The In Touch Study Series: Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines
()
About this ebook
There is much talk today about the spiritual disciplines. The age-old tools of Bible study, prayer, witnessing, church attendance, service, and obedience are still relevant today. Outlining the various stages of spiritual growth and how we can find Christ in every circumstance, this study enables believers to lay aside every sin and weight that would hinder them in their walk with God.
Insight from one of the world's most popular pastors for Christians who desire to be all that God has called them to be.
Charles F. Stanley
Dr. Charles F. Stanley (1932–2023) was a New York Times bestselling author who wrote more than sixty books, with sales of more than ten million copies. He had been senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia and his outreach ministry—In Touch—reached more than 2,800 radio and television outlets in more than fifty languages. Dr. Stanley was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster’s (NRB) Hall of Fame in 1988. Dr. Stanley’s goal was best represented by In Touch Ministries’ mission statement: to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. This is because, as he said, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Read more from Charles F. Stanley
10 Principles for Studying Your Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5God's Purpose for Your Life: 365 Devotions Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/530 Life Principles Bible Study: An Action Plan for Living the Principles Each Day Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5When the Enemy Strikes Workbook: The Keys to Winning Your Spiritual Battles Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Gift of Heaven Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5When the Enemy Strikes: The Keys to Winning Your Spiritual Battles Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Every Day in His Presence: 365 Devotions Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life's Trials Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5When You Don't Know What to Pray: 100 Essential Prayers for Enduring Life's Storms Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Charles Stanley's Handbook for Christian Living: Biblical Answers to Life's Tough Questions Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Listen to God Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Blessings of Brokenness: Why God Allows Us to Go Through Hard Times Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJesus, Our Perfect Hope: 365 Devotions Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEmotions: Confront the Lies. Conquer with Truth. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Finding Peace: God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Courageous Faith: My Story From a Life of Obedience Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related to The In Touch Study Series
Related ebooks
Sharing the Gift of Encouragement Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The In Touch Study Series: Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines: Follow God's Blueprint for Living Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRelying on the Holy Spirit: Discover Who He Is and How He Works Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Discovering Your Identity: Understand Who You Are in God's Eyes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDiscovering Your Identity Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Abc's of Christian Growth Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The In Touch Study Series: Pursuing a Deeper Faith Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The In Touch Study Series: Exploring The Depths of God's Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBecoming Emotionally Whole: Change Your Thoughts to Be Happier and Healthier Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLiving the Extraordinary Life: Nine Principles to Discover It Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Experiencing Forgiveness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPreparing for Christ's Return Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Winning on the Inside Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPreparing for Christ's Return: Preparing for Christ's Return Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe In Touch Study Series: Advancing Through Adversity Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Advancing Through Adversity: Rediscover God's Faithfulness Through Difficult Times Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Gift of Prayer Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe In Touch Study Series: Experiencing Success God's Way Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Courageous Faith: My Story From a Life of Obedience Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Developing a Servant's Heart: Become Fully Like Christ by Serving Others Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Forward Bible Study Guide: Discovering God's Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInto His Presence: An In Touch Devotional Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsProtecting Your Family Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeaving A Godly Legacy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeepening Your Prayer Life: Approach God with Boldness Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Numbers - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Learning Contentment in a Culture of More Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExploring the Depths of God's Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Saw the Lord: A Wake-Up Call for Your Heart Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Surviving in an Angry World: Finding Your Way to Personal Peace Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Christianity For You
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Bible (World English Bible, Easy Navigation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for The In Touch Study Series
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The In Touch Study Series - Charles F. Stanley
PRACTICING BASIC
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
CHARLES
STANLEY
01_PrctngBasicSpritDis_0001_001Copyright © 2000 by Charles Stanley
All rights reserved.Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.
Scripture quotations noted KJV are from the KING JAMES VERSION.
ISBN 0-7852-7294-1
Printed in the United States of America
01 02 03 04 05 PHX 6 5 4 3 2
CONTENTS
Introduction: The Strength of the Believer
1. Our Blueprint for Strength
2. Obedience to God’s Commandments
3. Conformation to Christ
4. A Personal Study of the Scriptures
5. Getting to Know the Lord
6. Looking for Christ in All Things
7. Faithful Giving
8. Involvement with Other Believers
9.The Four R’s of Spiritual Growth
10.Ten Hallmarks of Spiritual Strength
Conclusion:The Basics Never Change
INTRODUCTION
THE STRENGTH
OF THE BELIEVER
Of one thing we can be certain today—the Lord intends for our faith as Christians to be rock-solid.
At no time do we find the Lord calling His people to be weak in spiritual power, wavering in purpose, or wandering aimlessly through life. We are called, rather, to be strong in faith, certain of our salvation, and sure of our direction and eternal destiny.
One of the Bible’s descriptions for the Lord is that of a rock. The psalmist David said this in a praise song to the Lord:
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and
my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust. (Ps. 18:1–2)
Elsewhere in the psalms, David referred to the Lord as the rock of his strength, the rock of his salvation, and the rock of his refuge (Ps. 62:7; 89:26; 94:22). The Lord was his sure foundation, an immovable, impenetrable fortress.
In the New Testament, we find Jesus referred to as our spiritual Rock (1 Cor. 10:4). He is the chief cornerstone on which the entire church has been built (Eph. 2:20).
When we put our faith in God and trust Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord, we are placing ourselves on the sure, firm foundation that never falters and never fails. We are placing ourselves on a foundation that does not shift, crumble, or crack. We are placing ourselves on a foundation that is eternal and unchanging.
As part of God’s holy and living temple—a dwelling place of God in the Spirit
—we are to bear the same qualities as the foundation on which we are built (see Eph. 2:21–22).We are to remain strong in times of crisis or persecution, solid in our understanding of the Scriptures, sure of our relationship with the Lord, and steadfast in our pursuit of all that the Holy Spirit calls us to be and to do. God’s people are to be like boulders in a world of shifting sands.
When the world says that black is white and white is black . . . morals don’t matter . . . and all things are relative—we are to stand strong as Christians, clearly discerning right from wrong, good from bad, and the eternal from the temporary.
When the world calls us to do what feels good
and justifies behavior under the banner of everybody is doing it,
we are to stand strong as Christians and declare that our behavior is rooted in our faith, not our emotions, and that even if everybody around us bows to the false gods of this age, we will not bow.
When the world calls us to reject God’s commandments as old-fashioned
or out of touch,
we are to stand strong as Christians and declare that God changes not, His commandments are as applicable today as they were in Bible times, and that God is always in touch with the human heart and human need.
When the world calls us to do what is politically correct,
economically expedient, or morally compromising, we are to stand strong as Christians and declare that we choose to be God’s people, generous in the help we offer to the needy but pure in our hearts and uncompromising in our belief that God is sovereign and that a holy God requires and desires a holy people.
The Prerequisites for Godly Strength
Any athlete knows that to become strong, he must do certain things. He must eat foods that build up the body physically, he must exercise in ways that produce strength, flexibility, and endurance, and he must get sufficient rest for renewal of his muscles. There is a discipline required of those who desire to become good athletes. The greater the person’s desire for greatness, the greater the discipline required.
The same is true for us in our spiritual walk. If we truly are going to be strong in the faith, we must follow a spiritual discipline.
We must take into our lives those things that produce strength in us, and eliminate those things that result in weakness, laziness, or spiritual compromise.
We must exercise our spiritual muscles
—using our faith in ways that promote the spread of the gospel, strengthen the body of Christ, and meet both the physical and spiritual needs we encounter.
We must learn to rest
in the Lord—trusting Him always to provide for us and protect us against the enemy of our souls.
The Christian life is not a life lived on a whim, following fad beliefs. It is to be a life of consistent, daily discipline. The apostle Paul challenged the Philippians, Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ
(Phil. 1:27).