Spiritual Disciplines

Dr. AR Bernard preached the message of Spiritual Disciplines in Aug 07.

The only way to engage culture successfully without compromising our spiritual integrity is by the maintaining our spiritual disciplines.

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." -Daniel 1:8

Food & drinks generally represents the lifestyle of the society.

The world feeds on Envy, Jealously, Greed -> Pride, ego, fear, lust, selfish ambitions.

And the bible tells us not to feed on what feeds the world. Like Daniel, we can be taught in the sciences, arts, languages and have a name of the world, and yet maintain a holy and a life that is set-apart for God.

The spiritual disciplines that Christians need to exercise regularly:-
1) Praying
2) Reading the bible
3) Bible study
4) Fasting
5) Thanksgiving
->Acknowledging God's grace in our life
->Prevents Discontentment in our lives, discontentment arises from Lust.
-> Greed doesn't get into a thankful heart
6) Solitude
-> A season of being apart from people to seek wisdom from God.
7) Repentance
8) Forgiveness / Confession
-> Confession precedes repentance.
-> Without confession = Denial
-> Confession is taking responsibility for actions, allowing God's healing and redemption.