Discipline for godliness

1 Timothy 4:7 "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."


Discipline is part of our lives whether we want to admit it or not. Anything we have done in life that has been important or long-lasting has some aspect of discipline involved; in practice, preparing, or doing. Sports, hobbies, academics, relationships, etc. all take some aspect of discipline.

Lack of discipline in certain areas often leads to failure or inadequate results.

What about our Christian lives? Do we apply discipline to our spiritual walk? Do we daily seek Him out in prayer and Scripture? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and make us godlier through His Word?

Here is a great book that points out the Scriptural foundations for having a disciplined walk with Christ.

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

Scripture Reading & Study, Prayer, Worship, Scripture Meditation, Evangelism, Serving, Stewardship of Time and Money, Scripture Application, Fasting, Silence & Solitude, Journaling, Learning

1 Timothy 4:16 "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

Reproductive Technology

Interesting articles on the moral aspects and biblical foundations in considering reproductive technology and practices..important discussions as these technologies and practice increase in frequency and breadth of "options."

Surrogacy

In Vitro Fertilization Technology

Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. "

Test the Teacher - Part 2

Do we test what we hear within our church? Every sermon? Lesson?

What about the teachings we see on TV? In popular books? On Blogs? The Internet? School?

It has amazed me how many people I encounter who will defend the teachings of popular figures whose teaching is either directly opposed to the Bible, biblically unbalanced, or biblically weak.

Two teachers who I am consistently impressed with their accuracy and balance in handling the Word of God and applying it to social and cultural issues are Dr. Al Mohler (Author, Blogger, Radio Host, and President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)and Hank Hanegraaff ("Bible Answer Man" and President of the Christian Research Institute). I think they would be the first ones to admit their own fallenness and imperfection, but day in and day out you will be hard pressed to find an argument or defense they give that is not firmly rooted and balanced in Scripture.

Here are some "teachers" that I feel that many are all too quick to listen to without testing them and their teachings against what Scripture teaches....there are many more out there; these are just two quick examples.

Oprah Winfrey
YouTube Video
Dr.Mohler's Articles
"Oprah and Her Self-Help Saviors - Making the New Age Normal"
New Age Movement Overview - A Biblical Perspective and Answers

Joel Osteen
Dr.Mohler's Articles
Book Review of Your Best Life Now
Trancript from Interview with Larry King on CNN (many excerpts of this interview and others on YouTube as well)

Helpful Biblical Passages...
The Book of Jude

2 Timothy 4:3-4 "3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

Matthew 7:15 " 15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Also I highly recommend the below book on this topic!