which believers experience the grace and power of God, leading to a fruitful and vibrant spiritual life.
Spiritual Disciplines16
The Discipline of Pursuing Healing
By Todd Atkinson43743:27MAT 4:18LUK 4:38In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of accepting Jesus and his teachings. He emphasizes that Jesus will always go where he is most accepted and welcomed. The speaker uses the example of a man who was preoccupied with stealing wheelbarrows and missed the valuable presence of Jesus in his life. The sermon also highlights the story of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who humbly pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. The speaker encourages listeners to have a heart that welcomes Jesus and expects great things from him.
The Discipline of Receiving
By Todd Atkinson39845:01LUK 4:42LUK 5:12In this sermon, the speaker poses a hypothetical scenario where the Lord visits the congregation in a powerful way, revealing His immense love and desire to bless them abundantly. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means to receive these blessings and to be filled with God's presence. Drawing from the example of Jesus, who prioritized his prayer time to be refueled by God, the speaker encourages the audience to carve out space for personal communion with God. The message highlights the need to consistently seek God's presence and not neglect this vital aspect of the Christian faith.
The Discipline of a Right Spirit
By Todd Atkinson44144:45LUK 9:51Todd Atkinson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a right spirit in our interactions with others, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment. He reflects on the disciples' reaction to the Samaritans' lack of welcome towards Jesus, highlighting their desire to call down judgment rather than extend grace. Atkinson reminds us that true discipleship involves practicing mercy and understanding the spirit of grace that Jesus embodies. He encourages the congregation to be open to correction and to examine their own hearts for any unsanctified attitudes that may arise in challenging situations. Ultimately, the message calls for a commitment to embodying a spirit of love and mercy in all our relationships.
The Discipline of Grace and Truth
By Todd Atkinson4921:06:26PSA 95:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship and entering God's presence with praise and thanksgiving. He references a Bible passage that talks about the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, highlighting the significance of Jesus being full of grace and truth. The preacher shares a story told by Billy Graham about a couple who had a fight, but the husband surprises his wife with flowers, demonstrating the importance of showing grace and love. The sermon concludes with a parable about a master inviting people to a feast, emphasizing the need to invite everyone to experience God's love and fill His house.
The Discipline of Being Vigilant
By Todd Atkinson4101:12:45MAT 6:33LUK 21:25LUK 22:39EPH 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in our relationship with God the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages believers to edify and strengthen one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. They also highlight the significance of offering heartfelt worship and devotion to the Lord. The sermon emphasizes the need to be vigilant against conforming to worldly influences and to be aware of the signs of Jesus' return.
Called to Serve, Give, Pray, Fast, and Bless (Mt. 6:1-21)
By Mike Bickle241:00:18MAT 6:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of living out the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, particularly focusing on five key kingdom activities: serving, giving, praying, fasting, and blessing others. He explains that these activities are not just duties but pathways to spiritual maturity and deeper intimacy with God, highlighting that God sees our efforts and rewards them generously. Bickle warns against seeking recognition from others, urging believers to live for the audience of one—God Himself. He reassures that every act of kindness, prayer, and service is noted by God, who promises to reward us both in this life and the next. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to these practices as a means of experiencing God's grace and transforming our hearts.
The Discipline of Asking
By Todd Atkinson45835:01LUK 11:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the second part of the text, specifically the story of the persistent friend that follows the Lord's prayer. The story illustrates the importance of hospitality in the culture and the willingness to help others, even at inconvenient times. The speaker then transitions to the verses that follow the story, emphasizing the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God has hidden secrets and blessings for us to discover through spiritual adventure and seeking.
Cultivating Spiritual Disciplines
By A.W. Tozer0JOS 1:8PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 2:5COL 3:21TI 4:15HEB 4:12JAS 1:22A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of cultivating spiritual disciplines, particularly through prayer and Bible reading, to align our thoughts with God's. He warns against the distractions of earthly thoughts that stem from a fallen society and encourages believers to immerse themselves in Scripture, starting with the Gospel of John and progressing through the Psalms and deeper theological texts. Tozer stresses the importance of meditation and self-examination, urging individuals to assess their spiritual progress and the state of their minds as either a temple for God or a place of discontent. He reminds us that our thoughts will ultimately be judged by God, making it crucial to nurture a mind that reflects Christ. The sermon calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and the rejection of complacency in our faith journey.
The Discipline of Focus
By Todd Atkinson42248:42HOS 10:12LUK 2:36In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in the Christian life. They highlight the need to go beyond momentary conviction and instead cultivate a discipline of aligning with God's word. The speaker shares their personal experience of apathy and lukewarmness in their church and how a revival conference brought about a spiritual awakening. The sermon then transitions to discussing the discipline of fasting and the importance of spiritual focus and rediscovering our spiritual priorities. The speaker acknowledges that this is the last discipline covered in the series but acknowledges that there are many more spiritual disciplines to explore.
The Discipline of Intentional Community
By Todd Atkinson40240:03MAT 6:33LUK 9:1LUK 9:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a common mission and purpose in order to build intentional relationships within the church community. The speaker refers to the story of Jesus calling his 12 disciples as an example of sharing in the ministry and mission of Jesus. The speaker encourages the congregation to actively seek fellowship and community, whether through small groups or informal gatherings, in order to support and pray for one another. The sermon concludes with the reminder that maintaining intentional relationships requires effort and dedication, but it is essential for the growth and success of the church.
This Is a Test
By David Wilkerson0PSA 119:11PRO 18:8GAL 6:71TH 5:17HEB 3:13JAS 1:26David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need for personal prayer, Bible reading, and the dangers of gossip and secret sin in his sermon 'This Is a Test.' He warns that neglecting these spiritual disciplines can lead to a hardened heart, making it difficult to withstand future trials. Wilkerson highlights the importance of heeding God's warnings and maintaining a close relationship with Him to prepare for challenging times. He urges listeners to reflect on their actions and attitudes towards prayer, gossip, and sin, as these can lead to spiritual decay. Ultimately, he calls for a return to genuine faith and obedience to avoid the pitfalls of a hardened heart.
The Discipline of the Crucified Life
By Todd Atkinson37051:18LUK 9:23Todd Atkinson emphasizes the significance of the crucified life in the journey of discipleship, urging believers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily to follow Jesus. He explains that true discipleship involves a willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the sake of serving Christ and others, highlighting that our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, allowing us to live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Atkinson stresses that the message of the cross is central to Christian faith, representing both suffering and the transformative power of God's love. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity as saints, living out their faith with love and purpose, and to recognize the importance of feeding their new nature through prayer and scripture.
The Discipline of Rest
By Todd Atkinson35448:51MAT 6:33LUK 10:38In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10:38-42. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his teachings, just as Mary did. While Martha was busy serving and being anxious, Mary chose to prioritize her relationship with Jesus. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have a balance between serving and spending time with God, emphasizing that there is one thing that is necessary - to be at the feet of Jesus and let ourselves be loved by him.
The Discipline of Transparency
By Todd Atkinson35837:56MAT 6:33LUK 5:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of discipleship and how Jesus trained and taught his disciples. The sermon focuses on the process of discipleship and how it applies to believers in the present day. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and working with God in this process. The sermon also includes a reading from the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus performs a miracle by filling Simon Peter's nets with a large number of fish.
Growing Strong Through Spiritual Disciplines
By Israel Wayne1.5K44:17PSA 119:9PSA 119:11JER 29:11MAT 6:331CO 10:312TI 2:152TI 3:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and ministry of John Wesley, highlighting his dedication and service to God. Wesley traveled thousands of miles on horseback, preached countless sermons, and published numerous books. Despite his age, Wesley continued to serve God diligently, although he admitted that laziness was starting to affect him. The speaker encourages the audience to follow Wesley's example and surrender themselves for service, emphasizing the importance of loving others and using their talents for God's glory. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of worship and scriptural study in the life of a believer.
Ten Spiritual Disciplines
By Phil Beach Jr.831:04:04PSA 119:97ROM 12:1GAL 5:19EPH 4:22JAS 4:71PE 1:131PE 2:11PE 2:111PE 3:151PE 5:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the active nature of God's grace and love in the believer's life, arguing that true love compels action, purpose, and determination. He warns against passive Christianity, urging believers to engage in ten spiritual disciplines outlined in 1 Peter, which reflect a vibrant relationship with Christ. These disciplines include girding the mind, putting aside sinful behaviors, craving God's Word, and submitting to authority, all driven by the love of God. Beach highlights that a lack of action may indicate a waning love for God, and he encourages daily prayer for the fullness of God's love to maintain fervor in faith. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine experiences with God will lead to practical changes in one's life.