Continuing the Journey ... Training vs Trying
When we want to learn to do something new such as playing a musical instrument, learning a new sport, or really any new skill … we can take two approaches to learning: One, we can “give it a try” to see if we are any good at it and make a decision based on how well we seem to do. If it requires too much effort then we can simply drop it. Or … we can “train for it” by focusing on developing the expertise to do well. If we approach the Christian life with a "try it and see" attitude we risk dropping out because Christian living is not always easy. Sure, we’d like to be good at it, but we figure that if we were really meant to be good at it, it would come easier to us. But to be good at anything worthwhile requires effort. If you are a Christian that wants to learn to walk closely with God, then you need to stop “trying it out” and start “training.” That means that you make an intentional effort to learn as much as you can and start practicing what you’ve learned. It will be hard at times; at times you will fall short of your goal … but only as you work at it will you be able to achieve the goal of growing strong in your relationship with God. The purpose of this page is to offer help to believers in the training process. On this page you can access tools, articles, and resources as well as web-site links that can help you stay focused on your part in the pursuit of holy living. As you take advantage of these resources, you will be challenged to think deeply and to develop new skills. But I promise you that the fruit of your labors will be well worth the effort!
Jim Ewing
Pastor
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11, NASU)
When we want to learn to do something new such as playing a musical instrument, learning a new sport, or really any new skill … we can take two approaches to learning: One, we can “give it a try” to see if we are any good at it and make a decision based on how well we seem to do. If it requires too much effort then we can simply drop it. Or … we can “train for it” by focusing on developing the expertise to do well. If we approach the Christian life with a "try it and see" attitude we risk dropping out because Christian living is not always easy. Sure, we’d like to be good at it, but we figure that if we were really meant to be good at it, it would come easier to us. But to be good at anything worthwhile requires effort. If you are a Christian that wants to learn to walk closely with God, then you need to stop “trying it out” and start “training.” That means that you make an intentional effort to learn as much as you can and start practicing what you’ve learned. It will be hard at times; at times you will fall short of your goal … but only as you work at it will you be able to achieve the goal of growing strong in your relationship with God. The purpose of this page is to offer help to believers in the training process. On this page you can access tools, articles, and resources as well as web-site links that can help you stay focused on your part in the pursuit of holy living. As you take advantage of these resources, you will be challenged to think deeply and to develop new skills. But I promise you that the fruit of your labors will be well worth the effort!
Jim Ewing
Pastor
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11, NASU)
Reading to Make You Think ...
The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.
Mark Twain Books that will challenge your understanding and deepen your faith. The Case for a Creator
by Lee Strobel (Zondervan Publishers)
Not a Fan
by Kyle Idleman (Zondervan Publishers)
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges (NavPress))
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Bible Reading Plans
In Phil 4:8 the apostle Paul urges us to let our minds dwell on things that will help us stay committed and focused on our walk with God. The single best way to do that is to read the Bible every day. The link below offers three reading plans that can help you get started and stay on track. As we expose our hearts and minds to a daily diet of God's Word it can change our thinking and change our lives.
CLICK HERE for three plans to fit your life Energizing Your Personal Prayer Life
Exploring Issues of the Faith
Got questions about Christianity? Here's a good place to start searching ....
All About God Institute for Creation Research Watchman Fellowship Hiding the Word in Your Heart
"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."
Psalm 119:11, NASU CLICK HERE for Free Scripture Memorization Software Bible Study Tools
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15, NASU Tools to help you mine the word of God. CLICK HERE to start digging!  |
