Category Archives: Spiritual Formation

“This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience — Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man.” “Atticus, you must be wrong….” “How’s that?” “Well, most folks seem to think they’re right and you’re wrong….” “They’re certainly entitledContinue reading “The Goal of Spiritual Formation”

In the final analysis, there is one thing that enables believers to grow in Christ. Few are willing to put it that starkly. In fact, there is so much false advertising out there about what actually equips people to change, develop personally, and become mature followers of Jesus, that we have become utterly confused and inContinue reading “God’s Spiritual Formation “Program””

Much Christian piety and spirituality is romantic and unreal in its positiveness. As children of the Enlightenment, we have censored and selected around the voice of darkness and disorientation, seeking to go from strength to strength, from victory to victory. But such a way not only ignores the Psalms; it is a lie in termsContinue reading “Another Look: The Contexts of Faith”

Little children, I’m writing to you because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus’ name. Parents, I’m writing to you because you have known the one who has existed from the beginning. Young people, I’m writing to you because you have conquered the evil one. Little children, I write to you because you know the Father. Parents,Continue reading “Seasons and Paths of Formation”

For many Protestants, discussion of the “spiritual disciplines” raises a number of questions. In particular, we have questions about the relationship between God’s grace and human actions in the process of spiritual formation. Today, I’d like to make a few things clear. 1. When we talk about growing through practicing spiritual disciplines, we are notContinue reading “Another Look: Spiritual Formation — Some Clarifications”